Reflector Assembly
Learn About Radar Reflectors for Sailboats
A cruising yachtsmans’ worst nightmare is being run down by a merchant vessel, particularly at night, far offshore. Statistics however, show us that this is far more likely to happen close to shore in busy shipping lanes where the density of these large vessels is much greater.
A radar reflector therefore, is a piece of equipment that all cruising sailboats should have. Recent tests have shown that they are not necessarily that effective, depending on their positioning in the rigging, heel of your vessel, other clutter in the area and the sensitivity of ships receivers close by to name a few. There is much written on this subject which you can research.
Nonetheless, a reflector permanently installed high in your rigging is an additional item that can assist in alerting approaching shipping that you are in the same quadrant of water as they are. Many other factors come into play such as has the other ship recorded your presence? is there a watch in their radio room at the time? is your boat heeling? etc. All of these could hinder the chances of the other shipping seeing you.
There has been much written about a tragic incident near the Isle of Wight in August 2006 between the yacht ‘Ouzo’ and a large P&O ferry. The collision or near collision resulted in the sinking of the yacht and the drowning of the three crew. As the yacht itself has never been recovered, this incident remains a mystery of the sea. However, it was known that ‘Ouzo’ did carry a radar reflector – whether it was in position at the time is not known. There is an interesting report you can read on the internet which you can find easily enough by tapping in ‘Ouzo’collision report.
Fully effective they may not be, but under the heading of any additional equipment that can alert an approaching merchant vessel, having a reflector clamped to your cap shroud above the top spreader is best seamanship practice and no cruiser should put to sea without one.
They come in two basic shapes – one is made up of segments (octahedral) which can be assembled and hung in the rigging – not ideal for long passages. The other, and to my mind, the better option for cruisers is the tubular type which you can clamp on to your upper shroud and leave in position permanently. I positioned mine on the starboard cap shroud above the top spreader. There are a number of manufacturers making these reflectors and you can view the range at any quality chandler. You can appraise them initially on the internet where you will find illustrations and prices for your local market.
Obviously radar and more recently AIS(Automatic Identification System) would be part of a modern day Cruisers ‘onboard package’, but that is another subject.
You can read more about night navigation, radar and near misses in my ebook ‘Voyage of the Little Ship ‘Tere Moana’ downloadable from my sailboat2adventure website
About the Author
Vincent Bossley is a sailor and publisher living on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia. He has his own www.sailboat2adventure.com website for cruising sailors, sailors planning their lifetime adventure, armchair sailors, virtual sailors and indeed anyone who has ever dreamt about sailing off into the oceans of this beautiful planet of ours. He offers an extremely useful package of ’101 Dollar Saving Tips for Sailors’ gleaned from his experiences that could save the voyager many hundreds or maybe thousands of dollars during their voyage. Included is his 135 page download illustrated ebook ‘Voyage of the Little Ship ‘Tere Moana’ of his own four year sailing adventure to many of these tropical paradises. Also FREE is the ‘Ten Top Tips’ to look for when purchasing your dream sailboat by internationally renowned marine surveyor Mark Clarke. Vincent is passionate about getting budding sailors started on planning their own odyssey. You can visit him anytime on his www.sailboat2adventure.com website
Sunbounce Mini Reflector Assembly Instructions
|
|
2009-2012 INFINITI FX35 FX50 OEM REAR BUMPER ASSEMBLY REFLECTOR SENSOR $380.00 |
|
|
Perkin Elmer 5100 PC AA Motorized Reflector Assembly $512.67 |
