320 Radar wiring question

[Gary]

Installing a Raymarine combo Radar/GPS at the helm, radome antenna on the mast. From reading the archives, I see the best way to run the power is to follow the battery charger wires down the port side behind the microwave to the panel. However, I'm not sure about the radome wire. There is probably a better (shorter) route to the base of the compression post. I was thinking of going through the bilge? Has anybody made this run in the past? I get 45ft of cable, hopefully that will do it. Thoughts appreciated. GaryWanderlust #845

 

[Stan Rogacevicz]

Same Installation In Progress

Gary, I'm installing a Raymarine 72rc Radar/ChartPlotter this winter. Unless yours is set up totally different the basic Power cable is not the problem. My power will go from the switch box out to the display at the helm. My problem is that out of the display also comes the big thick white 30' or 45' Combined power and radar info cord that has to run up inside the mast. I had to get an extension cord (30'+30') so that it can be disconnected/reconnected at the deck when the mast is un-stepped/stepped. If yours is not like this ignore all this, if yours is similar you can reach me at srogacev@holycross.eduStan"Christy Leigh"c320 #656

 

[RonD]

Factory Installation

Just as a point of comparison, mine was factory installed as a delivery option.The radome unit was mounted a few inches above the deck light above the first spreader. The point about the connector at the mast base is a good one. I believe (operating from hazy memory, as my boat is chilling out 20 miles from here) that the plotter cable comes down through the pedestal, runs back into the stern above the steering assembly, then runs to the port side, and forward in a cable bundle located just under the deck (along the top lip of the liner in the lazarette). From there I expect it runs behind the galley closet where the microwave would go and then under the liner to the mast base opening.The GPS antenna is typically mounted on the stern rail adjacent to (but not in) the port side stern seat. Wires are routed inside and down the stanchion and connect up with the instrument bundle. I suspect they chose to mount the GPS antenna port side in order to minimize wire routing, given that the wiring bundle runs over to the port side.Happy holidays!--RonC320 #831, "Lady Jane"

 

[Stan Rogacevicz]

Mast Step Connection?

Ron, Have you seen how the 'factory install' handled the connection at the mast step? The only way I can think of is a 'patch box' with connectors inside at the mast step like they use for the some of the other wires like the wind instruments.Stan"Christy Leigh"c320 #656

 

[RonD]

Just a bunch of connectors

... on the ends of wiring bundles coming through the deck at the mast baseplate. When they step the mast, these connectors are fastened and tucked inside the base of the mast. I would think anything else that's too rigid wouldn't work very well.BTW: When the boat is hauled & the mast is unstepped, they wrap the connectors in plastic baggies. I add a protective cover for these connectors made out of a small, rectangular plastic dishpan inverted over the mast base. Keeps the snow/ice buildup from migrating into the baggies. I added a stainless U-bolt on each side to use as attachment points for the 1/4" lines that tie it down.--RonC320 #831, "Lady Jane"

 

[Pat Tyler]

Radar Cable Install

Mine is run under the sole on the port side near where the fresh water pump is located. It goes to the compartment where the bilge pump is located. That's where the extra cable is coiled since it's always dry there and then to the bottom of the mast. I have no disconnect though. That's a great idea however we keep our boat in the water all year and have about 20 feet of extra cable so taking the mast down wouldn't be a problem as long as you keep it close by.Pat#834