Radar reflectors

[sailingtime]

I am interested in mounting a radar reflector on my mast. Does anyone have any experience with the Echomax vs. Tri-Lens? I have read good stuff about the Echomax. The Tri-Lens seems like it would have more surface angles but might pose a problem with catching the jib or a swinging halyard.

[sailingdog]

IMHO, you'd be better off hoisting a Davis Echomaster Deluxe on a halyard when needed, rather than mounting one to the mast. The Echomaster rated better than the medium TriLens, while the Echomax 230 did a bit better IIRC, but the Echomaster is far less expensive. The Echomax is about $400. The Trilens, medium size, is about $300. The Davis Echomaster Deluxe is only $80. Neither the Trilens or the Echomax come with mounting brackets IIRC. The Davis Echomaster Deluxe comes with a halyard mount kit.

I have mine rigged to be hoisted up to the second set of spreaders. The spreaders have two blocks, mounted about a foot apart and the halyard goes to a block on the deck. It is essentially a continuous line, so that the Echomaster doesn't swing much. The reason for the two blocks at the spreader is to prevent the Echomaster from chafing the halyard.

[sailor50]

Always orient this reflector it in the "catch rain" position for optimal performance.

The faceted sides give it a good echo.

[PCP]

Some credible information about the performance of marine radar reflectors:

http://www.maib.gov.uk/cms_resources...s%20report.pdf

[pungib]

FYI Report by QinetiQ: Performance Investigation of Marine Radar Reflectors on the Market

Google search: "Performance Investigation of Marine Radar Reflectors on the Market"

This study was commissioned by MAIB as a result of the loss of the yacht
Ouzo The work, which has been carried out by QinetiQ, Funtington, is designed to better inform yachtsmen of the most appropriate choice of radar reflector for their craft from among those currently being produced. The quality of the study has been independently assessed for MAIB by two other experts in the field.

[knothead]

Are you guy's saying that the grocery bag full of crushed beer cans that I hoist up the flag halyard may not be as effective as I thought it was?

[sailingdog]

Are you crushing them against your forehead???? If not... then no, it won't work too well. Also, are the beers domestic or foreign

Originally Posted by knothead

Are you guy's saying that the grocery bag full of crushed beer cans that I hoist up the flag halyard may not be as effective as I thought it was?