Radar Installation: Mast or Backstay?

[Ralph M]

I have a C-390 on order and am interested in having a Raytheon 2KW radar installed. My dealer would like to install it on the mast, but I think installing it on the backstay with a self-leveling attachment would be preferable. I would appreciate some feedback on the pros and cons of either installation. Thanks

 

[Normand Fontaine]

shadows

both are good places however keep in mind the mast shadow. If on the backstay it is forward, if on the mast then it is to the rear and be sure there is no sharp edges to catch the jib/genoa on a mast install.

 

[Chris Hyland]

Backstay mount

Ralph, I'd put it on the backstay myself. The Questus backstay mount is very well made. It will increase the cost about $1200.00 based on my investigations.Best of luck,Chris

 

[M Kolbenschlag]

Where To Put Radar

I just installed the 2kw radar, a gps antenna and a second vhf antenna on a self leveler on my backstay (1999 Catalina 42) It is by far the best looking, most accessible (for any maintenance) and most out of the way location you have compared with the mast location. And its far higher than you would get on a pole , if you're concerned about microwaving your crew.It's also not so high as the mast location and therefore more likley to pick up bouys--which is what we're looking for most of the time. I don't notice any shadow at all. And of course it stays on the level. The only question I still have is what it would be like in 25 knots, hard on the wind with really lumpy seas. Even though the level is dampened I just don't know what happens to this 50 LBS package that's hanging up there on a pole but which--because of the geometry--still relies on the flexing backstay for support? I'm sure I'll eventually get the answer. And that is my only reservation. It's a slick setup, that may cost a little more but has many other pluses. My second choice would be a pole. The days of mounting on the mast are over.

 

[Tom]

Check the recent archives - there was a discussion

recently. I saw a split backstay mount by "Radar on the Level"(?) that would only be $500 for the unit and self leveling...looks slick and rated decent by Practical Sailor...also, as said before, less chance of catching things like sheets and sails.

 

[Mike]

Radar

I don't think you can make a wrong choice, either way you will have radar that will work ok. The only thing you need to think about, are you ever going to add SSB/HAM??? if yes, then that tells you where it has to go..pole or mast.Mike WD9EOUC-38 #169

 

[Ernie April]

Backstay considerations

Ralph-My C-42 has a Raytheon sup[ported by the Questus self-leveler on athe backstay with three (3) sections of support - it comes with two. Because the support is attached to the swim platform, one extra length is needed to get it 12 feet above the waterline.A previous reply mentioned mast shadow. Neither I nor my autopilot can hold a course steady enough for the shadow to be meaningful. The only time I ever notice it is in rain squalls.Another mentioned weight on the backstay. If you use the Questus, this can be minimized. The support tube mounts just forward of the backstay. At the upper end, mount the self-leveler aft of the stay with the stay going through the hole provided. This cantilevers and balances the radar antenna and platform nearly over the base of the support tube and well out of the way of the topping lift. Besides, it looks good.As for height, keep in mind that distance to the horizon is a square root function. A little bit higher is not going to get you much farther. What you pick up at 6 miles at 12 feet up will take almost an hour to reach. Even if its moving toward to you, there's easily 15-20 minutes to stand clear.You're going to love it...Ernie April(WindCatrcher, C-42)