Boat Navigation Basics: How To Use Radar | BoatUS

[@malekodesouza7255]

When I first got radar, I chose a nice clear day went out and turned it on. That way I could see what my radar was targeting and learned what it could or couldn’t “see”, at what speeds and how to interpret it all.

[@boatus]

AWESOME suggestion, Maleko! Getting to know your system and becoming comfortable with how it works is best done well before when you NEED it! Thanks for watching and sharing your experience!

[@MadCow999]

Radar is really valuable, especially at night or in fog, but, as the man says, it is not infallible. There have been times where I have seen other vessels that were not blips on my radar screen. It is still important to keep a lookout as well!

[@boatus]

100% John!! Modern marine technology is great, but "video game syndrome" is a real thing. We can't forget about using our analog senses, too. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@jamesdeanboatrv]

Great job on your videos I like your editing also! Keep up the great work

[@boatus]

Thanks so much, James! We appreciate your kind comments. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@mickmouse92]

Fog got me swamped by a non radar boat... In fog, you cant see, boats go slower, but cause larger wakes as you go slow off plane. As a large 40' vessel approached in the fog, they got pretty close because they feel they are going slow. They quick steer away as they see me, but then came their 4ft wake. Next thing i knew i had 1ft of water in my CC. It quickly drained.

[@boatus]

YIKES, Mick. Sounds like they were plowing -- not trimmed properly after they came off plane, so going slow but throwing a significant wake. In our experience, folks seem a bit oblivious to that, especially those with limited education/experience. As you found out firsthand, it can be dangerous for others around them. Glad your scuppers and bilge pump did their jobs and it wasn't disastrous. But I'm sure it was scary for a few minutes! Thanks for watching, and stay safe out there!