Radar reflection

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nordicstallion

New member
Does anyone know if something like a flapping mylar pennant refects? I just dont care for the idea of an aluminum ball banging around on a pole. Vern/C-dog
 
Davis makes the round reflector that is some type of waterproof paper with a foil cover. They are collapsible. They don't look like much but I had one on a couple sailboats and it lasted for several years and wasn't very expensive. And in all cases ships and ferries could see them very well. I used to radio ships offshore and incoming in the columbia and ask them how the bounce back was and they always said it was real strong.
 
Have you seen the reflectors built into plastic tube cylinders? Several sizes are made. Look up MOBRI or PLASTIMO radar reflectors. That's what I use on my sailboat and I guess I'll be moving it to the C-Dory some time. Nice clean design, easy to mount, no flapping or banging around. Same signal return from any direction, unlike a flapping flag.....

There's another design available in a three-lobe plastic assembly that looks somewhat like an inflatable clover leaf, kind of. I think those have the best signal return, but they're expensive and somewhat heavy.

Jeff
 
This is a timely topic - I was considering getting a radar reflector. Has any one tried the MOBRI or PLASTIMO radar reflectors referenced above on their C-Dory? How do these perform compared to the Davis "Echomaster"?

The write-up for the 'Mobri" in Defender states that it should be mounted "away from the 'shadow' of other equipment such as antennas." How much of an issue is it to mount a radar reflector on the radar arch next to the VHF antenna, radar and/or GPS puck?

Other preferred options?

Thanks!
 
Im planning a two pronged attack on the radar reflection question. First will be my new pole mounted,ww2 surplus reflector. Secondly, Ill be wearing my tried & true, worthy derby,anti alien abduction , anti mind control,tinfoil hat. They cant abduct me if they cant see me.They will see the boat & think nobody is home. The wild nordic stallion is always thinking. Vern/C-Dog
 
I've been in contact with Raymarine over this topic in the last few days. I have the 2KW in an 18" radome on a tall radar arch and was concerned about a reflector interfering with the radar beam. According to Raymarine the beam angle is 12.5 degrees above horizontal and the same below and starts out very narrow so there is an effective "dead zone" of a few feet near the antenna. They said it would be fine to mount the reflector over the antenna (can't do that because that would interfere with the boatshelter), under the antenna (can't do that because that's where the dinghy goes), or slightly above/below the antenna. That's my plan for right now, probably on the side of the arch. I researched reflectors and found reviews in Practical Sailor that were not too favorable regarding the cylindrical reflectors even though you see a lot of them on sailboats especially in Canada. According to them that type was not as effective as the round ones made of three pieces of aluminum. Those are pretty pricey so I think I will try to fabricate one, slightly smaller than the commercial version so it will fit on the arch more easily.[/i]
 
This photo shows our Davis easy mount collapsible reflector mounted on rear of cabin top hand rail. Was inexpensive and worked well for us. Made it back without being run over in the fog, so must have worked :lol:
PICT0061.jpg
Personally I wouldn't be to concerned if one met Canadian specs, maybe so close to the border. I think further north it would be pretty low on the being checked out for list. We didn't have any reflector our first trip north out of Prince Rupert and I think most any reflector would be better than nothing.

Ours the way it was mounted didn't interfer with radar at all.

Jay
 
That's like the one I always used. But mine was the foil. Practical Sailor years ago tested them all and found the cheapy was the most effective. Least effective was the long plastic tube one.
 
WOW! :smilep If that foil lined flag advertisement is true, my Space Blanket on a boat hook should be visible for miles :wink
:smiled Jack
 
I researched this years ago and decided on the Trilens Radar Reflector. I have tested this in the field and it works like a champ.

Once I was crossing the Block Island Sound in my (then) 19' cuddy cabin with (I kid you not) 50' of visibility. I was on an intercept course with a car transport shuttle (good size ship) and I showed up on their scope loud and clear. They signaled via horn and I backed off to let them cross. I never saw the ship but it saw me. (This was before I had radar and foolishly crossed 14 miles of open ocean in really bad fog).

You can see pictures of mine in my photo album under the radar mount. I got the medium size (they make three sizes - you can check them out at this link: http://www.tri-lens.com/trilensweb12002001.htm)
 
Captain Matt. Checked out & enjoyed your album.The little woman thinks you may have some screws that need to be retightened. She was absolutly horrified by the wall of water & The fog post.Not so much by Jason,we are from Calif after all.Thanks for the entertainment. Vern /C-Dog
 
nordicstallion":1iq8b2f5 said:
Captain Matt. Checked out & enjoyed your album.The little woman thinks you may have some screws that need to be retightened. She was absolutly horrified by the wall of water & The fog post.Not so much by Jason,we are from Calif after all.Thanks for the entertainment. Vern /C-Dog
Click to expand...

Ha ha! Well the picture of the big water was taken from the internet - I would not be in those seas on any ship on purpose!

The fog is unfortunately part of New England cruising - but usually mean calm seas!
 
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