Left the dock @ 0700 sat morning in route to Ft Sumter to catch some live bait for bottom fishing at the 60 and beyond. The fog was so thick we couldn?t see 10 feet in front of the bow. Turned the radar on and putted over to the fort. It seemed the fog was worse there than at the dock. Caught some live croakers and waited for the sun to come up and burn away the fog so we could catch some menhaden. At 930 the fog was just as thick, if not thicker, no menhaden today. We turned the radar back on and made our way to the 60. I have never had to use radar at 1030 in the morning before. Seas were calm and finally, about 13 miles off, the fog cleared and we dropped lines. Picked up plenty BSB’s and believe it or not, we caught 8 red snapper that made me sick throwing back. Caught plenty of big ring tails and 2 monster AJ’s, 40 and 44lbs on the live croakers. Started trolling and caught a few barracudas for fun and headed back in with slick seas. Always better than sitting at home in my book.
I can’t believe the fog was still that thick later that morning. We left Remleys at 5 and couldn’t see the bow of the boat. Going under the bridge was really scary and the whole way out was stressful. Seas were so calm we cruised about 27 mph out and back in. The fog lifted for us when we got out of the jetties but I guess settled back in behind us. Never again will I go out in that fog, not worth the risk. Does anyone know if the cargo ships come in when it’s foggy cause if so, you wouldn’t have a clue until you got ran over?
I left out of Remleys at 7:25, the fog was thick but I was able to head out at a slow pace making sure to stay out of the channel though. Nothing worse than being in the channel with no radar and hearing the horn of a cargo ship. Once I got out a few miles past the jetties it began to clear up where I could run at a decent speed.
Next nice day out plot u a course on your gps running between the buoys and the rocks. Use lots of way points, you wont run into any container ships there! You still have to pay attention to whats ahead but if you take your time and LISTEN you can make it out safely in the fog. Have never owned a boat with radar, very nice if you can afford it, but not necessary if you use common sense! You do need to learn the rules of the road and know what you are looking at when you see port and starboard running lights coming @ you! Good luck.
Agreed, you definitely do not have to have radar but if you want to run at 35mph at night or in thick fog, you need it. It kept me from running over two boats running out at 5mph because they didn?t have it. If you can?t see 5 ft. off the bow of your boat, once you see port/starboard lights, it?s too late if you?re not in idle. Also saw 5 or 6 container ships stacked up outside the jetties at a standstill so that may answer the question on if they come in when the fog is that thick. Common sense will get you there, common sense plus technology will get you there faster. Not talking $h!t, just my opinion.
Look at what we have invested in fuel, bait, rigs, rods etc - The prices have really come down - running without radar is just a disaster waiting to happen! Its not going to be a problem until its a problem! Let your GPS go out in that fog - Hmmmmmm? I think Radar is a necessary as fuel, rods and bait! just my .02
Look at what we have invested in fuel, bait, rigs, rods etc - The prices have really come down - running without radar is just a disaster waiting to happen! Its not going to be a problem until its a problem! Let your GPS go out in that fog - Hmmmmmm? I think Radar is a necessary as fuel, rods and bait! just my .02
36 Contender Fisharound
Are We There Yet?
Agree. You can plot a course on GPS all you want. You will just smash into the other guy following his course without radar. I've also found that a lot of people will just assume you have radar and expect you to move out of their way.
So with that being said, would you recommend a seperate radar unit vs adding a radar that overlays on your map on the gps?
28 WA Hydra Sport
Twin 225 4 stoke Yammies
“Fin Loco”
I have the ability to do both. I like having separate screens. Sometimes, the map overlay can distract your attention away from small targets that blend in with the chart. The classic R\Y\G over the black background is easier to see.
The safest and probably the best way is a separate unit. Best small boat radar ever is the Furuno 4KW Dome - On Ebay used for $300 up!
We ran independent units for years and then upgraded to the networked systems. If one unit goes out just use the other display for GPS, Radar, Sonar. If I only had room for one display - you better believe I would run Radar off of that unit. All it takes is “one” time. Its not going to be a problem until its a problem and then its a BIG problem!!
I think many times as boat owners we forget that the people we invite to fish with us have never been, or have only fished a few time offshore. They depend on “you” to have the knowledge and equipment to get them out there and back safely. I’m lucky enough to fish with a group of Licensed captains but at the end of the day its my responsibility!
quote:skinneej
I have the ability to do both. I like having separate screens. Sometimes, the map overlay can distract your attention away from small targets that blend in with the chart. The classic R\Y\G over the black background is easier to see.
quote:I think many times as boat owners we forget that the people we invite to fish with us have never been, or have only fished a few time offshore. They depend on "you" to have the knowledge and equipment to get them out there and back safely.
Those are very wise words.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
I have to agree with skinneej. My radar is plugged into my garmin deck and I prefer to use split screen. Overlay can get a bit hectic when there is a lot of stuff/boats around.
My radar is plugged into my garmin deck and I prefer to use split screen. Overlay can get a bit hectic when there is a lot of stuff/boats around.
29’ CC Triton
Twin 225 Optimax
“REEL EXPLOSIVE”
Gotcha. That is kind of what I was thinking. I have a Lowrance HDS and it has the overlay or split screen capability and I really don’t have the dash space for another screen. Definately trying to work a reciever in the budget before next spring. Do you guys recomend the 3G or 4G reciever?
28 WA Hydra Sport
Twin 225 4 stoke Yammies
“Fin Loco”
Obviously I am going to recommend the 4G receiver because it is the newest best technology out there when you?re talking about radar, but it is more expensive of course. Basically the 4g operates at a higher speed which will give you a more detailed picture, clarity and longer range. The 3G is still awesome and usually about 500 bucks cheaper if you stay with lowrance. Either one is going to be a good choice, just depends on your budget.
