Useful gadgets
 

After many yrs of being a cheapskate sailor sailing without the
expensive gadgets thayt many other ppl have, I now find myself able to
afford to buy some of the gadgets I used to shun. All those yrs of
making do without has colored my thought processes so I naturally
avoid gadgetry. However, my recent installation of roller furling
really made sailing easier so I am reconsidering my attitude toward
gadgets. I would like input from other ppl on what gadgets really
make sailing better and what ones are simply a techno-pain in the ass.

For example: GPS is a necessity but I will keep my paper charts and
hand compass. Depthsounder is necessary. Permanently mounted VHF
necessary.

So:

Knotlog- really useful or does the reading off the GPS suffice?
Handheld VHF- useful or not?
Electronic masthead windmeter (I'd like one but am doubtful about its
robustness)- useful or not?
Radar- Takes too much power I think for a sailboat.
Lazy jacks- (I am sure I can make my own) but really useful or not?
Any other useful things?

Useful gadgets
 

Good to keep the paper charts. As you know, an onboard electronics
failure won't affect the paper charts one iota. I'm all for high tech
gadgets as long as the ones used for essential tasks have backups. As
for the others:

Knotlog - something else to clean under the waterline. The little
impellers seem to attract the most interesting growth. Useful for DR if
you don't want to be dependent on GPS.

Handheld VHF - A NECESSESITY. This is not only a backup to your main
VHF, but it should go on any dinghy trips ashore. This could be a life
saver if your dinghy motor doesn't work and the right conditions of wind
or current keep you from being able to get back safely.

Electronic masthead windmeter - much more accurate than deck level
instruments. Usually includes wind direction indicator also. Handy for
bragging about the strength of that storm...

Radar - I have never had one because of the power requirements. But for
long offshore passages it would be good for a short handed crew to get
some sleep. As mentioned in another response, the newer radar units
sleep and pop-up for a few sweeps. A good trade off for the amp hours
used. This is on my wish list.

Lazyjacks - This really depends on how unmanagable your main is when you
take it down. If the frustration level gets high enough, you will want
these. If you do fine without, then why add the extra lines to get in
the way? It's all a matter of convenience. I installed them, then
removed them later. Live and learn...

Other gadgets:

HF Ham Radio - If you cruise outside the US I would strongly suggest
getting your General class amateur radio license. This provides
communications capability "back home". It is nice to be able to keep in
touch with family while voyaging. Also, with a computer you can use one
of the many free email gateway stations around the globe and send and
receive email with family and friends. This can also serve as a backup
to marine SSB radio. Since the HF radio can receive usually from below
1MHz to 30 MHz or above, this also serves as a high seas forcast
receiver, AM broadcast radio, weatherfax receiver (with computer and
software), plus, you can listen to international news broadcasts and
keep up to date on the headlines.

Computer - In addition to the uses with the HF radio, if you have a
hankering to write while aboard then have at it. Also handy for storing
and editing the digital photos you have been taking along the way.

Digital camera - Why mess with film and developing? Even Kodak has
realized that film is not a good business to be in. You can email the
photos of each leg of your voyage to family and friends as you go. Use
an internet cafe to send the photos. (HF email is suitable for text
only, due to the low speed.)

Lots of other fun stuff, but wallet, waterline, and living space become
the controlling factors.


Parallax wrote:
After many yrs of being a cheapskate sailor sailing without the
expensive gadgets thayt many other ppl have, I now find myself able to
afford to buy some of the gadgets I used to shun. All those yrs of
making do without has colored my thought processes so I naturally
avoid gadgetry. However, my recent installation of roller furling
really made sailing easier so I am reconsidering my attitude toward
gadgets. I would like input from other ppl on what gadgets really
make sailing better and what ones are simply a techno-pain in the ass.

For example: GPS is a necessity but I will keep my paper charts and
hand compass. Depthsounder is necessary. Permanently mounted VHF
necessary.

So:

Knotlog- really useful or does the reading off the GPS suffice?
Handheld VHF- useful or not?
Electronic masthead windmeter (I'd like one but am doubtful about its
robustness)- useful or not?
Radar- Takes too much power I think for a sailboat.
Lazy jacks- (I am sure I can make my own) but really useful or not?
Any other useful things?

Useful gadgets
 

Good to keep the paper charts. As you know, an onboard electronics
failure won't affect the paper charts one iota. I'm all for high tech
gadgets as long as the ones used for essential tasks have backups. As
for the others:

Knotlog - something else to clean under the waterline. The little
impellers seem to attract the most interesting growth. Useful for DR if
you don't want to be dependent on GPS.

Handheld VHF - A NECESSESITY. This is not only a backup to your main
VHF, but it should go on any dinghy trips ashore. This could be a life
saver if your dinghy motor doesn't work and the right conditions of wind
or current keep you from being able to get back safely.

Electronic masthead windmeter - much more accurate than deck level
instruments. Usually includes wind direction indicator also. Handy for
bragging about the strength of that storm...

Radar - I have never had one because of the power requirements. But for
long offshore passages it would be good for a short handed crew to get
some sleep. As mentioned in another response, the newer radar units
sleep and pop-up for a few sweeps. A good trade off for the amp hours
used. This is on my wish list.

Lazyjacks - This really depends on how unmanagable your main is when you
take it down. If the frustration level gets high enough, you will want
these. If you do fine without, then why add the extra lines to get in
the way? It's all a matter of convenience. I installed them, then
removed them later. Live and learn...

Other gadgets:

HF Ham Radio - If you cruise outside the US I would strongly suggest
getting your General class amateur radio license. This provides
communications capability "back home". It is nice to be able to keep in
touch with family while voyaging. Also, with a computer you can use one
of the many free email gateway stations around the globe and send and
receive email with family and friends. This can also serve as a backup
to marine SSB radio. Since the HF radio can receive usually from below
1MHz to 30 MHz or above, this also serves as a high seas forcast
receiver, AM broadcast radio, weatherfax receiver (with computer and
software), plus, you can listen to international news broadcasts and
keep up to date on the headlines.

Computer - In addition to the uses with the HF radio, if you have a
hankering to write while aboard then have at it. Also handy for storing
and editing the digital photos you have been taking along the way.

Digital camera - Why mess with film and developing? Even Kodak has
realized that film is not a good business to be in. You can email the
photos of each leg of your voyage to family and friends as you go. Use
an internet cafe to send the photos. (HF email is suitable for text
only, due to the low speed.)

Lots of other fun stuff, but wallet, waterline, and living space become
the controlling factors.


Parallax wrote:
After many yrs of being a cheapskate sailor sailing without the
expensive gadgets thayt many other ppl have, I now find myself able to
afford to buy some of the gadgets I used to shun. All those yrs of
making do without has colored my thought processes so I naturally
avoid gadgetry. However, my recent installation of roller furling
really made sailing easier so I am reconsidering my attitude toward
gadgets. I would like input from other ppl on what gadgets really
make sailing better and what ones are simply a techno-pain in the ass.

For example: GPS is a necessity but I will keep my paper charts and
hand compass. Depthsounder is necessary. Permanently mounted VHF
necessary.

So:

Knotlog- really useful or does the reading off the GPS suffice?
Handheld VHF- useful or not?
Electronic masthead windmeter (I'd like one but am doubtful about its
robustness)- useful or not?
Radar- Takes too much power I think for a sailboat.
Lazy jacks- (I am sure I can make my own) but really useful or not?
Any other useful things?

Useful gadgets
 

In article ,
(Parallax) wrote:

I would like input from other ppl on what gadgets really
make sailing better and what ones are simply a techno-pain in the ass.

