Radar- Know how to use yours?

Spindrifter · 05-14-2008, 01:33 PM

When I got the new boat with radar I noticed there was more of a learning curve than expected.....The manual pretty much was useless also. Quizzing some of my friends that also have radar I learned that several of them also did not know how to get their system dimed in or hardly knew how to use it at all....Seems to me a expensive, valuable piece of equipment may not be understood very well. I did find this link with some pretty good info.......
http://presentationrentals.blogspot....rspective.html

little doc · 05-14-2008, 01:45 PM

It's like watching a polar bear in a snowstorm. The target is there, then its not, then its there again.

It seems to be getting easier as I practice, but isn't completely intuitive.

I wouldn't want to use it exclusively for a bar crossing yet.

I suppose thats why pilots need many hours before an instrument certification.

Scott.

Nordic Sun · 05-14-2008, 01:55 PM

In my navigation class, I found plotting the course and relative bearing of targets an abstract study at best. These things come easy for a few and impossible for others.

The Coast Guard Aux Manual for Advanced Coastal Navigation is a must read. The lessons and study guides are essential for truly understanding what you are looking at on the screen.

Operating the unit and all it's features, like anything worthwhile, takes practice.

Bob

PS anyone who wants to borrow the Manual is welcome to use it.

backlash442 · 05-14-2008, 02:07 PM

The best way to learn how to use your radar is playing with it during the day. Agree the manual is pretty useless for the most part. Just learn the basics via the manual then learn the rest hands on. I could be wrong but for me, I was only interested in the things above water that I could run into in the dark or fog or both. I'm sure there were many things I didn't know how to use but I knew how to set the distance, adjust gain, warnings etc. Hey just remember to put it in standby if you fish from the bow. Was told it's not good.

flapbreaker · 05-14-2008, 02:12 PM

Yup, run it in the day. That way you can see the target by sight compared to what it looks like on the screen. Also, it's invaluable (to me anyway) your chartplotter will overlay the Radar.

BiteFactory · 05-14-2008, 02:59 PM

There is a book you can order via amazon or wherever you want:

"Radar For Mariners" by David Burch. I learned a lot from this book about how to use a radar. It is a little bit dated, but the radar fundamentals haven't changed so much. I found it pretty easy to read, about 200 pages.

Onokai · 05-14-2008, 03:37 PM

Use it it in daylite clear conditions till your savy-savy. Mark

Pilar · 05-14-2008, 03:40 PM

I second the use of instruments in unlimited visibility conditions. You will quickly learn what your box is seeing by verifying it visually.

Radar is a valuable tool if somewhat expensive. On at least one occasion it helped me avoid a collision with a very long log raft under tow off shore in dark and poor visibility and also another boat at night.

I kept seeing a very large return, basically a long line, in the case of the log raft. I thought the box was wrong as there is no ship a mile long. So I slowed down and about 500 yards away I saw the yellow flashing lights. Only then did I believe the display.

Imagine hitting the log raft at night at planing speed. I use the radar now often in all weather.

Mostly to find the tuna fleet offshore so I can catch their fish.

tracker · 05-14-2008, 05:22 PM

I have come in on radar before. It is very nice to have. I can see the entrance to Depoe bay on mine. It shows up as a half circle. Anyway it is very distictive. We were inside the cement wall before seeing anything. And then it was the bridge on 101.

snaggedup · 05-14-2008, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilar

I second the use of instruments in unlimited visibility conditions. You will quickly learn what your box is seeing by verifying it visually.

Radar is a valuable tool if somewhat expensive. On at least one occasion it helped me avoid a collision with a very long log raft under tow off shore in dark and poor visibility and also another boat at night.

I kept seeing a very large return, basically a long line, in the case of the log raft. I thought the box was wrong as there is no ship a mile long. So I slowed down and about 500 yards away I saw the yellow flashing lights. Only then did I believe the display.

Imagine hitting the log raft at night at planing speed. I use the radar now often in all weather.

