using range finder as anchoring aid

First let me apologize, I know this post is off topic. I've searched elsewhere and haven't really found what I'm looking for. I know I recall reading some people mention that they may at times use a range finder for checking their swing radius. I'm asking for advice on a reasonably priced (cheap) range finder that could be used for this purpose. What kind do you use?

I am planning to install a new permanent mooring in our neighborhood cove in the next few weeks and want to make sure I have adequate swing radius from the neighboring existing moorings. I tend to have great depth perception and ability to judge time and distance, but when it comes to telling you the exact distance of an object in feet, not so much. I will use the device very infrequently as we very rarely anchor the boats that we own (we're not quite at the life stage yet where we can afford our own cruiser, at this point our fleet consists of only a laser, a 21ft center console which the mooring is for and a J22), but figured if I buy one, it might be a useful tool to bring when we charter.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

I have a small Bushnell unit. Its not really that cheap but if you check out the online golf suppliers you can find about the least expensive units available. And yes, it does work well but maxes out at about 300 yards or so.

Ours is a bushnell unit also-good to 1500 feet

Ours too

Hand bearing compass

I use a Nikon Aculon http://www.nikon.com/news/2013/0709_laser_03.htm

You might start by getting on Google earth maps and find your cove. You can check out the current spacing between moorings from above and get a good idea of where yours should/could go.

I use my eyes

I use my eyes also but they want to make it a Tech thing <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the useful suggestions! Great call on using google maps. It looks like the resolution is much better than the last time I dropped a mooring, much more helpful now. Thanks again!

This has got me thinking. I really need a good pair of binoculars with compass/bearing capability built in. Is there one out there with a laser range finding capability also?
Cheers!

Eyeball navigation is very accurate, but judging distance over water can be difficult at best. The range finder eliminates the guesswork.

My thoughts exactly Teammac.

Just providing an update for anyone who might be interested.

I ended up buying a Simmons Laser Range Finder, just like the one listed here for $75 plus shipping on ebay. I tested it out the day I got it and it seemed to work quite well. Along with price, one of the reasons I went with this model is that it uses relatively readily available standard 9 volt batteries. Most of the units I looked at seemed to use specialty batteries.

I'm spending a few hundred bucks on gear (150lb mushroom anchor, chain, swivels, shackles, mooring ball, etc) to plop a mooring in a crowded little creek that will also be close to docks in front of people's homes. To me, it's worth it to spend $80 more to help me be reassured that I'm not infringing on anyone's riparian rights or on the swing radius of others' already placed moorings. It's a long story, but my last mooring was stolen (ball removed, chain tied to a white Clorox jug with twine not strong enough to raise the heavy chain back to the surface), even though I am pretty (99.99%) certain that it was not in anyone's way. Like I said, it's a long story. Along with adding a padlock this time (to secure the ball to the top of the chain), I just want to make 110% sure that my placement does not interfere with anyone else. This will help me achieve that. I also figure I will bring it with me to the islands and it can help me make sure when anchoring at off the beaten path spots that my swing radius when the wind shifts won't intersect with that rock or the shoreline.

Hoping to de-winterize the boat and place the mooring this weekend.

Figured I'd provide a final update on this, even though I'm sure no one is interested. Just in case..

I did set the mooring several weeks ago and the boat has been living happily on it since. I can't over-state how helpful it was to have the range finder. Not only did using it drastically reduce the time it took me to locate a good spot and properly position myself, it enabled me to set the mooring in a good bit closer to shore (and thereby shorten my dinghy row to and from the boat each time) than I most likely otherwise would have, given the certainty of my positioning and swing radius. When you are talking about a 60' swing radius (30' of chain and 30' of boat, engine and distance between boat and ball), it was quite helpful to be able to be that precise. Also, to my eye, I was pretty far off in guessing distances. I look at a boat just over there and think 40-50'. Look through the range finder and it's 90', plenty of room!

I definitely plan to bring this with me on future trips and have no doubt that it will be helpful at least once or twice per trip when anchoring.

Anyway, hope this information is helpful to someone. Thanks again to everyone on here for the insight and advice!!