A Rundown on RADAR

Raymarine C140W widescreen digital display

Looking at the basics and the latest advances

By Michael Kelly, Bayland Enterprises
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Radar is a navigation tool that has greatly advanced in the last few years and has also become affordable for most boaters. So what is it exactly?

Radar is an acronym that stands for Radio Detectingand Ranging. It is a device that sends a pulsed signal and measures the time for it to be reflected off an object. This information builds an image of surrounding objects. It will provide information about the whereabouts of neighboring vessels, coastal outlines and navigation aids, as well as any object that will reflect the signal. The objects detected are shown relative to your position. No other device can provide this much information about objects around your boat.

As we head into the off-season and the winter boat shows start to wind up, it is the perfect time to investigate a wide range of models and manufacturers – all in one place at one time. This also provides an opportunity to talk to the staff available at the booths. Make some time to check things out as I’m sure you will be impressed.

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