SV Bella Dawn missing en route Boot Key to Bimini Bahamas

[Amapola]

He was found doing fine in The Exumas.

[dtraynor]

Looks like all is well. Update from the USCG:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8491943020...tUMW1uVlJEUT09

[smj]

Originally Posted by Shrew

My Raymarine display lists the sonar option as "Fish". I don't fish from my boat, but I do use this feature to determine what the seafloor looks like in an anchorage and what the depths are.

By your definition using the 'Fish Finder' for anchoring is equally as ignorant.

Ya, you're probably right. Completely ignorant to a find unique, unexpected and useful functions for existing technology. Down with innovation!!

In most anchorages you can’t see the bottom or tell what the depth is so maybe a sonar/depth finder is a useful piece of equipment.
Can’t say I’ve been in an anchorage where I can’t see the boats with my naked eye unless thick fog. In this case a radar would be much more useful than AIS as it will pick out all targets, not just the few that have their AIS on. As someone said, AIS is mainly used as a social gathering tool in an anchorage, not much for safety.

[team karst]

It worked the other way around with cell phones. The all now have the safety feature E911; whereas, the first phone designers didn't have that dream.

[tkeithlu]

Quote: "One of the advantages of being a solo sailor. We can change our route/destination on the fly."

True, FoxIslander, but if you are going to do that, be sure that you don't tell anyone your first plan. That way, we won't waste our tax dollars searching for you when you don't show up at your original destination. It can become "Didn't there used to be a sailor named FoxIslander?"

[rslifkin]

Originally Posted by tkeithlu

Quote: "One of the advantages of being a solo sailor. We can change our route/destination on the fly."

True, FoxIslander, but if you are going to do that, be sure that you don't tell anyone your first plan. That way, we won't waste our tax dollars searching for you when you don't show up at your original destination. It can become "Didn't there used to be a sailor named FoxIslander?"

That, or have a way to let people know your updated plan when you decide to change it.

[merrydolphin]

Yaaaay. Glad he’s safe. Love to hear the whole story. I have probably crossed the Gulf Stream a hundred times over the years. And it can kick your butt. Weather prediction even today is not super accurate. It kind of makes its own weather.

[Hhew]

I recall a few years ago a guy anchored at Cross Bay/West End, went ashore to do some business, and when he came back his boat was gone. The presumption on this forum was that it had dragged off the shelf and was headed north. I think the guy hired planes and fishing captains to conduct the search but last I remember, he ran out of money and the boat was never found. That's one reason to leave your AIS on at anchor.

[JAFO]

Originally Posted by smj

As someone said, AIS is mainly used as a social gathering tool in an anchorage, not much for safety.

Do you always go around putting words in other people's mouths?

Someone mentions that a safety device also happens to serve as a useful feature for helping catch up with old friends, and you immediately jump to the conclusion that's the primary thing they use it for?

That would be rather like me, based purely on the tone of your posts in this thread, jumping to the conclusion that you're a crusty, curmudgeonly old bastard who loves yelling at kids to get off his lawn, wouldn't it?

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by JAFO

curmudgeonly old bastard who loves yelling at kids to get off his lawn,

What's wrong with that? they used to shout at me as a kid

[JAFO]

Originally Posted by Pete7

What's wrong with that? they used to shout at me as a kid

Heh...

[smj]

Originally Posted by JAFO

Do you always go around putting words in other people's mouths?

Someone mentions that a safety device also happens to serve as a useful feature for helping catch up with old friends, and you immediately jump to the conclusion that's the primary thing they use it for?

That would be rather like me, based purely on the tone of your posts in this thread, jumping to the conclusion that you're a crusty, curmudgeonly old bastard who loves yelling at kids to get off his lawn, wouldn't it?

Maybe you should study a little reading comprehension? I’ve concluded that the use of AIS in an ANCHORAGE is mainly used as a way of catching up with friends, I don’t believe I ever stated that was their primary use?

[Boatyarddog]

Originally Posted by JAFO

Do you always go around putting words in other people's mouths?

Someone mentions that a safety device also happens to serve as a useful feature for helping catch up with old friends, and you immediately jump to the conclusion that's the primary thing they use it for?

That would be rather like me, based purely on the tone of your posts in this thread, jumping to the conclusion that you're a crusty, curmudgeonly old bastard who loves yelling at kids to get off his lawn, wouldn't it?

Maybe you could just rephrase this post into something worth reading about AIS.
Something informational, not a rant.
I've enjoyed these comments until I read this one!

The attitude that is presented by these comments made in this post,
Just smacks of disrespect of others opinions.
And that is what they are.
Opinions!

I agree that AIS has value as a safety device.
And can enhance our ability to keep track of people.
As well can be useful to rescue personal if needed.

Viewing Lat/long, bearing/speed is very useful in thick fog for determining where that fast moving cargo ship is.
I love being seen.

Using just Radar leaves you with more Questions, than answers.

Please be respectful to other commenters.
For everyone's sake.
Thanks!
SV Cloud Duster

[HeywoodJ]

There's another thread running at the moment about how long you're willing to leave your boat unattended in an anchorage. One nice thing about leaving the AIS on while at anchor is that in many locations you can then use a publicly available service like MarineTraffic to monitor your boat's position while not on board.

You have to be aware of update delays, but I have used this many times to give me peace of mind while the whole crew is off the boat provisioning or otherwise engaged for the day. See a weather change come in? Got delayed? Check the position. YMMV

[Boatyarddog]

Originally Posted by smj

Maybe you should study a little reading comprehension? I’ve concluded that the use of AIS in an ANCHORAGE is mainly used as a way of catching up with friends, I don’t believe I ever stated that was their primary use?

Mainly and primarily, you did say mainly, in your post, these are synonyms, and are meaning the same thing.

https://www.google.com/search?q=main...&client=safari.
Reading and word comprehension? You should sign for that course as well.
Boatyarddog