I am considering installing radar over the winter. In my process of seeking out the info I need to make an correct installation I see about 50 - 50 the place where people install the radar dome on the boat. Some install dome on the mast between the first and second set of spreaders and others install on a post installed aft of the cockpit. What are the pros and cons of each installation and which is preferred?
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Pole Mount
I just installed radar and choose a pole mount on the stern for the following reasons: mast mount is higher and more susceptable to swaying and radar distortion. mast mount requires a guard to prevent sail chafing during tacks. pole mount easier to run cabling. easier maintenance.
I just installed radar and choose a pole mount on the stern for the following reasons: mast mount is higher and more susceptable to swaying and radar distortion. mast mount requires a guard to prevent sail chafing during tacks. pole mount easier to run cabling. easier maintenance.
mast mount
While Murray makes some good points, one thing to consider is WHEN you are likely to use radar. I'm guessing that 90 of my radar time is when I'm motoring, or at least motorsailing. It's either night (no wind) or I'm in deep fog (no wind.) I have an 18 inch radome mounted approximately one meter above the lower spreaders, and the 110% jib never touches it. Being fraction rigged, I never use a genoa, so a mast mount made the most sense for me. Additionally, I like the fact that all those microwaves are farther overhead with a mast mount than they would be with a pole mount. (Technically, btw, those "poles" are more properly called "radar masts" so you're going to end up with mast mounting no matter which option you choose. The real question is whether you want to erect an additional mast. On a sailboat, the pole is the thing the foredeck guy wrestles with while everyone else drinks beer on the downwind leg.)
While Murray makes some good points, one thing to consider is WHEN you are likely to use radar. I'm guessing that 90 of my radar time is when I'm motoring, or at least motorsailing. It's either night (no wind) or I'm in deep fog (no wind.) I have an 18 inch radome mounted approximately one meter above the lower spreaders, and the 110% jib never touches it. Being fraction rigged, I never use a genoa, so a mast mount made the most sense for me. Additionally, I like the fact that all those microwaves are farther overhead with a mast mount than they would be with a pole mount. (Technically, btw, those "poles" are more properly called "radar masts" so you're going to end up with mast mounting no matter which option you choose. The real question is whether you want to erect an additional mast. On a sailboat, the pole is the thing the foredeck guy wrestles with while everyone else drinks beer on the downwind leg.)
backstay mount
i used a radar mast mounted on the transom. it works fine but i wish i had used a backstay mount. they look better and they swivel when you heel. everyone told me not to to mount it on the mast, to much windage. it will effect the way the boat sails and trash your headsail if mounted to low.
i used a radar mast mounted on the transom. it works fine but i wish i had used a backstay mount. they look better and they swivel when you heel. everyone told me not to to mount it on the mast, to much windage. it will effect the way the boat sails and trash your headsail if mounted to low.
I second the backstay.
I would second the backstay mount. Mounting it on the mast is OKAY if you have a fractional rig but you still have put a lot of weight and windage very high up on the stick. If you do not have a fractional rig you are also adding to the wear on your sails. The big advantage of the mast mount is the additional view that the unit will have. The transom mount will also require a pole and does not offer the best view. It also requires that you have some stablizing guy wires to steady the unit. The Hunters are a natural for the mount on the backstay. The units are high enough to give the unit a decent view and they will also swivel when healed. There are several units on the market. Practical Sailor did a piece on these units a few years ago and thought they were all good. It also makes running the cables easier than down the mast too.
I would second the backstay mount. Mounting it on the mast is OKAY if you have a fractional rig but you still have put a lot of weight and windage very high up on the stick. If you do not have a fractional rig you are also adding to the wear on your sails. The big advantage of the mast mount is the additional view that the unit will have. The transom mount will also require a pole and does not offer the best view. It also requires that you have some stablizing guy wires to steady the unit. The Hunters are a natural for the mount on the backstay. The units are high enough to give the unit a decent view and they will also swivel when healed. There are several units on the market. Practical Sailor did a piece on these units a few years ago and thought they were all good. It also makes running the cables easier than down the mast too.
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