Radar reflector

[Chimo]

I understand that a radar reflector was once installed inside the funnel of a classic RT. We have a 2017 RT25SC and I recall asking PBH whether our had such an installation. The regulations in Canada require a reflector unless under conditions of clear visibility etc.. They told me that our year didn't have one as they were discontinued at some point. Can you confirm if this is true please and, if so, with what model year? I could imagine that, mounted at that point, it might interfere with our own radar. I had been thinking of mounting one on the mast slightly above the radar level. There's a couple of suitable mounting holes available in the plate there. Do you know if this has been done by anyone else and if there were any issues?

Thanks as always

 

[knotflying]

Why not remove the stack and put it in there as was with the original installations? As an aside, I have cruised Canada quite a bit and my reflector was in the stack. I was never stopped and asked to see it.

 

[Chimo]

Thanks for the suggestion. I did look at removing the faux funnel but that's quite a project. It is part of a molding that stretches half the length of the roof and is fastened inside. I don't know the model year of your boat but the earlier ones had the radar mounted on the mast. The whole thing folded forward. Putting the reflector inside the faux funnel made sense as the radar was above that height when the mast was raised. On our model the radar is fixed forward of the mast and the mast folds sideways. The radar is the same height as the faux funnel which may not be a good idea. That could be why the reflector installation was discontinued. No matter in the end. I found the installation on the open plate of the mast easy and when the mast is raised the reflector is well above the radar. Problem solved. 🙂

 

[Ralf H]

Hey there Chimo,

Even though you have solved the issue, just thought I'd chime in for "edificational" purposes. 😀 We discontinued the radar reflector in early 2016, so it's very unlikely (although not impossible) that your boat does not have the reflector installed in the stack. Obviously not a big deal anymore, but just thought I'd toss that in.

Cheers,

Ralf

 

[YukonRon]

Ralf:
Was the reflector in the stack discontinued early-2016 model year or production run? We have a 2016 R29 sedan and trying to figure out if we have the reflector. Our hull number is US-FMLT2932C616.
Thanks.

 

[Ralf H]

Hi Ron & Barb,

Unfortunately, I don't have an exact date when the radar reflector was deleted, but it's probably safe to say that your boat did not have it. Your boat was built in March of 2016, and the reflector was already listed as obsolete before then. Can't say for sure if we were still installing them to deplete existing stock or if they were already all gone, but if I were a betting man, I'd say chances are high we no longer had them at that time.

Cheers,

Ralf

 

[Chimo]

Thanks for the update Ralf, much appreciated.

Ours is a 2017 so definitely not installed. The one I installed on the mast cost me $35 CDN. Probably not particularly effective but it does make me compliant.

 

[marksandyham]

Is a radar reflector required on US boats in CA waters?

 

[bob daily]

Mr. Mark, According to legislation in the Canadian Shipping Act: Any vessel less than 20m (66') and made of non-metallic material is required to carry a radar reflector. That said even though your a U.S. vessel you fall under there rules/laws when in there waters. IE: When in Rome, do as the Romans do!
Hope this answered your question. Bob

 

[marksandyham]

It sure does. Thanks for info. We normally only travel to Leamington (Lake Erie) in CA and I have never seen a commercial vessel on that trip so radar reflectors are rare there since very few boats have radar and normally only travel in good weather.

 

[SJI Sailor]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a reflector that is easy to mount on C30 mast also and inexpensive (yes, I know that cheap + easy = "not good" -- my goal is compliance and not performance, since we have such low profiles anyway).

I'm considering this one, which would appear to be simple to mount with base screws: https://www.fisheriessupply.com/mobri-m-2-lie-down-coastal-radar-reflector/403. The big canister types are no doubt better but may be too large aesthetically.

 

[bob daily]

There is a neat little reflector that is made out of 3 CD's it's a DIY and instructions are on the web.
If installed inside a plastic cover and mounted on the mast above the radar would look professional and meet the requirements. The unit would be less than a pound and about 6 in round with cover. If you seen the reflectors that were installed in the early tugs they were not more than a pyramid made out of metal and installed in the fake smoke stack. Bob

 

[pwensinger]

Practical Sailor tested radar reflectors several years ago. Many of the common type didn't do well.

 

[Chimo]

Practical Sailor tested radar reflectors several years ago. Many of the common type didn't do well.

I agree about the performance. It's more a question of compliance for me. The mobri unit that SJIsailor found is like the one I installed. Inexpensive and better than nothing.