Route of wires from helm to mast on a R-29

[Kenaithab]

I am considering mounting an active radar reflector to the mast of my 2016 R-29. Does anyone know how Ranger routes the cables from the helm to the mast. Pictures would be especially helpful. If It appears overly complicated , I may just use the power that goes to the search light which I have never used.
Thanks

 

[knotflying]

The center ceiling panel has the chase with all of the wires that come up under the center roof panel with the stack. There should be a passive reflector in the stack. I never had an issue picking up R-29's as targets on my radar. What leads you to believe you need and active reflector?

 

[Kenaithab]

Assuming my interpretation is correct of what I read about visibility on radar, it appears that passive reflectors are certainly better than nothing but can be quite variable in the effective cross section and none come close to an active reflector. Even some of the more popular designs and brands do not do well in tests by independent labs. Most of the testing literature that I saw seems to come out of the UK. Also, it sounds like Ranger doesn’t put them in the stack anymore.
We have very large charter boat and sightseeing fleets in our area for whom time is money. When the fog rolls in they don’t seem to slow down much. It is more than a little scary to hear a charter boat powered by 500+ HP coming at you at high speed through the fog. Almost everyone has radar and I assume they think they can see everything out there. For a little money and 1 watt of power, I can increase my radar return dramatically and do the best I can to make sure they do see us.

 

[knotflying]

Well then, why not go for the gusto and install AIS transmit and receive. The large boats you describe are required to have AIS. They will not only see you, but will have your information as you will have theirs and you can communicate if necessary.

 

[bluestreak]

I am in the process of replacing my Garmin AIS 300 with a Garmin AIS 800 transponder.
I want to be electronically "visible" to others on the water.

 

[Chimo]

I am in the process of replacing my Garmin AIS 300 with a Garmin AIS 800 transponder.
I want to be electronically "visible" to others on the water.[/

I think an AIS transponder is a perfectly reasonable idea but let me point to the article in the January Pacific Yachting and a technical article comparing radar with AIS. It points out that most of the transponder units installed on vessels our size our class B units transmitting at only 2W every 30 seconds when underway and every six minutes when moving under 2 kn or at anchor. 30 seconds at 30mph is 1,320 ft. I'm sure most of us have noticed the position discrepancy between radar and AIS position. The writer notes that AIS is not to be considered an aid to navigation, unlike radar.

Since we have a Canadian vessel having a radar reflector on board is a requirement unless I can be sure that I won’t be operating in conditions of limited visibility. Ranger no longer install a reflector in the fake stack which I think is unfortunate. I have read the test reports (yes, mainly from the UK) and it would seem the old style metal ball looking reflector often outperforms the tube looking more recent developed units. (Criticism of these non-technical descriptions happily accepted). Hoisting such metal ball is perhaps more appropriate on a sailboat. I’m thinking to buy one and have it on board, to be hoisted in fog, but I wonder how easy it is to access the inside of the stack on an R25SC and install it there. Any suggestions?

 

[ixlr8]

I have the AIS 600, receive/transmit, in my boat. At least in my area, only about 20% of the boats have AIS of any sort so you might not be as visible as you think you are. Although something is better than nothing. I will be adding an active radar reflector to my boat before we start the DEL next year. I want every bit of 'visibility' I can come up with before I get to the crowded waters around NYC.

 

[bluestreak]

Chimo,
Thanks for the info.
I understand the limitations and the discrepancies between the radar and AIS but this will still be more info than presently available so I think it is worth it.
The boat will be in charter service and some of the charterers may not be the best sailors so anything I can do to make their charter safer is OK.

 

[Kenaithab]

I already have a Garmin AIS 600@ and I don’t “see” most of the 6-pack charter boats or many of the smaller commercial fishing boats. However, I do see radar units on virtually all of these boats. So, currently I think my money would be well spent on an active radar reflector.