Electric horn

[jim flynn]

I'm thinking of installing an electric horn.  Its amazing how many boaters just don't see a 34 ft sailboat when motoring in our busy marina.
Anyone have any suggestions on horn brand or type and a good location for installation?
Jim

[Mike Smith]

Jim -

Installing a loudspeaker is one of my future projects, but pretty far down the list right now. I plan to install it just below spreader height, just below the radar radome, which is another future project. The only thing you have to worry about is getting a jib/spinnaler halyard tangled up in it. I have a TV antennae installed at spreader height which would protect it from  this problem. There are several models available at West/BoatUS, etc. and they are not expensive. I recommend a loudspeaker rather than a horn because it will serve additional porpoises - I mean, purposes. Many VHF radios have a Loud Hailer function, which you can hook up to the loud speaker, so you can communicate much more precisely with the offending (power) boat than just a blast of the horn, i.e., "Thanks for the wake, you @*%#$!" or communicating with overly helpful folks as you approach a dock, i.e., "Thanks, but we don't need all of you to jump in the water to help us tie up!" You can also hook up your loudspeaker to your stereo system, so if you favorite anchorage has been invaded by (power) boaters/jet skiers that just love that funky music, you can put on something classical, crank the volume up, and play it over your loudspeaker system for a few minutes to chase them away. Harpsicord music is especially effective for this. Also, some loudspeaker/VHF radio combinations have a "Listen" function where the loudspeaker actually acts like a super microphone. This is especially entertaining later in the evening after a raft up has broken up for overnight anchoring (heh, heh, heh). Further, some VHF/Loudspeaker combinations incorporate a "Sound" feature, which plays the appropriate sound for several "Limited Visibility" situations, i.e. Underway, at anchor, aground, etc.

So, I would opt for a loudspeaker mounted at approximately spreader height with a Hailer function of your VHF.

My Opinion, Others May Disagree,
Mike

[jentine]

If someone can't see a 34' boat with a 50' vertical protrusion, what make you think they can hear a horn.
Jim Kane