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Post by Zanshin on Nov 21, 2006 22:15:52 GMT
I am getting a wind generator with pole and supports installed next month but have realized that for my single-handing I will also need a radar relatively soon (i.e. when I save up the disposable income to buy it). So it seems to make sense to get a radar arch intalled on the 2002 43DS and I was wondering if anyone here had done so on this model or would have recommendations of models or comments about potential issues. I am thinking of having this done on St. Maarten (boat is in the BVI at present).
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Post by rxc on Nov 22, 2006 16:14:15 GMT
Zanshin,
A radar arch is the first upgrade I will order this winter, probably next week. I have a bunch of pictures of two installations on 43DSs done by Kato Marine in Annapolis. One arch was installed on the last 43DS sold in the us, out of Portsmouth, RI. We visited this boat (owned by Peter and Janet Bugg), which was right across the pier from us, and talked to them quite a bit.
The other photos were just sent to me by Kato. I am trying to decide which alloy to use (304 or 316), and whether to include an additional strengthening tube, as was ordered for the boat in Portsmouth. I will mount solar panels and a windmill on top of the arch. My radar is already on the mast. I will also use the arch as davits and to support a canvas enclosure.
I think it is better to have the radar on the arch, because you don't lose the close-in returns, but other people think that it is better to see the far-off targets. A matter of opinion - but I am not going to move my radar unit, yet, because of the hassle. Maybe if I have to take down the mast.
I also have a list of options and prices from Kato that I can send you. The options list may give you some ideas.
Ralph
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Post by Zanshin on Nov 22, 2006 17:30:16 GMT
thanks for all the information!
I've no experience with marine radar - don't the masses of the mast, boom and rigging get in the way of forward signals when the radar is mounted that far aft?
I've been told that a chronic problem with using an arch for a sailboat is that the aft section of the yacht is not designed with the stresses involved with the additional weight (heavy seas and a 100lb weight suspended from an arch can quickly turn into a 5g load or more if shock loading is taken into account). I would probably go for additional backing plates for the mounting positions and as much reinforcement as I can afford without making the boat too top-heavy. I like the idea of using the arch to hoist a heavy outboard and perhaps the whole dinghy aboard for stowage forward, though.
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Post by rxc on Nov 27, 2006 15:04:29 GMT
The mast and rigging do not significantly hide radar returns - they have a pretty small cross section when seen from the arch. The lower height does reduce the radar max range. It also reduces the size of the "dead zone" close to the boat in which the radar does not see targets. This is important if you are in fog moving up a narrow channel from buoy to bouy. GPS and a chart-plotter help a LOT in this situation, but it would also be nice to see close targets on the radar.
As I said, my radar is on the mast, and it will stay there at least till the mast comes down in a few years.
The Kato arch includes some very substantial backing plates, to be able to deal with the loads you are describing. I will also use the arch to hold up my dinghy, but only in very nice weather. In bad weather I will have it lashed to the deck forward of the mast. The anchor windlass is great for this - I don't have an electric winch on my 43DS.
If you wish, I can send you photos of arch designs, and the Kato pricing, to get an idea of the cost (much more than I had expected - probably around $7K).
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