For example: GPS is a necessity but I will keep my paper charts and
hand compass. Depthsounder is necessary. Permanently mounted VHF
necessary.

So:

Knotlog- really useful or does the reading off the GPS suffice?

More useful than GPS for determining whether you are trimming correctly.
They read pretty much instantly. In combination with the GPS, will give
you at least a rough estimation of current. (properly interfaced, I
believe the GPS can figure it out pretty accurately.) I still count ours
as more valuable than the GPS, which is usually also on.

Handheld VHF- useful or not?

Very. The next best would be a fixed VHF with remote controls & channel
display on the handset. We often monitor two channels at once and
scanning between two, particularly if one is 16, is not as effective.

A remote speaker (the larger the better) in the cockpit really improves
clarity.

Electronic masthead windmeter (I'd like one but am doubtful about its
robustness)- useful or not?

Nice toy. Seem to be lightning attractors.

Radar- Takes too much power I think for a sailboat.

Vital in some areas; handy in others; almost useless to us. I think we
could have effectively used ours twice in probably 1000 days on the
water. Then again, friends' units gave us timely warning of approaching
squall lines that could have wreaked havoc to our rafted boats.

Lazy jacks- (I am sure I can make my own) but really useful or not?

More hassle than they're worth on a boat under about 40'.

Any other useful things?

Autopilot. Ours allows me to actually enjoy 16 hour travel days. Many
days I'll sail at 2-4 knots under sail, or hoist the chute, with Otto
doing the steering. Without that help, I would probably fire up the iron
genny.

Permanently mounted compass. The handheld has its uses, but nothing
beats being able to see your course at a glance.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

Useful gadgets
 

In article ,
(Parallax) wrote:

I would like input from other ppl on what gadgets really
make sailing better and what ones are simply a techno-pain in the ass.

For example: GPS is a necessity but I will keep my paper charts and
hand compass. Depthsounder is necessary. Permanently mounted VHF
necessary.

So:

Knotlog- really useful or does the reading off the GPS suffice?

More useful than GPS for determining whether you are trimming correctly.
They read pretty much instantly. In combination with the GPS, will give
you at least a rough estimation of current. (properly interfaced, I
believe the GPS can figure it out pretty accurately.) I still count ours
as more valuable than the GPS, which is usually also on.

Handheld VHF- useful or not?

Very. The next best would be a fixed VHF with remote controls & channel
display on the handset. We often monitor two channels at once and
scanning between two, particularly if one is 16, is not as effective.

A remote speaker (the larger the better) in the cockpit really improves
clarity.

Electronic masthead windmeter (I'd like one but am doubtful about its
robustness)- useful or not?

Nice toy. Seem to be lightning attractors.

Radar- Takes too much power I think for a sailboat.

Vital in some areas; handy in others; almost useless to us. I think we
could have effectively used ours twice in probably 1000 days on the
water. Then again, friends' units gave us timely warning of approaching
squall lines that could have wreaked havoc to our rafted boats.

Lazy jacks- (I am sure I can make my own) but really useful or not?

More hassle than they're worth on a boat under about 40'.

Any other useful things?

Autopilot. Ours allows me to actually enjoy 16 hour travel days. Many
days I'll sail at 2-4 knots under sail, or hoist the chute, with Otto
doing the steering. Without that help, I would probably fire up the iron
genny.

Permanently mounted compass. The handheld has its uses, but nothing
beats being able to see your course at a glance.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

Useful gadgets
 

Comments below:

"Argonauta" wrote in message
...
Good to keep the paper charts. As you know, an onboard electronics
failure won't affect the paper charts one iota. I'm all for high tech
gadgets as long as the ones used for essential tasks have backups. As
for the others:

Knotlog - something else to clean under the waterline. The little
impellers seem to attract the most interesting growth. Useful for DR if
you don't want to be dependent on GPS.

There are two types of sensors for Knotlogs, one fairly new I think, that
uses electronics to determine haw fast water flows over the sensor surface
and has no paddlewheel or other moving parts. I saw something in SAIL about
them last year I believe.
The old tried and true paddlewheel sensor type can be set in a type of thru
hull that allows you to remove it while the boat is in the water to clean it
without sinking the boat.
Most removable sensors can be removed and a plug screwed in place without
letting too much water in, depending on ease access in the bilge and how
quick you are of course.

Useful gadgets
 

Comments below:

"Argonauta" wrote in message
...
Good to keep the paper charts. As you know, an onboard electronics
failure won't affect the paper charts one iota. I'm all for high tech
gadgets as long as the ones used for essential tasks have backups. As
for the others:

Knotlog - something else to clean under the waterline. The little
impellers seem to attract the most interesting growth. Useful for DR if
you don't want to be dependent on GPS.

There are two types of sensors for Knotlogs, one fairly new I think, that
uses electronics to determine haw fast water flows over the sensor surface
and has no paddlewheel or other moving parts. I saw something in SAIL about
them last year I believe.
The old tried and true paddlewheel sensor type can be set in a type of thru
hull that allows you to remove it while the boat is in the water to clean it
without sinking the boat.
Most removable sensors can be removed and a plug screwed in place without
letting too much water in, depending on ease access in the bilge and how
quick you are of course.

Useful gadgets
 

On 24 Jan 2004 09:18:25 -0800, (Parallax)
wrote:


Knotlog- really useful or does the reading off the GPS suffice?

Yes, GPSes are cheap enough to have one for the boat and another for
the crash box. The boat one is mounted in a bendy suction cup thingie
that runs a 12 V fused line to ship's power, because they eat AA batts
for breakfast. The bendy mount thing, instead of being suctioned to
the bridgedeck or the bulkhead (too much motion for that on my boat)
is lashed to an old gooseneck lamp extender that pivots into the
companionway. When I need it, I deploy it so that I can read it from
where I sit or stand at the tiller. When I don't, I fold the gooseneck
back onto its mount and lash it down tidily. Works for me and is dead
cheap.


Handheld VHF- useful or not?

Yes. I use the submersible Standard Horizon 260S I got a few years ago
much more than I use the base unit, because when I want to gam with
nearly vessels, it's right there, with its lanyard clipped via a light
carbiner (the $1.50 type used for keys and such) to a hard point in
the cockpit. I checked out remote speakers and channel-display mics
for the base unit, but they cost just as much as the handheld, and
couldn't go with me in the Zodiac when the wind was too calm for
sailing and I wanted to bomb around the Island.

Electronic masthead windmeter (I'd like one but am doubtful about its
robustness)- useful or not?

I like it but they are expensive and delicate if you pull your mast
every year like me. Upon reflection I would just buy a handheld,
although my refurbished ElectroMarine analog meters look extremely
salty in the cockpit at night. I have apparent wind direction, wind
speed and a knotmeter.

If I raced my boat I would want them more, but I mostly cruise AS IF
I'm racing (I race on other boats...far cheaper and less stressful!)

Radar- Takes too much power I think for a sailboat.

This is utterly dependant I think on your location, your style of
sailing and your ability to keep watch. For a daysailer in familiar
waters not prone to fog, it's a frill, but a nice one. In areas of
sudden weather changes, heavy commercial traffic or offshore passages,
it's a lifesaver. I am thinking particularly of the proximity alarms
that can be rigged to give you time to change course if Big
Undermanned Tankers are closing on your position.

Lazy jacks- (I am sure I can make my own) but really useful or not?

If you single-hand, sure, but not necessary. And yes, it's pretty
simple to rig your own for under $100 and a little time drilling and
riveting.


Any other useful things?

