Radar Arch on a B25

[Joseph Fikentscher]

I was going to mount the Radar Arch on the cabin top, Not to the flybridge because I thought it would be a stronger mounting spot. But the curvature of the top means shims which seem quite severe. Looks like I'll have to make molds and glass in level shims.

1. Is the flybridge strong enough to hold the arch? If so the mounts will work much easier.
2. If not, then what material do I use to mold the shims? Thickened epoxy?

I saw a 28, and a 35 with the arch mounted to the bridge sides. maybe I'm overthinking this?

http://www.atlantictowers.com/products_radar_arch.php

[Navatech]

If you're referring to an installation like this one:



I'd advise against it UNLESS you intend to operate the boat from a lower station when the radar is in operation... My concern would be the "family jewels" so to speak... All that radiation can't be good for you... In fact, in naval and maritime settings getting on the mast when the radar is in operation is a big no no... Even if the radar is in a radome (so obviously just getting kicked of the mast is not the only concern)... Personally speaking, I'd hate for anything to happen to my gonads... I'd also hate it if I started glowing in the dark...

If I'm overly cautious I'm sure I'll be set straight momentarily...

Also, remember that the higher your radome the more range your radar will have... The down side is that the radar "blind" circle around your vessel will be bigger...

[Joseph Fikentscher]

No navatech. The radar will eventually go on top if the arch. I'm trying to decide if the fly bridge has the strength to support the arch.

[scot]

Not sure about frying your goods, but the top is strong enough to mount the arch to. I had to remove mine and cut it up to get rid of it (tried for months to give it away) The 25 tops are very well built. 1/4" glass top and underside and cored with plywood. HEAVY, I estimated the top (without flybridge) was 300+lbs.

[Yannis]

Joseph, I found this not far from my boat. It looks small for a 25 but it might help. Good luck.

[Joseph Fikentscher]

Here are two different mounting ideas.

1. Mounted on the cabin top.


2. mounted on the flybridge sides.


I think mounting on the flybridge sides as in the B28 pictured would be easier but not sure if the B25 flybridge is strong enough.

[Joseph Fikentscher]

Here is a B35 mounted on the flybridge sides.

[Yannis]

Joseph,
I've seen a few boats having their radar installed right on the front slope of the fb. Wouldn't this be simpler, cheaper and faster?

[Joseph Fikentscher]

Yannis,

Yes it would, however, as Navatech pointed out, I value my family jewels. I have already purchased the arch at a deep discount since it was a "blemished" ( a few basically unnoticeable scratches ). Now I need to get it mounted, move the antennas run wiring etc.

[Yannis]

Yes Joseph, you're right, the "on the forward slope" position might be too close to Jack and Co (mainly Co) !!

[Joseph Fikentscher]

I think I'll go half and half like this one.

[Joseph Fikentscher]

Here's how it came out. Mow I need to mount the anchor/running light, and antennas, followed by the outriggers.

[MarkS]

I like it! Is it sturdy enough to climb on?

[scot]

Came out very nice, pretty boat as well.

[Tony Meola]

Joe

Did Atlantic do the work for you?

[Joseph Fikentscher]

Mark,

Probably, although I haven't tried yet.

Tony,

No, I installed it myself. Looks like the Lee JR Outriggers will fit nicely between the legs. I'll post more pictures when I get them on.

[Joseph Fikentscher]

Added the outriggers and antennas.

[Tony Meola]

Joe

Did the additional weight cause her to roll a lot more than normal?

Tony

[Joseph Fikentscher]

Tont, surprisingly there is not much weight. I can lift the whole tower but you need two to install because it is awkward. The riggers and mounts are also not heavy. I would say its probably less than one extra man on the bridge.

[Rocket]

Wow, looking very clean and custom, nicely done, Joe!