Re: [Paddlewise] Shipping Lane Traffic - deflector tube

From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:36:42 -0700
Derek wrote:
> I was at a seminar last spring where it was suggested that we should
> carry a tube style radar reflector on our kayaks.  His suggestion was
> that we strap it under our deck lines.  This would make them more
> visible on a radar screen.  I pondered this after the seminar, and
> wonder about the merit of this suggestion.  On the deck of a kayak, the
> tube is only a few inches above the water level.  Wouldn't it still look
> like random surface scatter?  Thoughts?

Derek, I think you have it exactly right.  Local SAR folks, etc., who have
been questioned on this all agree:  nothing that close to the surface is
going to make you stand out against surface return.  Waste of time unless
you can get a significant return, above the average wave height.  To
achieve this, think 10 foot mast with a serious radar reflector on top.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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Received on Thu Apr 23 2009 - 17:36:46 PDT

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