A Koolatron with a blanket over it (except for the exhaust fan) is
easier than ice or a fridge on board. Take off, load from the home
fridge or beer store, take aboard, plug into the 12 V and enjoy...
They draw about three amps.

Other useful stuff: engine alarms (oil pressure, water temp.);
bulletproof bilge pump setup (no chance of dry cycling); manual
windlass (if you anchor out a lot), a headlamp with three or four
bright LEDs (*VERY* handy at night or deep in the sail locker looking
for a dropped tool)l those dollar-store closet dome lights powered by
four AA batteries (use in lockers, nav station, engine
compartment--bright enough to see by but dim enough not to wake the
boat); a propane/gas sniffer with a solenoid cutoff, a CO detector.

R.

Useful gadgets
 

On 24 Jan 2004 09:18:25 -0800, (Parallax)
wrote:


Knotlog- really useful or does the reading off the GPS suffice?

Yes, GPSes are cheap enough to have one for the boat and another for
the crash box. The boat one is mounted in a bendy suction cup thingie
that runs a 12 V fused line to ship's power, because they eat AA batts
for breakfast. The bendy mount thing, instead of being suctioned to
the bridgedeck or the bulkhead (too much motion for that on my boat)
is lashed to an old gooseneck lamp extender that pivots into the
companionway. When I need it, I deploy it so that I can read it from
where I sit or stand at the tiller. When I don't, I fold the gooseneck
back onto its mount and lash it down tidily. Works for me and is dead
cheap.


Handheld VHF- useful or not?

Yes. I use the submersible Standard Horizon 260S I got a few years ago
much more than I use the base unit, because when I want to gam with
nearly vessels, it's right there, with its lanyard clipped via a light
carbiner (the $1.50 type used for keys and such) to a hard point in
the cockpit. I checked out remote speakers and channel-display mics
for the base unit, but they cost just as much as the handheld, and
couldn't go with me in the Zodiac when the wind was too calm for
sailing and I wanted to bomb around the Island.

Electronic masthead windmeter (I'd like one but am doubtful about its
robustness)- useful or not?

I like it but they are expensive and delicate if you pull your mast
every year like me. Upon reflection I would just buy a handheld,
although my refurbished ElectroMarine analog meters look extremely
salty in the cockpit at night. I have apparent wind direction, wind
speed and a knotmeter.

If I raced my boat I would want them more, but I mostly cruise AS IF
I'm racing (I race on other boats...far cheaper and less stressful!)

Radar- Takes too much power I think for a sailboat.

This is utterly dependant I think on your location, your style of
sailing and your ability to keep watch. For a daysailer in familiar
waters not prone to fog, it's a frill, but a nice one. In areas of
sudden weather changes, heavy commercial traffic or offshore passages,
it's a lifesaver. I am thinking particularly of the proximity alarms
that can be rigged to give you time to change course if Big
Undermanned Tankers are closing on your position.

Lazy jacks- (I am sure I can make my own) but really useful or not?

If you single-hand, sure, but not necessary. And yes, it's pretty
simple to rig your own for under $100 and a little time drilling and
riveting.


Any other useful things?

A Koolatron with a blanket over it (except for the exhaust fan) is
easier than ice or a fridge on board. Take off, load from the home
fridge or beer store, take aboard, plug into the 12 V and enjoy...
They draw about three amps.

Other useful stuff: engine alarms (oil pressure, water temp.);
bulletproof bilge pump setup (no chance of dry cycling); manual
windlass (if you anchor out a lot), a headlamp with three or four
bright LEDs (*VERY* handy at night or deep in the sail locker looking
for a dropped tool)l those dollar-store closet dome lights powered by
four AA batteries (use in lockers, nav station, engine
compartment--bright enough to see by but dim enough not to wake the
boat); a propane/gas sniffer with a solenoid cutoff, a CO detector.

R.

Useful gadgets
 

On 24 Jan 2004 09:18:25 -0800, (Parallax)
wrote:

After many yrs of being a cheapskate sailor sailing without the
expensive gadgets thayt many other ppl have, I now find myself able to
afford to buy some of the gadgets I used to shun. All those yrs of
making do without has colored my thought processes so I naturally
avoid gadgetry. However, my recent installation of roller furling
really made sailing easier so I am reconsidering my attitude toward
gadgets. I would like input from other ppl on what gadgets really
make sailing better and what ones are simply a techno-pain in the ass.

For example: GPS is a necessity but I will keep my paper charts and
hand compass. Depthsounder is necessary. Permanently mounted VHF
necessary.

So:

My idiosyncratic answers:

I have used good and bad roller furlers, but hanks are for me. If we
had a rig with a big foretriangle and postage stamp main, a roller
would be a necessity for an elderly couple like us, but with a
fractional, big-main rig no way.

Knotlog- really useful or does the reading off the GPS suffice?

GPS suffices for practical stuff, but the knotmeter tells how fast you
are sailing. We allow ourselves a bottle of bubbly when we sail over
10 knots (in a 23-year old keel boat).

Handheld VHF- useful or not?

Useful backup when the mounted one goes down. I wouldn't be without
it.
Electronic masthead windmeter (I'd like one but am doubtful about its
robustness)- useful or not?

Nice, but I haven't fixed ours since it broke two years ago.


Radar- Takes too much power I think for a sailboat.

In New England I wouldn't be without it. Depends where you are. We
sailed without radar for 30 years, but the last 14 seasons were enough
to convince me. Not only do I want a radar, I want the screen at the
helm, not below.

Lazy jacks- (I am sure I can make my own) but really useful or not?

Not to me. I bought an expensive Harken lazyjzcks kit when we bought
Gjo/a in 1989, but after dealing with them on OPBs I never installed
it. Our main is 47-ft hoist, 15 feet foot. If it were a lot bigger, I
might rethink the matter.

Any other useful things?


Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a


"Wanting to meet a writer because you like his work is like wanting to meet a duck because you like pate."
Margaret Atwood

Useful gadgets
 

On 24 Jan 2004 09:18:25 -0800, (Parallax)
wrote:

After many yrs of being a cheapskate sailor sailing without the
expensive gadgets thayt many other ppl have, I now find myself able to
afford to buy some of the gadgets I used to shun. All those yrs of
making do without has colored my thought processes so I naturally
avoid gadgetry. However, my recent installation of roller furling
really made sailing easier so I am reconsidering my attitude toward
gadgets. I would like input from other ppl on what gadgets really
make sailing better and what ones are simply a techno-pain in the ass.

For example: GPS is a necessity but I will keep my paper charts and
hand compass. Depthsounder is necessary. Permanently mounted VHF
necessary.

So:

My idiosyncratic answers:

I have used good and bad roller furlers, but hanks are for me. If we
had a rig with a big foretriangle and postage stamp main, a roller
would be a necessity for an elderly couple like us, but with a
fractional, big-main rig no way.

Knotlog- really useful or does the reading off the GPS suffice?

GPS suffices for practical stuff, but the knotmeter tells how fast you
are sailing. We allow ourselves a bottle of bubbly when we sail over
10 knots (in a 23-year old keel boat).

Handheld VHF- useful or not?

Useful backup when the mounted one goes down. I wouldn't be without
it.
Electronic masthead windmeter (I'd like one but am doubtful about its
robustness)- useful or not?

Nice, but I haven't fixed ours since it broke two years ago.


Radar- Takes too much power I think for a sailboat.

In New England I wouldn't be without it. Depends where you are. We
sailed without radar for 30 years, but the last 14 seasons were enough
to convince me. Not only do I want a radar, I want the screen at the
helm, not below.

