Hi - I am a new owner of a 30U, sailing in New England waters. I’m planning to update the electronics and install new radar and I’ve been hearing mixed things about mounting the radar on the mast in terms affecting the mast’s structural integrity from the drill holes. On the other hand, because of the boom’s length, there may be potential issues with a pedestal on the stern. Opinions from the community would be very much appreciated.
Steven Arnold
Alveus
30U #450
Metalmast Marine Spars presumably still makes a Nonsuch specific radar mount that straps to the mast(no holes). We had one 10 years with zero problems. We mounted it above the boom, it worked well but the halyard can easily get hung up on it (usually at the worst moments). It was high enough to hopefully keep the rays above your head. Excellent product I think.
Bob Hindle
There seems to be a trend towards mounting radars on a stern pole. This arrangement seems to suit a Nonsuch very well. I have not heard of any problems with radar poles and the wishbone or sheet as long as the pole is tall enough and mounted outside the pushpit rail on a transom step or as far aft as possible. The newer radars no longer use a scanning magnetron so there is no longer a worry about microwaving you and your crew.
However, I am a believer in a mast mounted radar for the simple reason that the extra height gives your radar extended range and accuracy. The radar should be mounted on the centreline of the boat.
My radar has been mounted just below the mast joint for 25 years. The mount is a custom stainless bracket that wraps around the mast like a clamp. There are no holes drilled in the mast for the mount, only a single hole used to run the wiring. I regularly inspect this and have not seen any evidence of cracks. Off the shelf radar mounts can be mounted to the mast with stainless bands (think pallet strapping) that will securely hold it in place. I have seen several boats with the wiring running down the exterior of the mast and through the deck.
Regarding drilling holes in the mast I have seen lot of boats with radar mounts bolted in place at or below the mast joint. Usually involved drilling eight holes. I am not sure, and it would be interesting to hear, if a mast has ever failed because of this. Nonsuch masts generally fail near deck level where there is a tremendous amount of strain on the mast at the partners. The older 30’s had a pin that went through the mast collar and into the mast that I believe was the cause of the failures and led to the lower mast sections being replaced under warranty (correct me if I am wrong).
That would lead me to believe that the position of the exit hole for wiring is even more important than the holes drilled to mount the radar. Keeping this hole close to the butt of the mast would seem to be a great idea. There’s a lot of discussion about how these holes should be drilled. General consensus seems to be to create an oblong hole, like a slot, with rounded off edges that stop cracks from forming.
Another thing to consider is the age of the mast and the degradation of aluminum over time and how aggressively you sail your boat. Engineers in the group will certainly chime in with their educated perspective on this issue.
My interest in all of this is that I am about to install a Raymarine Quantum WiFi radar. Only a two strand 14 gauge wire running to the dome. I have to remove my mast bracket to change the mount base from Furuno holes to Raymarine holes (wish there was a standard here) so I will be doing a close inspection of what has been going on at the mount over the years. I am still debating whether I will run a data cable to the dome to back up the WiFi. That depends on whether or not the two cables (data and power) will fit through the existing hole … or, devil may care, should I break out the drill and enlarge the hole.
Jamie Morrison
Dexterity II
30U 225
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Hi Steven.
Six years ago I installed radar on a post installed on the exterior of the transom. I had Stainless products from Barrie Ontario make post and required brackets , the same company that makes the swim platforms for our boats.
I also have the Cressman boom extension which could increase a problem with the boom hitting the radar post , but there has never been such an issue. I am 150 km from my boat right now but could provide dimensional info of the installation if you can wait 3 weeks.
Should you wish to pursue the mast installation refer to the UPDATE winter 2015 issue and you will see how Paul Boudreau ,winner of Most Innovations, 2014 Rendezvous, installed his radar without drilling holes but using the mast joint bolts.
Hope this helps,
Bob Jenkins
Good News 30U. #323
Aurora and Penetang
Thank you all for the thoughtful discussion and recommendations. Really helpful!
Best - Steven
Alveus NS30U 450
Charlestown, MA
Hi All - Picking up on this old thread. I’m looking for a mast mount to add radar. Has anyone recently added a strap-on mast radar mount? Sources?
So far the only one I’ve gleaned from this thread and others is MetalMast Spars.
Thanks -
Bob Gehrman
NS30U #396 “Quickbeam”
Baltimore, Maryland