Mostly to find the tuna fleet offshore so I can catch their fish.

I could just see your boat high centered on those logs
going to china or where ever . Bet you won't doubt your radar next time.

lucky2 · 05-15-2008, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onokai

Use it it in daylite clear conditions till your savy-savy. Mark

Most valuable advice! Practice, Practice, Practice! Cause when you really need it, you'll be glad you did!

backlash442 · 05-15-2008, 06:00 AM

Forgot to mention get used to reading shadows cast by the radar. Try to eliminate them if possible. Those shadows can obscure objects like the opening to a harbor very easily. This is really something you want to practice in day light.

blubeast · 05-15-2008, 06:42 AM

Agree with the comments here... annual re-fresher needed for me. Part of my 'shake down' cruise is to re-learn keystrokes.

One tool I got to help learn it was to get a training video that was for my specific unit. Got mine via Amazon - not from the manufacturer but from an outfit that trains on several different brands & models. That way I can watch it and see the screen effect before going on the water.

TunaNut · 05-15-2008, 07:54 AM

Blubeast, what video do you have training on? I just got a whole new outfit of Furuno and I am still learning. A video would be great help, especially since i could watch it at home.

Robalo Bill · 05-15-2008, 08:05 AM

Professionals...drill..repeatedly. For us dogs it's practice, practice.. it's the key to proficiency and a life saver in an emergency. I am amazed at the number of radar installs I've done...were after 2 years the skipper still can not get past the standby screen. It's not rocket science and there is a learning curve...remember your first sonar? Like Pilar said use it during good visibility, you can confirm what's on the screen and increase your confidence. Frequent use will keep you up on the keystrokes you need to get to a screen. You will be a master in little time...learn something new each outing, adjust gain, collision alarm, EBL (electronic bearing line), VRM (variable range finder). I am confident every male can master this tool......how many dogs do not know how to use their TV remotes...now with DVR. You want it...you'll learn it.

Regards
Bill

id. painter · 05-15-2008, 08:16 AM

You would be shocked at how often I have a spud picker walk over to my boat and ask " what is that white thing up there on top of your boat "

I always answer "Radar".
About half the time they dont know what Im talking about. Hiho

Got to love the simple life.

I practice here on the lake....often.

id. p.

Doc Savage · 05-15-2008, 12:28 PM

I think I remember reading somewhere that although it isn't required equipment, if you have a radar on your boat then you are held accountable for knowing how to use it correctly. Perhaps CG could pop in here.

Doc Savage · 05-15-2008, 01:02 PM

Second the use in high visability. I also found the book "The radar book effective navigation and collision avoidance" by Kevin Monahan of some use

fishbait · 05-15-2008, 01:13 PM

Not only paracice using it...... Often Practice it in adverse seas and in the rain. Learn how to tune for these conditions.

Practice depending on it at times. Pretend your in 50 yd vis fog or night time conditions. Try to ignore the windows and only use radar and compass.

If you have regular crew, have them practice tuning it and using it.

Also, if your in a fiberglass boat, you might check with a friend who has radar and see what kind of a target you make. Some glass boats are fairly easily seen and some are not. If yours is not seen well, you might consider a reflector up top.

Spooky coming in in thick fog and knowing there are boats stacked up outside waiting to get in and you can only see 50% of what you think is there.

Metal Manipulator · 05-15-2008, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by id. painter

You would be shocked at how often I have a spud picker walk over to my boat and ask " what is that white thing up there on top of your boat "

I always answer "Radar".
About half the time they dont know what Im talking about. Hiho

Got to love the simple life.

I practice here on the lake....often.

id. p.

Man I read that before I saw who wrote it and I thought this should upset some body.

Doc Savage · 05-15-2008, 03:24 PM

It's interesting when I'm out in the halibut pack, seems lilke a long time ago,I seem to be able to pick up the fiberglass boats without problem, esp if they are close. Gives me an idea of what kind of warning to look for, and how sensative my equipment is for other boats