How to Mount Radar on T-Top?

[tornadoatc]

I have a 32 Express and I want to mount a radar on the t-top.  I noticed that the t-top is not flat but has a ridgeline down the center. 

What is the appropriate way to mount the radar when using a 10" mount?  I was thinking that I might have to fabricate a piece of starboard that has been recessed to match slope of t-top.  Someone recommended that I grind the t-top flat and regelcoat it.   That seems like a lot of work to mount the radar. 

Just wondering what the best method is. 

Thanks for your input.

[a7ewizard]

I didn't use a pre-fab mount for the radar on my 251.With my arch, I used a couple of pieces of 2x2 synthetic wood decking. I cut these into a wedge for a bit of look down for the radar. Later, when I had a custom hardtop made, I simply used a few more SS fender washers in the rear bolts to provide the angle. Mounted directly on the hardtop.

I question your use of a 10 inch mount. If u are buying an entry level antenna. You will probably use it mainly for collision avoidance and in ranges of 2nm or less.... so the added height of a mount doesn't do anything for you. Even with a very good radar, I don't think the 10 inch mount would be worth the expense of grinding/re-gelcoating the ridge on the hardtop, IMO. If you are set on the mount, why not just offset it slightly???The returns won't be affected.

[tornadoatc]

Actually, I have been very confused as to just what what I need for the height of mount, down angle, and location of mount (center of t-top or forward just behind search light).  The search light is mounted right out front and I need to get over that.  So I guess a 4-6" mount would be fine.  I was thinking of using this mount http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Marine-Radar-Mount-12-fits-Raymarine-Garmin-Furuno_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2c53948ef2QQitemZ190380805874QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

because it had the light mount and radar mount as one unit.  I read good things about these mounts on thehulltruth.com

But to use that type of mount the radar has to be very forward and I am not sure if there are any pros or cons to that approach?  Furthermore, how do you determine the best down angle?  The guy that manufactures those mounts was suggesting taking an angle finder and trying to determine the change in angle when underway at cruise speed.  I have been thinking of it as a simple geometry problem.  The radar has 12.5degrees off horizontal.  Why not just position the radar so that the bottom of that 12.5 degrees is shooting just above my bow?  As you mentioned I want the radar for close in navigation mostly. 

 

[probryans]

If you light is mounted then I'd just get an stand like 7" high to get you over the light. I would mount the radar and see how it works before I would get too worried about your angle. I have seen radars mounted right in the middle of a hard top and they must work I would guess. I was also told that the radar would not be affected by the light as I just got a new spot and was worried about my radar.

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