Chrysler Sailors Forum

Hey, does anyone here have a radar arch on their C-26?
I have some solar panels I would like to mount on one and possibly a wind generator in the future, but am not too sure what would be good to buy.
I was hoping someone might have some experience with what works and waht doesn't. Maybe even someone that has built one.

Thanks,
Adam

We have a radar arch on Destiny.

Some of the benifits:

1) GPS antena mounted there.
2) Spare VHF antenna mounted there. Main on top of the mast.
3) Great place for the AC cord to be hung from when you are stern tied in a slip.
4) Radar antenna mounted there.
5) Dinghy hangs from there.
6) Outboard motor lift is there.

and lastly . . . . .

We went to Lowes and purchased solar yard lamps. We use velcro to hang a pair off the arch. Makes for excellent cockpit lighting when at anchor and provides better visibility whe we are anchored in a dark cove. Other boaters can see us!

I'm all for the functionality of a radar arch!!

Scott

do you have any pictures of the arch, I would love to see them.
Also, where did you get the arch, or did you make it?

Adam

Hey Adam,
First my apologizes, Destiny is not a Chrysler, She is a Beneteau.
My picture will not likely help other than ideas.

I was just spewing my approval of the functionality of a radar arch. I never liked the look of them until I had one. Now, I'd likely add one!


Here is a shot of Destiny from above. It'll just give you an idea of the uses for the arch.

Notice the cross pieces that allow for antennas and such.
The arch was an option on the boat when it was purchased new.

If anyone objects to a shot of a Bennie here, I will remove it.
Scott

very nice looking boat.
thanks for the pic.

Thank you, and no problem.
Scott

Scott, you read my mind! I have solar panels to mount, a gps ant. and a BBQ AND I have a raymarine radome that I am debating what to do with...whether to go and buy a display or not for it depends on where and how I will ever mount it on the c26... I am pretty sure the mount HAS TO BE GIMBLED... otherwise it can be pretty ineffectual on a heel... I saw that OLD boat mag ( or one of these mags) had a project on how to make a gimbled radar mount hanging from the backstay... it was pretty cheap and simple...as for the solar panels.. I am thinking of hanging them out horizantally ( like a shelf from the rear of teh stern pulpit over teh OB... but I have not decided on a total plan yet.. so keep me in the loop if you see/come up with anything

How and when you use the radar is whether or not you need to gimble it.

If you actually sail after dark or in fog, you'll need to gimble it. Our sailing after dark is extrermly limited. Sailing in fog here is virtually non existant. If there is enough wind to heel Destiny, there is no fog at all. Thus no need for radar.

Next concern is height. If you sail in protected waters, the range you gain by lifting it high is not necessarily good. You may shoot a signal OVER a close boat and have a weaker return signal. If you are off shore and risk large ships not seeing you then the higher the better so you can see them sooner!

You do need to keep the radar dome above everyone on the boat though. No need to microwave your crew!

Our radar use is almost always on the 1.5 mile range. All I care is that I do not get hit by a wreckless power boater. If I'm in open water I may kick it up a notch to look for ships but that is not the norm. Seattle Traffic updates where ships are in the shipping lanes regularly so you get an idea where the ships are long before you see them.

The Ferries around here are very good at watching for boaters so the risk there is less.

I do highly recommend a radar reflector too.

Scott