C-Brat Invention to Save Lives! (Maybe)

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Valkyrie

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C Dory Model
25 Cruiser
Vessel Name
Valkyrie II
Hi Brats,

Last month I was in FL and met Mike (Papillion) and Jim (JennyKatz) in Naples and spent a few days down there running on Jim's CC23 and sailing on Mike's MacGregor, Papillion. It was another case of finally meeting "old friends" from this website face-to-face for the first time.

However, while on Papillion, Mike showed me how he had recycled some commonly-used household materials into a live-saving device that is both thrifty to construct and highly effective. Well, it's thrifty to construct anyhow. I'll let you decide on the highly effective part.

The device can be found in our album: page 6, top line, second photo. Do you think that there is some humanitarian award that can be given to Mike for this ingenious effort to save those who go down to the sea in small ships?

Nick
"Valkyrie"
 
Jim_and_radar_reflector.sized.jpg

Contrary to the authors opinion :D The homemade radar reflector "worked", to what degree compared to a commercial made one is yet to be tested. It was cardboard and alum foil and about 1/3 the size. I also made every effort to avoid the shipping channels. We also had a standing watch at all times while underway. The device also helped keep the gulls away and my deck cleaner.

Nick you never got to see my spinnaker pole in action, so don't forget to remind me on your next visit this fall.
 
Mike,

I'll look forward to seeing it in action and whatever new innovations that you have come up with! Once again, thanks for your hospitality last month. I hope that you find those sailing books as informative I did.

Best wishes,

Nick
"Valkyrie"
 
It's that smile that makes me nervous .... kinda like a cat and an empty fish tank..


Joel
SEA3PO
 
Is there someplace where the construction secrets for this device are divulged?
Or would it be too much to ask for a materials list here? I think I like the idea of a radar reflector, and am looking at what options there are available.

Thanks,

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Looks like cardboard, foil, string/cord and duct tape too me.

Q. Why is duct tape like "The Force"? (Star Wars)

A. It has a "light side" and a "dark side" and it holds The Universe together!
 
SEA3PO":23wiub3s said:
It's that smile that makes me nervous .... kinda like a cat and an empty fish tank..
Click to expand...

Ain't that the truth, though... :xtongue

Warren
 
Joel.... you should hear the laugh that goes with the smile... it just makes ya wantta go get out on the water!!! :teeth :thup :smiled

Have also heard a potato sac (one of those made of plastic mesh type) filled with aluminum cans could work too, but, have not tried it out as to increase a boat's radar blip. Have managed to get the cans ready, but, can't remember to save a tatter sack...or...it could be for the last few years, my tatters have come in a box from the Stanwood WA area. :mrgreen:

This is something we could try when we all get together down south some time and can ride around and look at radar signatures with...and/or without the "Taylor Device" or "Tatter-Sac" devices. It would be a lot of fun getting the cans ready even if it did not work. :beer
 
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