Lazy jacks- (I am sure I can make my own) but really useful or not?

Not to me. I bought an expensive Harken lazyjzcks kit when we bought
Gjo/a in 1989, but after dealing with them on OPBs I never installed
it. Our main is 47-ft hoist, 15 feet foot. If it were a lot bigger, I
might rethink the matter.

Any other useful things?


Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a


"Wanting to meet a writer because you like his work is like wanting to meet a duck because you like pate."
Margaret Atwood

Useful gadgets
 

Knotlog- really useful or does the reading off the GPS suffice?
This gives you speed over water, gps will not; it will give you speed over
surface (if tide is coming in; and you're doing 1 knott on the gps, you may be
doing 6 over water)

Handheld VHF- useful or not?
VERY -- Frequently; I cannot get below to my fixed mount; or if I'm in my dingy
calling to my boat -- and it's always a good backup.

Electronic masthead windmeter (I'd like one but am doubtful about its
robustness)- useful or not?
depends on how much you need to know wha the wind is doing -- I'd say if you do
bay sailing, aren't a racer,a nd have sailed for years w/o it; you can live w/o
it.

Radar- Takes too much power I think for a sailboat.
If you sail fog or high traffic area at night -- very useful.. you just need to
adjust your battery banks...

Lazy jacks- (I am sure I can make my own) but really useful or not?
If you raise & lower your main a lot in a day; then it is; if you don't I think
it's "one more thing" to break -- I adhear to KISS on my boat -- I don't hve
roller furling, I do have a twin head foil...


---
Remove x's to send.

Useful gadgets
 

Knotlog- really useful or does the reading off the GPS suffice?
This gives you speed over water, gps will not; it will give you speed over
surface (if tide is coming in; and you're doing 1 knott on the gps, you may be
doing 6 over water)

Handheld VHF- useful or not?
VERY -- Frequently; I cannot get below to my fixed mount; or if I'm in my dingy
calling to my boat -- and it's always a good backup.

Electronic masthead windmeter (I'd like one but am doubtful about its
robustness)- useful or not?
depends on how much you need to know wha the wind is doing -- I'd say if you do
bay sailing, aren't a racer,a nd have sailed for years w/o it; you can live w/o
it.

Radar- Takes too much power I think for a sailboat.
If you sail fog or high traffic area at night -- very useful.. you just need to
adjust your battery banks...

Lazy jacks- (I am sure I can make my own) but really useful or not?
If you raise & lower your main a lot in a day; then it is; if you don't I think
it's "one more thing" to break -- I adhear to KISS on my boat -- I don't hve
roller furling, I do have a twin head foil...


---
Remove x's to send.

Useful gadgets
 

On 24 Jan 2004 09:18:25 -0800,
Parallax wrote:
After many yrs of being a cheapskate sailor sailing without the
expensive gadgets thayt many other ppl have, I now find myself able to
afford to buy some of the gadgets I used to shun. All those yrs of
making do without has colored my thought processes so I naturally
avoid gadgetry. However, my recent installation of roller furling
really made sailing easier so I am reconsidering my attitude toward
gadgets. I would like input from other ppl on what gadgets really
make sailing better and what ones are simply a techno-pain in the ass.

For example: GPS is a necessity but I will keep my paper charts and
hand compass. Depthsounder is necessary. Permanently mounted VHF
necessary.

So:

Knotlog- really useful or does the reading off the GPS suffice?

GPS offers you speed, knotlog says speed through the water, both are
useful.

Handheld VHF- useful or not?

Absolutely! one of our dockmates was on his way back from Canada, when
(as near as he can figure out) his diesel stove caught fire (it had been
shut offm but was still hot) and the boat burned to the waterline. He
couldn't get into the cabin for the smoke, so he bailed with what he had
in the cockpit. He credits the handheld VHF with saving his life. Not
only was he able to call for assistance, but he vectored the Canadian
coast guard boat to him in the water, since the dink had gone away.

He now has 2 handheld flares in the cockpit as well. :)


Electronic masthead windmeter (I'd like one but am doubtful about its
robustness)- useful or not?
Radar- Takes too much power I think for a sailboat.
Lazy jacks- (I am sure I can make my own) but really useful or not?
Any other useful things?

--
Jim Richardson http://www.eskimo.com/~warlock
Dash Dash Space

Useful gadgets
 

On 24 Jan 2004 09:18:25 -0800,
Parallax wrote:
After many yrs of being a cheapskate sailor sailing without the
expensive gadgets thayt many other ppl have, I now find myself able to
afford to buy some of the gadgets I used to shun. All those yrs of
making do without has colored my thought processes so I naturally
avoid gadgetry. However, my recent installation of roller furling
really made sailing easier so I am reconsidering my attitude toward
gadgets. I would like input from other ppl on what gadgets really
make sailing better and what ones are simply a techno-pain in the ass.

For example: GPS is a necessity but I will keep my paper charts and
hand compass. Depthsounder is necessary. Permanently mounted VHF
necessary.

So:

Knotlog- really useful or does the reading off the GPS suffice?

GPS offers you speed, knotlog says speed through the water, both are
useful.

Handheld VHF- useful or not?

Absolutely! one of our dockmates was on his way back from Canada, when
(as near as he can figure out) his diesel stove caught fire (it had been
shut offm but was still hot) and the boat burned to the waterline. He
couldn't get into the cabin for the smoke, so he bailed with what he had
in the cockpit. He credits the handheld VHF with saving his life. Not
only was he able to call for assistance, but he vectored the Canadian
coast guard boat to him in the water, since the dink had gone away.

He now has 2 handheld flares in the cockpit as well. :)


Electronic masthead windmeter (I'd like one but am doubtful about its
robustness)- useful or not?
Radar- Takes too much power I think for a sailboat.
Lazy jacks- (I am sure I can make my own) but really useful or not?
Any other useful things?

--
Jim Richardson http://www.eskimo.com/~warlock
Dash Dash Space

Useful gadgets
 

Josh Assing wrote in message . ..
Knotlog- really useful or does the reading off the GPS suffice?
This gives you speed over water, gps will not; it will give you speed over
surface (if tide is coming in; and you're doing 1 knott on the gps, you may be
doing 6 over water)

Handheld VHF- useful or not?
VERY -- Frequently; I cannot get below to my fixed mount; or if I'm in my dingy
calling to my boat -- and it's always a good backup.

Electronic masthead windmeter (I'd like one but am doubtful about its
robustness)- useful or not?
depends on how much you need to know wha the wind is doing -- I'd say if you do
bay sailing, aren't a racer,a nd have sailed for years w/o it; you can live w/o
it.

Radar- Takes too much power I think for a sailboat.
If you sail fog or high traffic area at night -- very useful.. you just need to
adjust your battery banks...

Lazy jacks- (I am sure I can make my own) but really useful or not?
If you raise & lower your main a lot in a day; then it is; if you don't I think
it's "one more thing" to break -- I adhear to KISS on my boat -- I don't hve
roller furling, I do have a twin head foil...


---
Remove x's to send.


OK, I'll reluctantly forgo the windmeter. Will get the GPS, hand held
VHF and maybe the knotlog. At least the knotlog will fill the space
left by the old one that has never worked for the 12 yrs I have owned
my boat. I have always had a permanently mounted compass and hand
compass (ok, 2 hand compasses). GPS chart plotters seem sorta silly
since I imagine its hard to get a good overview of your entire area
and planned course. Besides, I just like the excercise in trig in
plotting my position (normally use hand compass, knotstik towed spd
indicator, and paper charts to do coastal nav, till now, DR and Loran
out of sight of any marks). I suspected the lazy jacks were not
really worthwhile which is why I never made them. As far as Radar and
battery banks, I have two batteries, a 25 watt solar panel and no
access to shore power for charging although the diesel does a good job
of that. I do have an old Autohelm autopilot that I love for
loooooooong trips. My sailing is primarily coastal cruising.

DBO

Useful gadgets
 

Josh Assing wrote in message . ..
Knotlog- really useful or does the reading off the GPS suffice?
This gives you speed over water, gps will not; it will give you speed over
surface (if tide is coming in; and you're doing 1 knott on the gps, you may be
doing 6 over water)

Handheld VHF- useful or not?
VERY -- Frequently; I cannot get below to my fixed mount; or if I'm in my dingy
calling to my boat -- and it's always a good backup.

Electronic masthead windmeter (I'd like one but am doubtful about its
robustness)- useful or not?
depends on how much you need to know wha the wind is doing -- I'd say if you do
bay sailing, aren't a racer,a nd have sailed for years w/o it; you can live w/o
it.

Radar- Takes too much power I think for a sailboat.
If you sail fog or high traffic area at night -- very useful.. you just need to
adjust your battery banks...

Lazy jacks- (I am sure I can make my own) but really useful or not?
If you raise & lower your main a lot in a day; then it is; if you don't I think
it's "one more thing" to break -- I adhear to KISS on my boat -- I don't hve
roller furling, I do have a twin head foil...


---
Remove x's to send.


OK, I'll reluctantly forgo the windmeter. Will get the GPS, hand held
VHF and maybe the knotlog. At least the knotlog will fill the space
left by the old one that has never worked for the 12 yrs I have owned
my boat. I have always had a permanently mounted compass and hand
compass (ok, 2 hand compasses). GPS chart plotters seem sorta silly
since I imagine its hard to get a good overview of your entire area
and planned course. Besides, I just like the excercise in trig in
plotting my position (normally use hand compass, knotstik towed spd
indicator, and paper charts to do coastal nav, till now, DR and Loran
out of sight of any marks). I suspected the lazy jacks were not
really worthwhile which is why I never made them. As far as Radar and
battery banks, I have two batteries, a 25 watt solar panel and no
access to shore power for charging although the diesel does a good job
of that. I do have an old Autohelm autopilot that I love for
loooooooong trips. My sailing is primarily coastal cruising.

DBO

Useful gadgets
 

OK, I'll reluctantly forgo the windmeter. Will get the GPS, hand held
VHF and maybe the knotlog. At least the knotlog will fill the space
left by the old one that has never worked for the 12 yrs I have owned
my boat. I have always had a permanently mounted compass and hand
compass (ok, 2 hand compasses). GPS chart plotters seem sorta silly
since I imagine its hard to get a good overview of your entire area
and planned course. Besides, I just like the excercise in trig in
plotting my position (normally use hand compass, knotstik towed spd
indicator, and paper charts to do coastal nav, till now, DR and Loran
out of sight of any marks). I suspected the lazy jacks were not
really worthwhile which is why I never made them. As far as Radar and
battery banks, I have two batteries, a 25 watt solar panel and no
access to shore power for charging although the diesel does a good job
of that. I do have an old Autohelm autopilot that I love for
loooooooong trips. My sailing is primarily coastal cruising.


Sounds reasonable enough, if you are sailing in a never-foggy area.



Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a


"Wanting to meet a writer because you like his work is like wanting to meet a duck because you like pate."
Margaret Atwood

Useful gadgets
 

OK, I'll reluctantly forgo the windmeter. Will get the GPS, hand held
VHF and maybe the knotlog. At least the knotlog will fill the space
left by the old one that has never worked for the 12 yrs I have owned
my boat. I have always had a permanently mounted compass and hand
compass (ok, 2 hand compasses). GPS chart plotters seem sorta silly
since I imagine its hard to get a good overview of your entire area
and planned course. Besides, I just like the excercise in trig in
plotting my position (normally use hand compass, knotstik towed spd
indicator, and paper charts to do coastal nav, till now, DR and Loran
out of sight of any marks). I suspected the lazy jacks were not
really worthwhile which is why I never made them. As far as Radar and
battery banks, I have two batteries, a 25 watt solar panel and no
access to shore power for charging although the diesel does a good job
of that. I do have an old Autohelm autopilot that I love for
loooooooong trips. My sailing is primarily coastal cruising.


Sounds reasonable enough, if you are sailing in a never-foggy area.



Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a


"Wanting to meet a writer because you like his work is like wanting to meet a duck because you like pate."
Margaret Atwood

Useful gadgets
 

Ken Heaton wrote:
without sinking the boat.
Most removable sensors can be removed and a plug screwed in place without
letting too much water in, depending on ease access in the bilge and how
quick you are of course.


I always dreaded cleaning the impeller because I guess I wasn't quick
enough to keep from getting everything in the vacinity of the sender
wet. It's amazing how much water can come through a 2 inch hole 3.5
feet below the waterline, even if just for a second.

Useful gadgets
 

Ken Heaton wrote:
without sinking the boat.
Most removable sensors can be removed and a plug screwed in place without
letting too much water in, depending on ease access in the bilge and how
quick you are of course.


I always dreaded cleaning the impeller because I guess I wasn't quick
enough to keep from getting everything in the vacinity of the sender
wet. It's amazing how much water can come through a 2 inch hole 3.5
feet below the waterline, even if just for a second.

Useful gadgets
 

Or coastal cruising at night.

Leanne


"Rodney Myrvaagnes" wrote in message
...


OK, I'll reluctantly forgo the windmeter. Will get the GPS,
hand held
VHF and maybe the knotlog. At least the knotlog will fill the
space
left by the old one that has never worked for the 12 yrs I
have owned
my boat. I have always had a permanently mounted compass and
hand
compass (ok, 2 hand compasses). GPS chart plotters seem sorta
silly
since I imagine its hard to get a good overview of your entire
area
and planned course. Besides, I just like the excercise in
trig in
plotting my position (normally use hand compass, knotstik
towed spd
indicator, and paper charts to do coastal nav, till now, DR
and Loran
out of sight of any marks). I suspected the lazy jacks were
not
really worthwhile which is why I never made them. As far as
Radar and
battery banks, I have two batteries, a 25 watt solar panel and
no
access to shore power for charging although the diesel does a
good job
of that. I do have an old Autohelm autopilot that I love for
loooooooong trips. My sailing is primarily coastal cruising.


Sounds reasonable enough, if you are sailing in a never-foggy
area.



Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC
J36 Gjo/a


"Wanting to meet a writer because you like his work is like
wanting to meet a duck because you like pate."
Margaret Atwood

Useful gadgets
 

Or coastal cruising at night.

Leanne


"Rodney Myrvaagnes" wrote in message
...


OK, I'll reluctantly forgo the windmeter. Will get the GPS,
hand held
VHF and maybe the knotlog. At least the knotlog will fill the
space
left by the old one that has never worked for the 12 yrs I
have owned
my boat. I have always had a permanently mounted compass and
hand
compass (ok, 2 hand compasses). GPS chart plotters seem sorta
silly
since I imagine its hard to get a good overview of your entire
area
and planned course. Besides, I just like the excercise in
trig in
plotting my position (normally use hand compass, knotstik
towed spd
indicator, and paper charts to do coastal nav, till now, DR
and Loran
out of sight of any marks). I suspected the lazy jacks were
not
really worthwhile which is why I never made them. As far as
Radar and
battery banks, I have two batteries, a 25 watt solar panel and
no
access to shore power for charging although the diesel does a
good job
of that. I do have an old Autohelm autopilot that I love for
loooooooong trips. My sailing is primarily coastal cruising.


Sounds reasonable enough, if you are sailing in a never-foggy
area.



Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC
J36 Gjo/a


"Wanting to meet a writer because you like his work is like
wanting to meet a duck because you like pate."
Margaret Atwood

Useful gadgets
 

In article , Parallax
wrote:

After many yrs of being a cheapskate sailor sailing without the
expensive gadgets thayt many other ppl have, I now find myself able to
afford to buy some of the gadgets I used to shun. All those yrs of
making do without has colored my thought processes so I naturally
avoid gadgetry. However, my recent installation of roller furling
really made sailing easier so I am reconsidering my attitude toward
gadgets. I would like input from other ppl on what gadgets really
make sailing better and what ones are simply a techno-pain in the ass.

For example: GPS is a necessity but I will keep my paper charts and
hand compass.

Take a look at the various units. Look at the software and how it
looks, especially in daylight. I like the Garmin units but there are
lots of reviews touting different reasons for different brands. The
only way to see what works for you is to see them. A good GPS can
change the way you sail. Really.

Depthsounder is necessary. Permanently mounted VHF
necessary.

So:

Knotlog- really useful or does the reading off the GPS suffice?
Handheld VHF- useful or not?

Critical. Belts and suspenders. If you have problems with your power
your fixed VHF don't work. If something goes wrong, if you go ashore
and want to call for a launch, one of the tiny handhelds is great and a
great safety device.

Electronic masthead windmeter (I'd like one but am doubtful about its
robustness)- useful or not?
Radar- Takes too much power I think for a sailboat.

If you sail in areas with fog (e.g., coast of Maine) sailing without
one is selfish and a disservice to all on the water around you.

Lazy jacks- (I am sure I can make my own) but really useful or not?

If you ever single hand or have inexperienced crew, one of the kindest
things you can do. I have em on a 20 foot daysailer and they make
single handing easy, reefing a breeze, and taking guests simple.

Harlan
Any other useful things?

--
Tro respond, obviously drop the nospam!

Useful gadgets
 

In article , Parallax
wrote:

After many yrs of being a cheapskate sailor sailing without the
expensive gadgets thayt many other ppl have, I now find myself able to
afford to buy some of the gadgets I used to shun. All those yrs of
making do without has colored my thought processes so I naturally
avoid gadgetry. However, my recent installation of roller furling
really made sailing easier so I am reconsidering my attitude toward
gadgets. I would like input from other ppl on what gadgets really
make sailing better and what ones are simply a techno-pain in the ass.

For example: GPS is a necessity but I will keep my paper charts and
hand compass.

Take a look at the various units. Look at the software and how it
looks, especially in daylight. I like the Garmin units but there are
lots of reviews touting different reasons for different brands. The
only way to see what works for you is to see them. A good GPS can
change the way you sail. Really.

Depthsounder is necessary. Permanently mounted VHF
necessary.

So:

Knotlog- really useful or does the reading off the GPS suffice?
Handheld VHF- useful or not?

Critical. Belts and suspenders. If you have problems with your power
your fixed VHF don't work. If something goes wrong, if you go ashore
and want to call for a launch, one of the tiny handhelds is great and a
great safety device.

Electronic masthead windmeter (I'd like one but am doubtful about its
robustness)- useful or not?
Radar- Takes too much power I think for a sailboat.

If you sail in areas with fog (e.g., coast of Maine) sailing without
one is selfish and a disservice to all on the water around you.

Lazy jacks- (I am sure I can make my own) but really useful or not?

If you ever single hand or have inexperienced crew, one of the kindest
things you can do. I have em on a 20 foot daysailer and they make
single handing easy, reefing a breeze, and taking guests simple.

Harlan
Any other useful things?

--
Tro respond, obviously drop the nospam!

Useful gadgets
 

Harlan Lachman wrote in message .net...
In article , Parallax
wrote:

After many yrs of being a cheapskate sailor sailing without the
expensive gadgets thayt many other ppl have, I now find myself able to
afford to buy some of the gadgets I used to shun. All those yrs of
making do without has colored my thought processes so I naturally
avoid gadgetry. However, my recent installation of roller furling
really made sailing easier so I am reconsidering my attitude toward
gadgets. I would like input from other ppl on what gadgets really
make sailing better and what ones are simply a techno-pain in the ass.

For example: GPS is a necessity but I will keep my paper charts and
hand compass.

Take a look at the various units. Look at the software and how it
looks, especially in daylight. I like the Garmin units but there are
lots of reviews touting different reasons for different brands. The
only way to see what works for you is to see them. A good GPS can
change the way you sail. Really.

Depthsounder is necessary. Permanently mounted VHF
necessary.

So:

Knotlog- really useful or does the reading off the GPS suffice?
Handheld VHF- useful or not?

Critical. Belts and suspenders. If you have problems with your power
your fixed VHF don't work. If something goes wrong, if you go ashore
and want to call for a launch, one of the tiny handhelds is great and a
great safety device.

Electronic masthead windmeter (I'd like one but am doubtful about its
robustness)- useful or not?
Radar- Takes too much power I think for a sailboat.

If you sail in areas with fog (e.g., coast of Maine) sailing without
one is selfish and a disservice to all on the water around you.

Lazy jacks- (I am sure I can make my own) but really useful or not?

If you ever single hand or have inexperienced crew, one of the kindest
things you can do. I have em on a 20 foot daysailer and they make
single handing easy, reefing a breeze, and taking guests simple.

Harlan
Any other useful things?

Guests are there to work and I take pains to dispel any notion of
sailing being romantic.

In fog, or at least when I see it coming, I take a quick bearing so I
know where I am, note my course and get out of the channel if any and
put up the radar reflector. I rarely see other traffic where I sail
but in fog I sound the horn and sit it out, sometimes for hours. I
still think Radar is just an expensive gadget for a small (28')
sailboat.

Useful gadgets
 

Harlan Lachman wrote in message .net...
In article , Parallax
wrote:

After many yrs of being a cheapskate sailor sailing without the
expensive gadgets thayt many other ppl have, I now find myself able to
afford to buy some of the gadgets I used to shun. All those yrs of
making do without has colored my thought processes so I naturally
avoid gadgetry. However, my recent installation of roller furling
really made sailing easier so I am reconsidering my attitude toward
gadgets. I would like input from other ppl on what gadgets really
make sailing better and what ones are simply a techno-pain in the ass.

For example: GPS is a necessity but I will keep my paper charts and
hand compass.

Take a look at the various units. Look at the software and how it
looks, especially in daylight. I like the Garmin units but there are
lots of reviews touting different reasons for different brands. The
only way to see what works for you is to see them. A good GPS can
change the way you sail. Really.

Depthsounder is necessary. Permanently mounted VHF
necessary.

So:

Knotlog- really useful or does the reading off the GPS suffice?
Handheld VHF- useful or not?

Critical. Belts and suspenders. If you have problems with your power
your fixed VHF don't work. If something goes wrong, if you go ashore
and want to call for a launch, one of the tiny handhelds is great and a
great safety device.

Electronic masthead windmeter (I'd like one but am doubtful about its
robustness)- useful or not?
Radar- Takes too much power I think for a sailboat.

If you sail in areas with fog (e.g., coast of Maine) sailing without
one is selfish and a disservice to all on the water around you.

Lazy jacks- (I am sure I can make my own) but really useful or not?

