Hi, we recently bought a 2003 260, and have lots of questions. We will search the archives first, but will probably ask questions that have been posed and answered on the forum before. Please forgive us. Question one: There is a bend in the mast support crutch. It looks as though this is not a "factory" bend. Is the factory mast crutch straight from end to end? Question two: We are installing a 12 inch Lowrance LRA 1000 radar dome. We have considered the following possible locations, and would appreciate ideas and comments: 1. place it on an aluminum pole that inserts where the mast crutch normally goes. The pole will need to be long enough to get the radar dome at least 1 ft above head height to avoid frying the crew. It would also need to be above the level of the boom. Maybe a 10 foot long pole would work. It might need struts to brace it. Would it have to be turned off when the crew goes forward? Does anyone know if there is a distance the radar beam is safe to be in? 2. Use the mast crutch, and mount a short pole to extend it higher, then proceed as in 1 above. 3. Mount the dome above the foresaty on the mast. This would place about 14 pounds of weight up the mast, and would require a way to disconnect the cable at the base of the mast when trailering. Would it be necessary to remove the dome when trailering? Any good sources for 8 conductor waterproof connectors? I will ask other questions in additional posts to make responses easier. Thanks in advance!
Hunter 260 mast crutch and radar mount option
- Thread starter Bert17825
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Mast Crutch
Mine has a bend in it, so I think that is indeed a "factory bend". Not sure about the radar set up. On top of the mast would give it a better, unobstructed view but you do have the added weight up high. Although, if you look and the force the sails put the on mast already, is 14 additional pounds going to really make that huge of a difference even all the way up top? You also have less fry the crew factor, as mentioned. Do you really need a radar unit though?
Mine has a bend in it, so I think that is indeed a "factory bend". Not sure about the radar set up. On top of the mast would give it a better, unobstructed view but you do have the added weight up high. Although, if you look and the force the sails put the on mast already, is 14 additional pounds going to really make that huge of a difference even all the way up top? You also have less fry the crew factor, as mentioned. Do you really need a radar unit though?
H260 Crutch
Yes, the crutch has a bend in it. It works better that way. If your roller has not been raised, that should be one of the first modifications. I've never heard of anyone installing radar on an H260, but it would be interesting to learn how it works out for you. The H260 is a class C boat, only suitable for coastal cruising. Unless you anticipate frequent cruising in fog, at night, in heavy shipping traffic, or off-shore, a good radar reflector, bell and horn might be a simpler choice. At any rate, radar would be an unusual addition for this boat (even maybe a first). There is lots of information on the H260 in the archives, but I suggest you browse through these two links first. Go to: http://kobernus.com/hunter260/index.html http://kb.sailboatowners.com/brand?model=20
Yes, the crutch has a bend in it. It works better that way. If your roller has not been raised, that should be one of the first modifications. I've never heard of anyone installing radar on an H260, but it would be interesting to learn how it works out for you. The H260 is a class C boat, only suitable for coastal cruising. Unless you anticipate frequent cruising in fog, at night, in heavy shipping traffic, or off-shore, a good radar reflector, bell and horn might be a simpler choice. At any rate, radar would be an unusual addition for this boat (even maybe a first). There is lots of information on the H260 in the archives, but I suggest you browse through these two links first. Go to: http://kobernus.com/hunter260/index.html http://kb.sailboatowners.com/brand?model=20
RADAR
I have installed Raymarine on mast crutch. Extension tubing inside crutch tubing to raise dome about 2 feet so beam angle clears bow, cabin and any crew near helm. It is unsafe to be in the beam of a radar especially at close range. Looking at a radar beam causes cataracts to form. Radar off unless crew aft under radar out of beam. Top pole lifts off for mast stepping. Wood triangle shaped support between crutch and pushpit rail. Backstay wire down back of crutch to rudder base support. Port and starboard shrouds to pushpit rail.
I have installed Raymarine on mast crutch. Extension tubing inside crutch tubing to raise dome about 2 feet so beam angle clears bow, cabin and any crew near helm. It is unsafe to be in the beam of a radar especially at close range. Looking at a radar beam causes cataracts to form. Radar off unless crew aft under radar out of beam. Top pole lifts off for mast stepping. Wood triangle shaped support between crutch and pushpit rail. Backstay wire down back of crutch to rudder base support. Port and starboard shrouds to pushpit rail.
H26 Radar
I learn a lot from this forum and other places. From my USPS navigation course I learned that it takes practice and experience to get the most out of radar. Hal's set up still sounds to me like something I'd like to avoid. However, I don't sail in Maine which has some challenging conditions including lots of fog.
I learn a lot from this forum and other places. From my USPS navigation course I learned that it takes practice and experience to get the most out of radar. Hal's set up still sounds to me like something I'd like to avoid. However, I don't sail in Maine which has some challenging conditions including lots of fog.
Thanks all for your responses
Thanks all for your responses! The radar unit arrived today, so we are committed. We are avid (sometimes rabid?) sailors and push the limits of our tralerables. Wow, you all give great advice! The advice about safety and ground tackle was spot on. Humbly, Bert
Thanks all for your responses! The radar unit arrived today, so we are committed. We are avid (sometimes rabid?) sailors and push the limits of our tralerables. Wow, you all give great advice! The advice about safety and ground tackle was spot on. Humbly, Bert
Hal Radar Installation
Hal, How about some pictures of your radar installation for the knowledgbase. I don't think there are many of us who have given this much thought.
Hal, How about some pictures of your radar installation for the knowledgbase. I don't think there are many of us who have given this much thought.
pictures
I'm planning on figuring out how to work with pictures on the computer so I can post some. The pictures that have been posted have been a great help to me.
I'm planning on figuring out how to work with pictures on the computer so I can post some. The pictures that have been posted have been a great help to me.
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