Radar mount

[matt_unique]

I've decided on a pedestal mount for radar on my Tomcat. What's the consensus on the necessary degree of down angle on the mount? Any other recommendations for using a pedestal mount?

Thanks

[westward]

I'm going to ride on Matt's coattails with another question: Anyone have experience/ideas/suggestions for a removable radar mount? I would like to install radar, but the height of the dome is too high for my Winter storage space overhead clearance. Perhaps a rail mount? Any advice on quick disconnect lead wires? Thanks to Captain Matt and y'all. Mike.

[journey on]

Removing the radar from a mount is pretty simple. If you lift the top/cover, all the connections are either power or signal, no RF. You can just unplug those wires, seal and coil them up, and remove the radar (spelled backwards) dome from the mount. The JRC I have even has some instructions in the manual.

As far as the down angle of the mount, remember that's a wide beam in the vertical angle, plus/minus 15 for the small 2 kw radomes. I mount mine level, and let it go from there. After all, the smallest range is 1/8 mile, and the boat would really be on a steep angle to miss that. If your boat comes up on a steep plane, 5 deg down should do it. In fog I go pretty slow, so the boat doesn't point towards the sky.

Boris

[starcrafttom]

west ward. if I was you I would look at a radar arch that could be tilted back 180* or so out of the way. It would be hanging into the cockpit while down. I have seen these before on larger trailable boats. Look around the net and you can find pic of them.

[thataway]

Yes, you can remove the cables, but you have to open the dome, and remove the ground screw (at least in Furuno). I try and mount the radar so it is low enough, that it does not have to be removed.

I mount my radar level with the cabin on the 25 and TC 255--works fine. As noted the vertical beam is 25 to 30 degrees--even in the worst weather, the radar continues to give a good signal.

[jstates]

I have been thinking about dropping my central pedestal Furuno mount that is about 12 to 14 " tall - to a lower position - so I could put my inflatable sea kayak [upside down-] over it in the middle of the cabin-- Bill and El did something like this. The sea kayak is tied on with straps now just to Port of the radar pedestal - the kayak is a real challenge for a solo mount from the water.

So how low can we mount the radar and not cook the head at the helm?

What is the effective loss of radar range-coverage by mounting it lower"

Any chance the radar will cook the inflatable kayak placed over it?

Thanks

Jim
on
Endurance

[westward]

Thanks for the help on my question. I'm looking at Furuno's smallest separate radar unit, which purportedly has a range of 16NM. It has a 6" monochrome display, which is fine for my purposes. Is this enought/appropriate range and power for a CD22? Mike.

[matt_unique]

Thanks for the replies.

In terms of the all around light, I need to decide if I want to keep the post where it is (as built at the aft portion of the cabin roof) or if I want to wire it to a post that extends from the radar pedastal. I would have the radar pedastal mounted at the forward end of the cabin. Suggestions?

I would carry my dinghy on the roof...I suspect there may be enough room between the radar pedastal and the aft all around light post, but I'm not 100% sure. (I have a 6', 2-person dinghy). Certainly lifting the dinghy onto the roof I would need that post out of the way. Would it be difficult to move the light wiring from the aft of the cabin roof to the forward part?

Thanks

[thataway]

All people in the cabin will be out of any danger zone of a recreational boat Radar.

Lowering the radar a foot or two will make NO significant difference in its range.

I like the 7" Furuno 1715, which is 24 miles and a degree narrower beam, because of the wider antenna--but it is about $300 more.

You should have no problem with plastic or fiberglass canoes/kayaks alongside of the radar. Small metal poles, including masts are not problem either--the antenna, is fairly wide, in comparison--if you get a piece of metal which is close to the width of the radar antenna, is a problem, and should be avoided.

[jstates]

Thanks for the information on radar placement -

That should save me buying a radar arch.

Jim

[sailor-d]

Sort of the same line of inquiry - I am just finishing putting together a "Bob Austin" closet flange special for my Furuno 1715. Is there any compelling reason to have the radome mounted dead centre of the arch? I realize this would put the EBL off a bit. Would one foot off centre really matter?

[thataway]

Many boats mount the radar off center--if you look at the megayachts--many have a radar on each side of the arch. As long as the dome is lined up it will make no difference. (Actually the heading can be adjusted with the menue, and is usually tweeked for the last degree or two with the menue.

[matt_unique]

Part of my interest in all this is to mount my tri-lens radar reflector on the roof. I want to use a pedastal to elevate the radome so I can mount the radar reflector below it. Any specific suggestions relating to this install? Will the radar system work OK if the radome is mounted just higher than the radar reflector?

Thanks

[tsturm]

[Jazzmanic]

We also have the Furuno 1623. Easy to install and works great! I just need to learn how to use it better.

Peter