As we we’re preparing for an early cast off on the departure day, the team team decided to go through one additional systems check. We would re-check all the fluids, filters and electronics. While those check are part of what we encourage everyday, this was more in depth. Is the network up, do we have IP connectivity to all of our devices and do the displays reflect ‘green’ across the board.
As we spent several days upgrading our external connectivity, we were quite confident that all of the internal systems would be working. Quite was not quite enough as it would turn out.
Running a modern connected vessel is a bit like a mini mission control. We have broadband coming to the boat and a wired and wireless local network in the boat. This local network allows us to share the outside link with our phones and tablets and also allows us to update the devices on the boat. We update firmware as often is possible and share map updates in real time with the Navionics community via their excellent SonarMaps.
In addition, the local network lets us view everything from engine and navigation, sonar, our cameras, AIS status of other vessels and radar.
Well everything checked out today, except for the radar! Network checks showed connectivity was good and checking the cables for integrity showed no signs of corrosion or crimping.
Only upon removing the radome, the circular flat white dome seen on nearly every vesssel larger than 16ft these days, did we find that this 20 inch miracle of modern science was destroyed from the inside out by 2″ inches of water sitting inside the ‘sealed’ radome.
More powerful than the radars used on missiles just a generation ago, todays digital marine radar can resolve an anomaly from 200 fleet to up to 7 statute miles away (and further if the object is above the horizon like a fishing vessel or cargo ship). Whether a rouge wave, a weather cell or another vessel, we are able to use our radar to more safely travel in conditions where visibility is limited.
After a lengthy conversation with our amazing mechanic Larry Kress, we were able to remove the radar unit and start checking for a replacement. Figuring we’re still in Annapolis, the boating capital of the Chesapeake Bay, we should be able to get a replacement next day at the latest. Unfortunately, Simrad/Navico had no stock for at least two weeks anywhere in the US.
Time for a crew huddle. Knowing the risks posed by lack of this critical system do we have a back up and ultimately are we willing to risk the journey at all.
After a few minutes of pros and cons between the amazing crew, the decision was made to proceed with the journey without the radar. This would require us to adjust our travel plans to daylight hours with good visibility and increase the number of stops. It also meant more work for the crew, who had to provide additional watch during daylight hours when they could normally rest or do other jobs. But the team is all in! Let us dare!