[C38] Radar installation advice

[Phil Gay]

I mounted my antenna on the backstay with a gimbaled mount.  It works well
but I do wonder if this places dynamic loads on the mast that could fatigue
it though. Being lower to the water helps you see things close up while a
mid mast mount helps you see things farther.

It seems that most people here mount the screen in the companionway where it
can swing out of the way.  My system was a radar/chartplotter and I mounted
it on the steering pedestal.  I am constantly zooming and moving the map
around so that I cannot imagine why so many people mount it 8 feet ahead of
the steering position.  I may be farsighted but that is ridiculous.  BTW my
wife thought that a chartplotter would be a waste of money.  Now she thinks
that it is neatest toy on the boat.

You will probably mount the antenna just above the lower spreaders and your
30 meter (98 feet) of cable should be plenty.

Phil Gay
C38 049 Que Linda
Everett WA

-----Original Message-----
From: listserve-bounces at catalina38.org
[mailto:listserve-bounces at catalina38.org] On Behalf Of Charles
Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 7:04 AM
To: Catalina 38 Listserve
Subject: [C38] Radar installation advice

I am installing radar on the Mighty Quinn in preparation for my trip 
through the Great Lakes this summer which will include wandering among 
giant steel battering rams (commercial shipping), who don't wish to 
debate navigation rules.  Tonnage rules is the byword and my personal 
experience crewing on a 600' ore boat back in the 1960's supports this 
as part of my night watch responsibilities was to make sure the pilot 
was awake.... and yes I often had to wake him!
I have purchased the Furuno 1715 during the Defender spring sale.  It 
comes with 30 meters of cable to connect the masthead unit to the panel. 
1. Is this enough and
2. where did folks mount the control unit and run the cable?

Charles Finn
Mighty Quinn #114

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