If you ever single hand or have inexperienced crew, one of the kindest
things you can do. I have em on a 20 foot daysailer and they make
single handing easy, reefing a breeze, and taking guests simple.

Harlan
Any other useful things?

Guests are there to work and I take pains to dispel any notion of
sailing being romantic.

In fog, or at least when I see it coming, I take a quick bearing so I
know where I am, note my course and get out of the channel if any and
put up the radar reflector. I rarely see other traffic where I sail
but in fog I sound the horn and sit it out, sometimes for hours. I
still think Radar is just an expensive gadget for a small (28')
sailboat.

Useful gadgets
 

On 25 Jan 2004 12:56:55 -0800, (Parallax)
wrote:


In fog, or at least when I see it coming, I take a quick bearing so I
know where I am, note my course and get out of the channel if any and
put up the radar reflector. I rarely see other traffic where I sail
but in fog I sound the horn and sit it out, sometimes for hours. I
still think Radar is just an expensive gadget for a small (28')
sailboat.


We used to do that also (three or more bearings if possible) on a 30
ft boat. But, having learned ot use it, I have a different opinion.
You haven't said where you sail.



Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a


"Wanting to meet a writer because you like his work is like wanting to meet a duck because you like pate."
Margaret Atwood

Useful gadgets
 

On 25 Jan 2004 12:56:55 -0800, (Parallax)
wrote:


In fog, or at least when I see it coming, I take a quick bearing so I
know where I am, note my course and get out of the channel if any and
put up the radar reflector. I rarely see other traffic where I sail
but in fog I sound the horn and sit it out, sometimes for hours. I
still think Radar is just an expensive gadget for a small (28')
sailboat.


We used to do that also (three or more bearings if possible) on a 30
ft boat. But, having learned ot use it, I have a different opinion.
You haven't said where you sail.



Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a


"Wanting to meet a writer because you like his work is like wanting to meet a duck because you like pate."
Margaret Atwood

Useful gadgets
 

Parallax wrote:

In fog, or at least when I see it coming, I take a quick bearing so
I know where I am, note my course and get out of the channel if any
and put up the radar reflector ...

You cannot know where you _are_ with a single bearing. You can, however,
get a good idea of where you are _not_.

I rarely see other traffic where I
sail but in fog I sound the horn and sit it out, sometimes for
hours ...

Sounding the horn while "sitting it out" is a violation of the COLREGS. Use
a bell at anchor, and a horn underway. Make sure you study the sound
signals that apply to your specific situation and to your particular vessel.

I still think Radar is just an expensive gadget for a small (28')
sailboat....

If you ask a fisherman's opinion about this, you may get an enlightening
perspective (isn't that what "Parallax" is about anyway?). Any person who
regularly operates a vessel without radar in situations of decreased
visibility (and I include rain and darkness in this category) is in essence
taking the position that "its up to the other guy to avoid me."

These days there is no excuse to behave so irresponsibly.

--
Good luck and good sailing.
s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat
http://kerrydeare.tripod.com

Useful gadgets
 

Parallax wrote:

In fog, or at least when I see it coming, I take a quick bearing so
I know where I am, note my course and get out of the channel if any
and put up the radar reflector ...

You cannot know where you _are_ with a single bearing. You can, however,
get a good idea of where you are _not_.

I rarely see other traffic where I
sail but in fog I sound the horn and sit it out, sometimes for
hours ...

Sounding the horn while "sitting it out" is a violation of the COLREGS. Use
a bell at anchor, and a horn underway. Make sure you study the sound
signals that apply to your specific situation and to your particular vessel.

I still think Radar is just an expensive gadget for a small (28')
sailboat....

If you ask a fisherman's opinion about this, you may get an enlightening
perspective (isn't that what "Parallax" is about anyway?). Any person who
regularly operates a vessel without radar in situations of decreased
visibility (and I include rain and darkness in this category) is in essence
taking the position that "its up to the other guy to avoid me."

These days there is no excuse to behave so irresponsibly.

--
Good luck and good sailing.
s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat
http://kerrydeare.tripod.com

Useful gadgets
 

Parallax wrote:
In fog, or at least when I see it coming, I take a quick bearing so
I know where I am, note my course and get out of the channel if any
and put up the radar reflector ...

Armond Perretta wrote:
You cannot know where you _are_ with a single bearing. You can, however,
get a good idea of where you are _not_.

If you're right on the edge of amarked channel, an EP + depth + bearing would
give a pretty good fix. My question is, how can you rely on taking a useful
bearing in fog, or even if a fog is approaching?




I rarely see other traffic where I
sail but in fog I sound the horn and sit it out, sometimes for
hours ...

Sounding the horn while "sitting it out" is a violation of the COLREGS. Use
a bell at anchor, and a horn underway. Make sure you study the sound
signals that apply to your specific situation and to your particular vessel.

Two points, still in play ;)




I still think Radar is just an expensive gadget for a small (28')
sailboat....

If you ask a fisherman's opinion about this, you may get an enlightening
perspective (isn't that what "Parallax" is about anyway?). Any person who
regularly operates a vessel without radar in situations of decreased
visibility (and I include rain and darkness in this category) is in essence
taking the position that "its up to the other guy to avoid me."

I can see his point, but really the question is not "is radar *just* an
expensive gadget" but rather would a radar be useful enough (in the context of
boat, location, and type of sailing) to warrant the expense & complication? In
New England, I'd say yes with no reservations. Too much traffic out there and
fog too often. Plus it is a very handy navigational tool.

In my own case, I mostly sail in the southeast where there is not as much
traffic, shores are low & soft, and fog is rare. Furthermore, I never had a boat
with radar until two years ago, and never sailed with anybody who had it who
knew enough about it to make it a useful tool under the circumstances. So I
didn't think radar was all that hot, either.

Having made a cruise this past fall in which we spent a good amount of time
learning to use our radar, and then going through several incidents that pointed
out how useful a tool it can be, I am convinced that it is a great thing to
have. It certainly expands the capabilities of the vessel & skipper, *if* the
time is spent learning to use it and make it reliable. To simply buy it and
assume that possession of it renders one bulletproof is stupid... same could be
said of any GPS.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King

Useful gadgets
 

Parallax wrote:
In fog, or at least when I see it coming, I take a quick bearing so
I know where I am, note my course and get out of the channel if any
and put up the radar reflector ...

Armond Perretta wrote:
You cannot know where you _are_ with a single bearing. You can, however,
get a good idea of where you are _not_.

If you're right on the edge of amarked channel, an EP + depth + bearing would
give a pretty good fix. My question is, how can you rely on taking a useful
bearing in fog, or even if a fog is approaching?




I rarely see other traffic where I
sail but in fog I sound the horn and sit it out, sometimes for
hours ...

Sounding the horn while "sitting it out" is a violation of the COLREGS. Use
a bell at anchor, and a horn underway. Make sure you study the sound
signals that apply to your specific situation and to your particular vessel.

Two points, still in play ;)




I still think Radar is just an expensive gadget for a small (28')
sailboat....

If you ask a fisherman's opinion about this, you may get an enlightening
perspective (isn't that what "Parallax" is about anyway?). Any person who
regularly operates a vessel without radar in situations of decreased
visibility (and I include rain and darkness in this category) is in essence
taking the position that "its up to the other guy to avoid me."

I can see his point, but really the question is not "is radar *just* an
expensive gadget" but rather would a radar be useful enough (in the context of
boat, location, and type of sailing) to warrant the expense & complication? In
New England, I'd say yes with no reservations. Too much traffic out there and
fog too often. Plus it is a very handy navigational tool.

