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"Earl R. Hinz" wrote:
> ,
>
> Cruising World magazine has a story on radar reflector testing in their
> October 2000 issue.
> They tested nine of the latest reflectors including one active reflector
> model. Results are the same as other tests--the cheapies do as well as the
> high-priced models. All are better then none.
>
> Earl
Earl and the List,
I have been watching the discussion on radar reflectors with interest. All
the tests and discussions seem to say that the inexpensive models from Davis
are at least as good as the more expensive "scientific" models.
I personally would not depend on any of them to prevent a collision. We
personally have been nearly run down by a freighter, there was no one on the
bridge at all. I know this because it was night and I shined a 750,000 candle
power spot light through their windows, no one home. No response on VHF
either.
The only real defense is watchfulness on the part of yourself and or your
crew. Not only should we all have radars and use them we should, and I hope
do, keep a careful eyeball watch as well. Don't forget to look behind as
well as ahead. I don't know about the rest of you but those freighters are a
lot faster than we are. In the end the only one you can depend on is
yourself.
If the solution is not obvious, our routine is to try to contact by VHF any
boat that might be on a collision course. Even the commercial vessels,
freighters, tankers, tugs etc. are usually happy to reply. I ask them what
they want me to do to avoid a problem. Regardless of who has the "right of
way" we always give way to the huge commercial vessels. They can neither slow
nor maneuver as quickly as the average pleasure boat. Besides they have a
schedule to keep, I don't.
We are engaged in "pleasure" boating, I won't risk my life and that of the
others on board arguing right of way with a freighter.
Boat Safe,
Dolph and Bev McCranie
The Right Whale
