Group I kind of figured this would stir up the pot a little. I am not against practice to get to know your equipment. I recommend myself that people with new radars use them during good conditions to learn how to interpret them properly. But how many hours practice do you need to learn how to use them properly? I guess each person must answer that themselves. While we are on the subject of practicing, it is also worth while to practice estimating distance off by eye and other practical navigational skills, such as using your compass, as well, so that when your radar or GPS fails you have the basic skills to continue. If you constantly rely on these instruments to get you through you will forget your basic skills. Practice is good for one, practice is good for all. I would urge all new boaters to get there basic skills and practice them as well. Lean on electronics only when you need to. Sure training wheels help you learn to ride a bike, but it can be more fun without the extra wheels. Most of my boating these days is in the PNW from Olympia to Skagway where fog can be a problem no and then. Still I have only need to use my radar less than ten times. So the other thousand hours or so I didn't need it. My basic point was that these instruments are not absolutely necessary for life on the water. As far as the insurance problem, the radar only needs to be on if the accident was one involving a collision or poor visibility. If a through hull lets loose and the boat sinks they won't care if the radar is on. Further, I have a covered dome and it would be impossible for anyone to tell whether the radar is off or on. Hey, live life on the edge. Turn off the radar for twenty minutes, in good visibility. Try it you might like life without crutches. Go for the gusto Don Dodds NPR