Open Array Radar

[BornSailor2]

I'm obtaining a 2' Open Array Radar. I was wondering where some of you mount them. I have been looking for pictures but it seems like most smaller Sail Boats don't have them.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by BornSailor2

... Sail Boats don't have them.

Which might give one pause before purchasing.

[Paul Elliott]

Just in case Gord's observation isn't obvious enough, imagine a loose halyard getting caught by the spinning radar antenna, wrapping itself around and around until horrible things happen. That's why most sailboats have radomes.

If you are sure that's not going to happen then the open arrays typically give superior target resolution. I think I saw one mounted on a stern pole once.

[Bash]

It seems that with an open-array setup you only have two options: a radar mast on the transom; a radar arch aft of the helm. The first is costly, the second is more costly. The reason for this is that the radar has to be mounted well enough overhead so that it will not damage your retinas.

[goboatingnow]

Plently of bigger sailing boats have open array units. Most are mast mounted with a protective stainless steel hoop above and below the radar.

[svHyLyte]

If the unit is to be mounted on the Seafarer 38, will it be on a radar mast aft of the cockpit or are you thinking of a mast-mount. With a mast mount it wouldn't, but with a separate radar mast aft, it could, but given that one can obtain a 24" radome with the same resolution, why bother?

FWIW...

[BornSailor2]

GoBoatingNow - Thanks, I figured something similar to that but wanted to observe one mounted. (svHyLyte, thanks) The Aft mount above the dingy davit was another option. P.S. obtaining does not necessarily mean purchasing......... I guess a lot of Sailors never motored through a fog.