Mast Mounting Radar on 342

[ChrisH]

I would be grateful if anyone has mounted a radar (I'm using a B&G Halo20) on the mast of a 342 or similar as I cannot find any pics or info on line to give me any ideas as to pros and cons for mounting at different heights on the mast and then the cable runs etc.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Chris

[Charlie-Bravo]

Not model specific, but the pro’s and cons generally are , the higher up it is the further distance it will scan, although the higher up positions generally lose some of the close range abilities, and if very high the scanner will be swinging around more, as to if the more modern radar with its faster sweeps needs stability I know not, but guess a steady scanner is a happy scanner.
Too low down could be a hazard for crew at the bow …… but it would have to be quite low for that.

In reality, seeing things at 25 - 30 miles away is probably less interesting than seeing things at 2 to 10 miles away as these present a more immediate threat. 

Most folk seem to mount radar about half way up the mast, perhaps so they can steady themselves with feet on the spreaders if working afloat up the mast, or just as a compromise on distance v stability.

Hopefully a 342 owner will chirp in soon with further info for you.

Enjoy the new toy

CB

[SY Racer]

Hi ChrisH,

besides other considerations, make sure to insulate the antenna mount against the mast to prevent galvanic corrosion. I lost the mast of a charter boat a few years ago. The mast broke exactly at the point where the antenna mount was riveted to the mast (stainless steel mount, aluminum mast).

I talked with the insurer afterwards and the guy also suggested corrosion as to most probable reason, as the standing rigging was completely intact (before we cut shrouds and stays to get rid of the garbage).

No fun to get rid of the debris with a short handed crew...

Carsten

[MalcolmP]

Jan 4, 2024 10:13:38 GMT ChrisH said:

I would be grateful if anyone has mounted a radar (I'm using a B&G Halo20) on the mast of a 342 or similar as I cannot find any pics or info on line to give me any ideas as to pros and cons for mounting at different heights on the mast and then the cable runs etc.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Chris

Chris

I fitted one myself on our SO34.2 a few years ago. The cable run was difficult, but hopefully the newer models of radar like the B&G Halo may have smaller cables. The one I fitted was an Raymarine unit with a massive cable. 

When Jeanneau put the "lid" of the deck onto the hull, they had pinched the conduit under the mast, so it was impossible to get the large cable through. I ended up having to route it through the stainless steel mast support, which I had to remove (propped the deck with an Acrow) to drill the holes, surprisingly easy with a masonry drill...

Strongly suggest you take a good look at the conduits and cable size before you start.

Good luck Malcolm
 

[ChrisH]

Jan 5, 2024 8:49:47 GMT MalcolmP said:

I fitted one myself on our SO34.2 a few years ago. The cable run was difficult, but hopefully the newer models of radar like the B&G Halo may have smaller cables. The one I fitted was an Raymarine unit with a massive cable. 

When Jeanneau put the "lid" of the deck onto the hull, they had pinched the conduit under the mast, so it was impossible to get the large cable through. I ended up having to route it through the stainless steel mast support, which I had to remove (propped the deck with an Acrow) to drill the holes, surprisingly easy with a masonry drill...

Strongly suggest you take a good look at the conduits and cable size before you start.

Good luck Malcolm
 

Thanks for the info. I know the pain of threading a new N2K backbone form the mast but as you say, the radar cable is a wee bit bigger, we love a challange!

Can I ask where on the mast you mounted it (pic would be great) as the uphaul is kind of in the way of my preferred option?

Chris

[MalcolmP]

Sorry Chris, can't find a suitable photo. We sold her several years ago. But it was sited above the lower set of spreaders and we had a radar reflector above that.

Malcolm

[MalcolmP]

Hi Chris

Just found this one. It was a Furuno radar. We are rafted to another yacht, which makes the rigging a bit confusing, but you should be able to scale it off from here hopefully. Photo was taken in Southwold outside the wonderful Harbour Inn.

Do let me and the forum know how it works out please.

Good luck Malcolm