|
|
Amber Reflector 99-00 Civic EK/EJ/EM Chrome Housing Crystal Headlights Assembly $500.00 |
|
|
Holophane PRSL12 22-1/2″ Reflector Assembly NEW $291.95 |
|
|
BMW E36 Headlight Assembly With Reflector Right + Left HELLA OEM $244.94 |
|
|
Ducati 749 999 head light case assembly reflectors $195.00 |
|
|
2012 Hyundai Veloster Rear Bumper LED Reflector Light Assembly 2PC/Set $189.99 |
|
|
PERKIN ELMER QUADRUPLE MIRROR REFLECTOR ASSEMBLY $199.00 |
|
|
Rear Bumper LED Reflector Lamp Assembly 2p For 2012 Hyundai New i30 $201.99 |
|
|
04-05 CHEVY IMPALA BLACK HOUSING HEADLIGHTS LAMP AMBER REFLECTOR ASSEMBLY LS SS $199.95 |
|
|
2004-2005 CHEVY IMPALA BLACK HOUSING HEADLIGHTS AMBER REFLECTOR ASSEMBLY PAIR $198.95 |
|
|
JDM STYLES TOYOTA SIENNA REPLACEMENT HEAD LIGHTS AMBER REFLECTOR ASSEMBLY SET $197.95 |
|
|
2001 2002 2003 2004 BUICK REGAL CENTER MIDDLE INNER DECK LID TAIL LIGHT LAMP $170.00 |
|
|
EURO STYLE CLEAR HEAD LIGHTS LAMPS AMBER REFLECTOR LEFT+RIGHT ASSEMBLY $189.95 |
|
|
2009 2010 09 10 HYUNDAI SONATA HEADLIGHT DRIVER LEFT HAND SIDE REFLECTOR LAMP $179.99 |
|
|
Amber Reflector 03-05 Nissan 350Z Z33 JDM Black OE Style Projector Headlights $141.00 |
|
|
Lincoln MarkVIII 93-96 Trunk Reflector / Lamp Assembly Very rare! Not many left! $169.95 |
|
|
Anzo USA 121190 Toyota Tacoma Black/Amber Reflectors Headlight Assembly Pair (2) $169.95 |
|
|
Amber Reflector 03-05 Nissan 350Z Z33 JDM Black OE Style Projector Headlights $130.00 |
|
|
Amber Reflector 94-02 GMC C10 Truck/SUV Euro Headlights+LED Bumper+Corner Lights $160.00 |
|
|
Amber Reflector 94-02 Chevy C/K Truck Chrome Headlights+LED Bumper+Corner Lights $159.99 |
|
|
Amber Reflector 94-99 Chevy C10 C/K Suburban Headlights+LED Bumper+Corner Lights $159.99 |
|
|
Amber Reflector 94-02 Chevy C10 Pickup/SUV Headlights+LED Bumper+Corner Lights $159.99 |
|
|
Amber Reflector 95-99 Chevy Tahoe 94 Blazer Headlights+LED Bumper+Corner Lights $159.99 |
|
|
LED Bumper Reflector Assembly 2p 1set For 10 11 12 Hyundai Santa Fe The Style $129.99 |
|
|
2005 2006 TOYOTA CAMRY BLACK HOUSING JDM HEAD LIGHTS W AMBER REFLECTOR ASSEMBLY $159.95 |
|
|
VISION 00-06 FORD TAURUS CENTENNIAL HEADLIGHTS AMBER REFLECTOR ASSEMBLY PAIR $158.95 |
|
|
NEW VISION CHROME HOUSING HEADLIGHTS AMBER REFLECTOR ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT $158.95 |
|
|
2001-2004 FORD F150 HARLEY DAVIDSON CHROME HEAD LIGHTS AMBER REFLECTOR ASSEMBLY $158.95 |
|
|
Whelen 700 Strobe Red LED Clear Lens Reflector Assembly 702RS0CU 02-0363031 $149.99 |
|
|
CHROME HOUSING HEADLIGHTS LAMP AMBER REFLECTOR ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT MINIVAN $156.95 |
|
|
Side Reflector Daylight Bowtie Assembly 2Way 2p 1Set For 06 10 Chevy Captiva $155.99 |
|
|
Amber Reflector 94-02 Chevy C10 Pickup/SUV Headlights+LED Bumper+Corner Lights $155.00 |
|
|
97- 04 BUICK CENTURY CENTER DECK LID TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY $129.99 |
|
|
1997 1998 1999 CADILLAC CATERA Deck LID Center Middle TAIL LIGHT Lamp ASSEMBLY $149.99 |
|
|
1997 1998 1999 CADILLAC CATERA LID TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY $149.99 |
|
|
1996 1997 Infiniti I30 TAIL LIGHT PANEL CENTER REFLECTOR ASSEMBLY $149.95 |
|
|
Side Reflector Daylight Bowtie Assembly 1Way 2p 1Set For 06 10 Chevy Captiva $146.99 |
|
|
Clear Reflector 99-04 Mustang OE Style Chrome Crystal Headlights+Bi-Xenon HID $145.00 |
|
|
1999-2005 PONTIAC GRAND AM HALO PROJECTOR HEADLIGHTS AMBER REFLECTOR ASSEMBLY $144.95 |
|
|
11 Kia Optima K5 Side Reflector Daylight Assembly Set $123.99 |
|
|
99-04 Ford Mustang Projector Chrome Headlights Lamps Assembly + Amber Reflector $142.95 |
|
|
1997 1998 BUICK CENTURY CENTER TRUNK DECK LID INNER MIDDLE CENTER TAIL LIGHT $119.99 |
|
|
1997 1998 BUICK CENTURY CENTER TRUNK DECK LID INNER MIDDLE CENTER TAIL LAMP $119.99 |
|
|
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 BUICK CENTURY CENTER TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY $139.99 |
|
|
1997 1998 BUICK CENTURY CENTER MIDDLE REAR TRUNK DECK LID TAIL LIGHT INNER LAMP $139.99 |
|
|
1999 2000 BUICK CENTURY CENTER MIDDLE REAR TRUNK DECK LID TAIL LIGHT INNER LAMP $139.99 |
|
|
