Radar Reflectors

[AndyMicklewrigh]

What are peoples thoughts on radar reflectors now AIS is more popular and required on commercial vessels

[lakelandterrier]

I believe it is still an obligation to fit a radar reflector on a craft "where practicable". Doesn't have to be effective though!

I have a Trilens reflector but not AIS and would want not to venture around busy shipping lanes or be in fog without one. Electronics do not always work and are more epensive.

With either radar reflector or AIS it depends on someone being on watch and checking the systems.....

Guess it depends on ewhat soet of ribbing you are doing and where you are going.

[breezeblock]

get a decent one I had the type that is a tube wide plates in it its now lying somewhere in the Clyde it fell off coming back from tarbert the only thing left was the crappy plastic base stuck on top off my a frame

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by AndyMicklewrigh

What are peoples thoughts on radar reflectors now AIS is more popular and required on commercial vessels

The jury's still out on AIS & radar reflectors on RIBs (for the record I have both). There is a school of thought that says a fast agile RIB needs neither, as it can get out of the way of anything dangerous. Situations could arise where both/either could be useful e.g broken down & adrift. I have always used Echomax reflectors, these have been tested & have quantified levels of performance, they aren't perfect, but are as good as it gets from a passive reflector. Active reflectors (SARTs) are available and perform far better, but at a cost.
Re. AIS, personally I love it, as toys go it's one of my favourites[emoji6] I like being able to see where my similarly equipped "wingman" is when we're out. The ability to see CPA of other vessels when we're drift fishing is useful. The emergence of AIS equipped ATONs is handy.
At the end of the day it comes down to budget & your attitude to gadgets safety aids.

[Brian]

Never bothered with a reflector. Most reviews I have seen don't seem to think them much good.
I would have a passive AIS for sure, but an active one is better.

[AndyMicklewrigh]

Many thanks for your thoughts