I have a 26 foot Balboa and I a radar where do you mount it so it does not interfere with sails and lines.
Where to Mount Radar
- Thread starter Capt Strapfoots
- Start date
You have two options. We've done both. Most of the pros for one are cons for the other. Both are good. Often the choise will be made by mounting characteristics of your boat; in particular the transom.
Transom Pole
PRO
Out of the way
Easy install
Does not interfere with head-sail while tacking
Easier wiring
CON
Higher cost for mount
Dish near head; potential worry for non-broadband units.
Mast mounted
PRO
Gimble is easier if desired
Higher potential mount may give better range
Mount cost is lower
Lower RF danger for non-3G/4G Navico Broadband radars
CON
Wiring is harder
Messes with sail
Another wire in the mast
More weight high in the rig
Transom Pole
PRO
Out of the way
Easy install
Does not interfere with head-sail while tacking
Easier wiring
CON
Higher cost for mount
Dish near head; potential worry for non-broadband units.
Mast mounted
PRO
Gimble is easier if desired
Higher potential mount may give better range
Mount cost is lower
Lower RF danger for non-3G/4G Navico Broadband radars
CON
Wiring is harder
Messes with sail
Another wire in the mast
More weight high in the rig
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I did a mast mount with a Blue Sea clam for the wire entrance and a metal junction box below deck. The disconnect isn't much of a problem but I rarely unstep the mast.
Mast mount is definitely cheaper and easier. I did have to move my deck/steaming light down a little. You also have to cut an exit hole in the mast if it is deck stepped. It does add weight aloft.
Stern mount wiring would be easier. My boat squats a bit in the stern as there is already a wind vane hanging back there. If you are ever going to mount solar panels the stern mount could be an issue with shading.
I like the fact that the mast mount is much higher. There is potential for longer range but I don't feel that is very important for most radar use. What I like most about the height is that there is no chance of getting caught in the beam. I just kind of like it well overhead and out of the way, Steve.
Mast mount is definitely cheaper and easier. I did have to move my deck/steaming light down a little. You also have to cut an exit hole in the mast if it is deck stepped. It does add weight aloft.
Stern mount wiring would be easier. My boat squats a bit in the stern as there is already a wind vane hanging back there. If you are ever going to mount solar panels the stern mount could be an issue with shading.
I like the fact that the mast mount is much higher. There is potential for longer range but I don't feel that is very important for most radar use. What I like most about the height is that there is no chance of getting caught in the beam. I just kind of like it well overhead and out of the way, Steve.
I also have a Balboa 26, ... please let me know what you decided to do.
Are there any health risks associated with having the radar dome near you head? I would think there might be.
kYou are right as I was looking at the boat under his name. With a small boat though, is a radar needed. I am not sure where he sails, sails at night, long trips and so forth. I am going to stay away from this question.
Sorry need to update that ....I have both a Mac 25 an a Balboa 26. The Balboa is my main ride now. I sail Lake Superior so having a radar would actually be kinda handy specially with the ore boats and the fog we get. Plus the price was incredibly good ....
Yes that would be a great addition. I was so ever glad to have radar on the lower Chesapeake when I use to sail there at night and got caught in the fog.
If the ore carriers are your greatest concern, you might take a look at the Standard Horizon matrix radios with built in AIS. They make it really easy to know who is around you and just were they are going. Radar is a lot harder to read and figure out what the big boys are up to. The radio is a lot cheaper and easier to instal than a radar set up. the AIS gives you the name of the vessel for hailing purposes and also their speed and course.
Having both would be the best, Steve.
Having both would be the best, Steve.