Advice for 1st Time Cruisers

Note my comments on radar only apply to cruising in the protected waters within the San Juan islands themselves. I did not mean to suggest that radar isn't useful in other waters.
 
If you have radar on your vessel it is highly recommended that you have it on all the time when you are cruising. A boater should get used to using it and relying on what you are seeing on the display as it relates to what you are seeing out the window. When the time comes to rely on the display because of diminished visibility you will feel much more confident and comfortable. Radar can be the most valuable electronic tool a boater has to avoid collisions or unnecessary close encounters.
 
Alyssa Jean":26hq3gx5 said:
If you have radar on your vessel it is highly recommended that you have it on all the time when you are cruising. A boater should get used to using it and relying on what you are seeing on the display as it relates to what you are seeing out the window. When the time comes to rely on the display because of diminished visibility you will feel much more confident and comfortable. Radar can be the most valuable electronic tool a boater has to avoid collisions or unnecessary close encounters.
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One hundred percent agree David.

Also, is there not a USCG issue that if you have Radar, and it is not in use and a Coast Guard moment happens, that the operator could be found liable? That has been my understanding from way back, and part of the reason I have mine on if the boat is moving.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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If you have radar on your vessel it is highly recommended that you have it on all the time when you are cruising.
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Hahahahahaha.....David, that's exactly what you told me when I bought your boat!!

I must have listened because, although I haven't found the radar to be that useful while cruising the San Juans, I didn't say that I don't have it turned on. It is always on (thanks to you :wink:). I enjoying playing the "what is that blip" games you mention. I also find it useful in the sense that I find, for a 73 year old man, I don't have to strain my neck as often to look behind to see what might be gaining on me. The radar makes a pretty good rear view mirror!

P.S. I will call you tomorrow on your email -- as you might imagine, the ferry committee has been keeping me hopping the last few days (2 more meetings yet this week!).
 
Awesome tips folks, thank you so much!
 
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