Mast mounted radar vs arch mounted radar

[EmeraldCoastSailor]

With the idea that keeping weight aloft to a minimum is good but that higher is also better, how does one decide on where to mount radar dome? What range and fidelity loss occurs when coming down from mid mast to arch?

[SailingHarmonie]

The distance to the visual (or radar) horizon is:

D=1.22459∗Sqrt(h)

Where h is height in feet and D is horizon distance in nautical miles

So a radar at 6 feet will have a visual horizon of (approximately) 3 NM

Raise it to 20 feet and the horizon is now 5.5 NM

Now this is very simplistic, and ignores the height of the target, and the reflection of radar waves, etc., etc. But put it up the mast, and expect a range increase for surface targets of about 80%.

Now if you put it TOO high you begin to lose close in contacts, but that really starts in earnest at heights above where you are likely to want it.

[Montanan]

High and gimballed for leveling.

[hpeer]

Well height depends upon what you are looking for. Is extreme range important for you?

There are any number of factors to look at.

Do you have solar panels? Will the radar shade the panels?
Are you interested in close targets, lobster pot bouys?
Is convenience to the unit important?
How will you run the cable?
Will your arch support the weight? Will it cause wobble?