In my own case, I mostly sail in the southeast where there is not as much
traffic, shores are low & soft, and fog is rare. Furthermore, I never had a boat
with radar until two years ago, and never sailed with anybody who had it who
knew enough about it to make it a useful tool under the circumstances. So I
didn't think radar was all that hot, either.

Having made a cruise this past fall in which we spent a good amount of time
learning to use our radar, and then going through several incidents that pointed
out how useful a tool it can be, I am convinced that it is a great thing to
have. It certainly expands the capabilities of the vessel & skipper, *if* the
time is spent learning to use it and make it reliable. To simply buy it and
assume that possession of it renders one bulletproof is stupid... same could be
said of any GPS.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King

Useful gadgets
 

Rodney Myrvaagnes wrote in message . ..
On 25 Jan 2004 12:56:55 -0800, (Parallax)
wrote:


In fog, or at least when I see it coming, I take a quick bearing so I
know where I am, note my course and get out of the channel if any and
put up the radar reflector. I rarely see other traffic where I sail
but in fog I sound the horn and sit it out, sometimes for hours. I
still think Radar is just an expensive gadget for a small (28')
sailboat.


We used to do that also (three or more bearings if possible) on a 30
ft boat. But, having learned ot use it, I have a different opinion.
You haven't said where you sail.




Our homeport is Carabelle, Florida. It is in the Florida panhandle SW
of Tallahassee.
Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a


"Wanting to meet a writer because you like his work is like wanting to meet a duck because you like pate."
Margaret Atwood

Useful gadgets
 

Rodney Myrvaagnes wrote in message . ..
On 25 Jan 2004 12:56:55 -0800, (Parallax)
wrote:


In fog, or at least when I see it coming, I take a quick bearing so I
know where I am, note my course and get out of the channel if any and
put up the radar reflector. I rarely see other traffic where I sail
but in fog I sound the horn and sit it out, sometimes for hours. I
still think Radar is just an expensive gadget for a small (28')
sailboat.


We used to do that also (three or more bearings if possible) on a 30
ft boat. But, having learned ot use it, I have a different opinion.
You haven't said where you sail.




Our homeport is Carabelle, Florida. It is in the Florida panhandle SW
of Tallahassee.
Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a


"Wanting to meet a writer because you like his work is like wanting to meet a duck because you like pate."
Margaret Atwood

Useful gadgets
 

DSK wrote:

Having made a cruise this past fall in which we spent a good amount
of time learning to use our radar, and then going through several
incidents that pointed out how useful a tool it can be, I am
convinced that it is a great thing to have ...

One important reason to buy a radar is because it looks really cool when
entering the marina, especially when combined with new foul weather gear.

--
Good luck and good sailing.
s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat
http://kerrydeare.tripod.com

Useful gadgets
 

DSK wrote:

Having made a cruise this past fall in which we spent a good amount
of time learning to use our radar, and then going through several
incidents that pointed out how useful a tool it can be, I am
convinced that it is a great thing to have ...

One important reason to buy a radar is because it looks really cool when
entering the marina, especially when combined with new foul weather gear.

--
Good luck and good sailing.
s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat
http://kerrydeare.tripod.com

Useful gadgets
 

On 26 Jan 2004 09:02:50 -0800, (Parallax)
wrote:
but in fog I sound the horn and sit it out, sometimes for hours. I
still think Radar is just an expensive gadget for a small (28')
sailboat.


We used to do that also (three or more bearings if possible) on a 30
ft boat. But, having learned ot use it, I have a different opinion.
You haven't said where you sail.




Our homeport is Carabelle, Florida. It is in the Florida panhandle SW
of Tallahassee.

THe only sailing I have done in the panhandle was on a Sunfish
knockoff, about 40 years ago. I didn't need radar there at the time.
:-)

But to say it is "just an expensive gadget" without knowing how to use
it is a stretch.




Rodney Myrvaagnes J36 Gjo/a

Entering your freshman dorm for the first time, and seeing
an axe head come through the door on your right.

Useful gadgets
 

On 26 Jan 2004 09:02:50 -0800, (Parallax)
wrote:
but in fog I sound the horn and sit it out, sometimes for hours. I
still think Radar is just an expensive gadget for a small (28')
sailboat.


We used to do that also (three or more bearings if possible) on a 30
ft boat. But, having learned ot use it, I have a different opinion.
You haven't said where you sail.




Our homeport is Carabelle, Florida. It is in the Florida panhandle SW
of Tallahassee.

THe only sailing I have done in the panhandle was on a Sunfish
knockoff, about 40 years ago. I didn't need radar there at the time.
:-)

But to say it is "just an expensive gadget" without knowing how to use
it is a stretch.




Rodney Myrvaagnes J36 Gjo/a

Entering your freshman dorm for the first time, and seeing
an axe head come through the door on your right.

Useful gadgets
 

DSK wrote in message ...
Parallax wrote:
In fog, or at least when I see it coming, I take a quick bearing so
I know where I am, note my course and get out of the channel if any
and put up the radar reflector ...

Armond Perretta wrote:
You cannot know where you _are_ with a single bearing. You can, however,
get a good idea of where you are _not_.

If you're right on the edge of amarked channel, an EP + depth + bearing would
give a pretty good fix. My question is, how can you rely on taking a useful
bearing in fog, or even if a fog is approaching?




I rarely see other traffic where I
sail but in fog I sound the horn and sit it out, sometimes for
hours ...

Sounding the horn while "sitting it out" is a violation of the COLREGS. Use
a bell at anchor, and a horn underway. Make sure you study the sound
signals that apply to your specific situation and to your particular vessel.

Two points, still in play ;)




I still think Radar is just an expensive gadget for a small (28')
sailboat....

If you ask a fisherman's opinion about this, you may get an enlightening
perspective (isn't that what "Parallax" is about anyway?). Any person who
regularly operates a vessel without radar in situations of decreased
visibility (and I include rain and darkness in this category) is in essence
taking the position that "its up to the other guy to avoid me."

I can see his point, but really the question is not "is radar *just* an
expensive gadget" but rather would a radar be useful enough (in the context of
boat, location, and type of sailing) to warrant the expense & complication? In
New England, I'd say yes with no reservations. Too much traffic out there and
fog too often. Plus it is a very handy navigational tool.

In my own case, I mostly sail in the southeast where there is not as much
traffic, shores are low & soft, and fog is rare. Furthermore, I never had a boat
with radar until two years ago, and never sailed with anybody who had it who
knew enough about it to make it a useful tool under the circumstances. So I
didn't think radar was all that hot, either.

Having made a cruise this past fall in which we spent a good amount of time
learning to use our radar, and then going through several incidents that pointed
out how useful a tool it can be, I am convinced that it is a great thing to
have. It certainly expands the capabilities of the vessel & skipper, *if* the
time is spent learning to use it and make it reliable. To simply buy it and
assume that possession of it renders one bulletproof is stupid... same could be
said of any GPS.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King

Waaaaaaay too much literalness goin on here. With fog conditions
possible, always have a very good idea where you are. This means
having a very good idea of your course. This way, with a single LOP
and your known course, you can get your position. With sufficient
time (and there almost always is) get another LOP.
Where I sail (or perhaps when), the density of other vessels is so low
that probability of encounters is low. Probability is higher near
channels, but I dont spend much time there. The one time I found
myself in dense fog in a channel, I made sure I could get out of the
channel into shallow water where others normally dont go. Here, if I
run aground on an oyster bar, I figure others prob wont follow and its
no big deal to me.
I'd rather spend time knowing where I am than looking at another silly
electronic gadget.