[jkumin]

We went through the same question last year for our new 41''. Settled on a stern pole, no leveling and are happy with the choice. Reasoning included most radar use is under 12 miles, we find often under 6 and the extra range from the height of a mast mount is meaningless. A mast mount beats up the headsail leech. A backstay mount was ruled out as we slack the backstay totally in light air and it would flop around. Leveling we have found unnecessary. The vertical arc of a typical radar is 25 dgrees or so, and unless you are on your ear there is no difference. As a practical matter we have seen no deterioration in range or definition from heeling (or from wet sails). We know two boats that had their leveling mechanism fail. Our philosophy is keep it light and simple whenever possible.