Who has a horn in their boat?

[FNQCairns]

I have had my eye on this one although I have never heard one at work, it's the only type I can find a sensible place for .

Can anyone recommend it??

http://www.bla.com.au/index.php?fn=p...bc4012f3d75e64

cheers fnq

[TOPAZ]

Hi All,
The ColRegs do specify sound signals to be given at certain times and in certain circumstances - hence, by inference, a device with which to make those sound signals is necessary (e.g. Horn)
A brief summary:
ONE short blast - I am about to alter course to Starboard
TWO short blasts - I am about to alter sourse to Port
THREE short blasts - I am engaging astern propulsion
FIVE short blasts - indicating to another vessel that I am unsure of your
intentions.
A SHORT blast is one of 1-2 seconds duration.

It seems to me to be obvious that these signals should only be used if your course alteration is likely to affect another vessel.
Using them at every turn would be excessive to say the least!
More importantly are the sound signals for situations of poor visibility, such as FOG or heavy rain. These are many and varied, depending on whether you are under way or not etc. and involve signals at timed intervals such as every 60 seconds, which becomes rather complex.
I can't quote them all here - suggest a quick Google will find a mine of information!


Richard

p.s. Tigermullet - overtaking signals involve the appropriate direction signal )port or starboard), preceded by TWO LONG blasts (4-6 second duration) - imagine the reaction you would have got if your mate had got it totally correct!

R

[onerabbit]

Some interesting replies, as well as some expected ones.

For you guys with your horn in your grab bag (trying not to encourage the "funny" comments), have you considered making some kind of clip or mount so it would be really accesible?
Emergencies can happen really fast, & usually when you dont expect them or aren't ready.

FNQ, I tried 3 in the shop before making my choice, the cheap one's were more suited to a dinky.
I paid around $50, not so much for the biggest, but the loudest.

As for what the horn signals mean,
as far as I knew, 1 long blast as a general warning
& 5 short ones....what are your intentions.

More than that, I have no idea.

Perhaps someone has a list of actual horn signals?

Muzz

[onerabbit]

Thank you Topaz,
we must have been typing at the same time

Muzz

[Greg P]

It is a requirement in NSW to have some sort of sound signal device

http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/sbh/s....html#enclosed


I wonder what the status is for Qld boats operating in NSW waters as it is not required here as far as I know

[onerabbit]

Good stuff Greg P,

I didn't know we were required to carry a waterproof torch night & day either.

Muzz

[Davey1]

Sea Rays come with an electric horn mounted flush in the bow, not unlike me the first time I took mine out, operated by a button on the dash.

I read a while back a similar thread on a Sea Ray owners' forum where some owners were upgrading the factory electric item for big arsed air horns. One bloke had a twin horn set up he bought off ebay that was off a locomotive, another bloke had one off a semi trailer. One of them lurking under the bonnet of ya car would be funny - if it didn't blow the bonnet off!

[Reel Nauti]

I think it would be a good thing at night to be able to give a vessel without nav/anchor lights a blast just to let him know. But that might be pointless as well given that you've already seen him.

Dave

[snappa]

every time i go out in the boat..

[jeffrey_h]

I have a hand held horn in the shelf next to the helm, at all times. A horn in the grab bag is like having airbags, in your car, in the glovebox.

A spotlight at the ready at night would be as important.

If you find a boat, esp big boat, bearing down on you, you need to react quickly.

It's not just for turn signals, imo.

Jeffrey

[datamile]

I think it would be a good thing at night to be able to give a vessel without nav/anchor lights a blast just to let him know. But that might be pointless as well given that you've already seen him.

Dave

Hopefully a good surprise honk might make them drop the beer of the side and think about lights next time.

[TimiBoy]

Good thread. Next time the ol' tub's in for some work, I'll have an air horn fitted. Having a hand operated one in the grab bag is a waste of time, and having it rattling around the helm station is a bugger, and putting a clip somewhere will be untidy!

Maybe a set of 5 to play a tune?