2001 2002 BUICK CENTURY CENTER MIDDLE REAR TRUNK DECK LID TAIL LIGHT INNER LAMP $139.99 |
|
|
2003 2004 BUICK CENTURY CENTER MIDDLE REAR TRUNK DECK LID TAIL LIGHT INNER LAMP $139.99 |
|
|
1997-2004 BUICK CENTURY CENTER TRUNK DECK LID REVERSE BACK UP TAIL LIGHT LAMP $139.99 |
|
|
BUICK CENTURY CENTER MIDDLE SECTION INNER TAIL LIGHT LAMP LENS ASSEMBLY 1997 98 $139.99 |
|
|
BUICK CENTURY CENTER MIDDLE SECTION INNER TAIL LIGHT LAMP LENS ASSEMBLY 1999 00 $139.99 |
|
|
BUICK CENTURY CENTER MIDDLE SECTION INNER TAIL LIGHT LAMP LENS ASSEMBLY 2001 02 $139.99 |
|
|
Clear Reflector 99-04 Mustang OE Style Chrome Crystal Headlights+Vertical Grill $102.00 |
|
|
Headlight BLACK Reflector Headlamp Assembly Pair Set Driver Passenger Side LH+RH $136.46 |
|
|
99-04 Ford Mustang Projector Chrome Headlights Lamps Assembly + Amber Reflector $135.99 |
|
|
99-04 Ford Mustang Projector Black Headlights Lamps Assembly + Amber Reflector $135.99 |
|
|
Amber Reflector 99-04 Mustang OE Style Chrome Crystal Headlights+Vertical Grill $97.00 |
|
|
90 1990 Nissan Maxima Trunk Reflector Assembly $98.98 |
|
|
BMW E36 318i 325i 328i Driver Left Headlight Assembly With Reflector Brand New $120.94 |
|
|
Hydrofarm SBM175H 175-Watt Mini Sunburst Metal Halide with Lamp $86.89 Plug-and-play: comes with cord and lamp.Highly reflective European specular.Magnetic 175W MH Super quietEasy to hang lightweight and compactIncludes instructions hangers and lighting recommendations… |
|
|
298mm ID Orion Telescope Tube Rings $89.99 Our cast-aluminum tube rings feature quick-release, hinged clamp knobs and felt lining. Designed for use with Orion mounts, they fit some other brands of mounts as well. One of the two rings in each set has a 1/4″-20 piggyback camera adapter on it, the other has a threaded 1/4″-20 hole. The piggyback camera adapter can be removed for mounting an adapter plate for a guide scope on top of the tube r… |
|
|
Burgundy Baytronix AstroQuest 6 Short Tube Reflector Telescope EQ Mount $295.00 Short Tube 6 Inch Newtonian Reflector Telescope. This is large aperture reflector at the bargain price that makes your introduction to serious high-power viewing affordable. This 6 inch reflector scope boasts a “short tube” design, with a built-in corrector that yields an 1400mm focal length with just a 19 inch primary tube. As a result, this scope packs a serious high-power punch, with magnif… |
|
|
Orion 254mm f/4.7 Reflector Telescope Optical Tube Assembly $499.99 Responding to your requests, we are pleased to offer this reflector optical tube assembly (OTA) for folks who already have an equatorial mount. This optical tube assembly includes Pyrex parabolic mirror optics, upgraded 2″ Crayford-style focuser, eyepiece holder, quick-collimation cap, dust cap, and dovetail base for finder scope. Aperture: 254mm (10.0″). Focal length: 1200mm (f/4.7). Has a 2″ col… |
|
|
Hikari 00196 – JCR-8295P MR11/12V/5W/G4/W/Cvr/30Deg MR11 Halogen Light Bulb $4.21 5 watt 12 volt MR11 Bi-Pin (G4) Base Fibre Optic Reflector Covered Glass Incandescent Hikari / Higuchi Light Bulb… |
|
|
Solar Storm 32 Bulb Tanning Bed with Arm and Face Lamps $2,499.00 ? Tunnel design completely surrounds tanners for fast all-over tanning results. ? Extremely durable aluminum frame to ensure easy maintenance and long life. ? 16 extremely efficient high-output lamps in the bench of the bed. ? 8 extremely efficient high-output dual facial lamps to shower the face with extra UV light for a faster, darker tan. ? 8 extremely efficient high-output arm lamps to sho… |
|
|
Solar Storm 32 Bulb Wolff Systems Tanning Bed with Face Lamps $2,499.00 ? Tunnel design completely surrounds tanners for fast all-over tanning results. ? Extremely durable aluminum frame to ensure easy maintenance and long life. ? 24 extremely efficient high-output lamps in the bench and canopy of the bed. ? 8 extremely efficient high-output dual facial lamps to shower the face with extra UV light for a faster, darker tan. ? High-glossed aluminum reflectors for m… |
|
|
Wesbar Sonically Sealed Waterproof Bulb Capsule $7.08 Replacement capsule for the Low Profile Trailer Lights. Easy to replace and comes with every thing you need. Sold individually…. |