What is the recommended height for a radar reflector?

• A. On the deck
• B. At waist height
• C. Above head height
• D. On the stern

Answer: (C)

Radar reflectors work by bouncing radar signals back to other vessels’ radars, so they’re most effective when placed high enough to be seen over the boat and spray. A reflector on the deck or at waist height can be obscured by the hull, crew, or spray, especially in waves, reducing how reliably other boats detect you. Placing it on the stern limits visibility to boats behind you and to radars sweeping forward, which isn’t as useful in typical traffic patterns. Putting the reflector above head height keeps it well above the waterline and deck clutter, increasing the chance that other vessels notice you from a wider range of angles and distances.