Classic, traditional yachts are made of wood, as are many traditional ships and fishing boats. Just like GRP yachts, wooden ships are poor radar targets. In order to be seen on the radar screens of commercial shipping or other sailing yachts, a radar reflector is needed to return a radar pulse. Most reflectors commonly used on leisure vessels are passive radar reflectors - i.e. reflectors that do not retransmit the radar signal. These are available in different sizes and designs for hoisting or permanent mounting. Tube radar reflectors consist of small reflective plates spiralled up in long plastic tubes. Octahedral reflectors are intermateable corner reflectors and can be stored in a space-saving manner. Blipper or Echomax reflectors, on the other hand, have a cylindrical case of strong PE plastic in white or unobtrusive brown. A special feature for racing yachts, life rafts and rescue boats are lightweight inflatable radar reflectors. Active radar reflectors amplify and retransmit radar signals through a transmitter antenna. This significantly improves radar visibility and safety of small vessels.
Radar reflectors
