radar platforms

SENSEI · Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 6:30 pm Post subject: radar platforms

a couple of days ago there was an add in CraigsList Seattle for a radar riser platform.
I got a hold of the seller and we got together at his shop near my home. he has 6 inch and 10 inch risers for sale. they are the same as the Seaview products in West Marine.they are made from aluminum and have mounting plates top and bottom . the mounting holes were made for garmin radar array but can be drilled out for most any brand. there is a hole in the center of the top plate where garmin wires would go thru. some other brands would need a different hole for wire and a clam of some sort

I brought home a tall one for my own use.

pictures out of WM catalog

srbaum · Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 6:38 pm Post subject: Radar Riser

Assuming you got a great deal, would you provide me with the link to the specific ad?

hardee · Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 12:31 am Post subject:

Roger,

These look very much like mine. What is the name on the side of the tower? Mine is loosing the white coating, (Powder coat I think), and I need to replace or repair.

Thanks for the info.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

Levitation · Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 7:13 am Post subject:

Take the mount to an auto bodyshop and have it sandblasted...
Then at home coat it with an epoxy paint from the hardware...
It will outlast the boat...

hardee · Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 12:13 pm Post subject:

colbysmith

Another thread I wanted to bring back alive. With the recent purchase I made for a used 22' C-dory Cruiser, I need to decide now how to set up my electronics, and specifically how to mount the radar antenna. I have a high top on this boat as well. I just purchased a Garmin GPSMAP 541S, and hope that is a good purchase. (My old boat had the Garmin GPSMAP 188 which I liked, but it's getting sold with my old boat. In response to an email I sent to Garmin asking for a comparable unit today, they said the GPSMAP 541S.... I kept my old radar however, a RayMarine SL72+ Pathfinder. And I also just ordered a compass, the Ritchie Explorer surface mount. Next step is to figure out the best mounting locations for everything. And with the Radar antenna, do I want to just mount in on the high top, or get a tower made for that purpose. Then what to do with the stock mastlight? Ideas, suggestions, photo links? THanks. Colby

hardee · Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2012 12:33 am Post subject:

I think if it was mine I would use the radar arch for the platform. It would get the dome up higher than on a pedestal and if you add a pedestal or platform in addition to the high arch, you are increasing weight up high which is not redundancy that I would want to do, (increasing the instability lever arm). Admitted, the C-Dory can probably handle that but just seem unnecessary to me.

As to the light mast. Some arches have a light mounting point, others may need it added. I would use a mount on the arch rather than using the roof mount (seen just to the right of the radar post on my photo above), to be sure your light is able to be seen from the full 360 degrees around your boat. I am having to deal with increasing my anchor light height now because of adding the aft arch and putting the inflatable up there. That has become a whole 'nother bag of worms. C-Dory used a special Perko mount and mast, and it is a special order form Perko to get a "plug and play" new, longer, light mast.

From what I hear about Garmin, you will like that unit.

Confused

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

colbysmith · Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2012 9:15 pm Post subject:

Thanks Harvey, but I'm a little confused with what you said. TO be clear, my boat has the high top roof. I"m just wondering if I can just mount the radar right to that effectively, or if I would be better off getting a tower of sorts or an aluminum mast. Also, if I mount the radar antenna directly to the roof, will the stock C-dory mast light be a problem since it would be right in front of the radar antenna? (I think the light could still be seen from behind the boat, but how does it affect the radar picture?) And are their manufacture or dealer suggestions for a tower or aluminum mast? Thanks. Colby

colbysmith · Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2012 9:26 pm Post subject:

BTW, also curious about the best place to mount VHF 8' antennas and small GPS antennas... if on the roof rather than an arch or tower. Colby

20dauntless · Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2012 9:45 pm Post subject:

I've got a Raymarine radome mounted directly to the pilothouse roof and it works just fine. My understanding is that mounting the radar 6" higher on a mount of some type does not materially impact radar range. My GPS puck is inside the pilothouse on the electronics shelf, and the VHF antenna is on the starboard pilothouse side. All work well. Check my album for pictures.

hardee · Posted: Tue May 01, 2012 2:50 am Post subject:

Agree that the 6" rise from a tower like mine probably has little effect on the range. However, It dies get the radar rays that much higher from the top of my head, or anyone standing in the cockpit. The Anchor light post will not adversely affect your return. It is too close, nor will it be blocked from seeing past the post. What the platform does do is give a better angle for the radar rays to be able to be more parallel to the surface, giving a better equal distant view in all directions. I guess a roof mount could be set up with the same angles, too, but most of the ones I have seen were just put flat onto the roof.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon