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the boat that 100 sq. ft. of copper chicken wire is somehow attached to the inside of the
deck of the boat. Also, the backstay becomes the antenna for the unit, and the part of the
backstay which is used as an antenna must be isolated from the top and bottom part of
the backstay. This is done with two backstay isolators, one at the top and one at the
bottom of the stay. You must first decide which unit you will buy since each unit has a
critical antenna length. You must also obtain a SSB operator's license which requires
taking a course and passing an exam. This license is different from a VHF license. The big
advantage of SSB is that communications can be established over thousands of miles.!
d) LORAN!
In our opinion, a pleasure boat is better equipped!
with a Satnav than a Loran, especially if you intend to!
travel in several parts of the world.!
e) RADAR!
Depending on where you use your boat, radar can!
become an absolute necessity. For example, if you enter!
the marina at Quebec City, you will notice that most!
boats have radar scanners since this area is very!
susceptible to fog. If you are not going to use a radar,!
we strongly recommend that you use a radar signal!
detector. These are available through "International!
Marine" (MS), "Combi Systems" (#27), and a few others.!
These are much less expensive and can detect radar!
signals from two to five miles away. They can also give!
you an approximate bearing of the signal source. A visual !
and audible alarm will inform you of a radar in the-area.!
Note that a radar scanner emits radioactive signals!
and must be installed at least 25 feet above the deck.!
f) SATNAV (SATELLITE NAVIGATION)!
These units, we believe, are the state of the art!
as far as navigation is concerned. Three or four years!
ago, these units sold for $15,000; today, they are!
available for less than $3,000. We do not believe that!
they will be available for less in the years to come but!
they will provide more information for the same money. We!
believe they provide the fastest way to pinpoint your!
position. The unit uses satellite signals and there will!
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