Mast Mounted Radar Dome

[DrB]

I have a Raymarine dome mounted on a pole on the transom of my Pearson 10M. I want to move to the mast. Dome is roughly 12 to 14" diameter and 6" thick.

• Is this a DIY or should I pay someone to install?
• If a DIY, how easy and any special tools or tips?
• Mast is unstepped right now, better to step or easier to do unstepped.
• How far up? Below or Above Spreaders?
• Things to be cautious of if Pro installs?
• Cost for Pro (estimate)?

Thanks.

DrB

[artbyjody]

• Is this a DIY or should I pay someone to install?

I paid someone - It is definitely a two-person install if stepped.

• If a DIY, how easy and any special tools or tips?

You'll need a rivet gun, sealant, cable fisher, drill, and of course the mounting plate which will probably be different than the pole mount. Oh and a thru deck cable watertight coupler / sleeve or whatever they call those do hickeys.

• Mast is unstepped right now, better to step or easier to do unstepped.

Unstepped is easier as then you can run the cable through the deck under the mast - also makes fishing the cable easier.

• How far up? Below or Above Spreaders?

Above the first set of spreaders...take a look around a marina and see where others have it....

• Things to be cautious of if Pro installs?

Go through the instructions so that you know what is going on - the support for the Radar should be pop-riveted not screwed in place.

• Cost for Pro (estimate)?

That will depend widely - freelancer or official Raymarine expert.

[btrayfors]

Why do you want to move it? Depending on what you want the radar to do, the lower position is often better because it optimizes picking up objects closer to you (things you might run into), rather than things far away (who cares, anyway?).

To answer your questions,

* Is this a DIY or should I pay someone to install? DEPENDS ON YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY.

* If a DIY, how easy and any special tools or tips? NOT DIFFICULT IF YOU'RE ADEPT AT USING BASIC TOOLS AND AT WIRING

* Mast is unstepped right now, better to step or easier to do unstepped.
EASIER WITH MAST UNSTEPPED.

* How far up? Below or Above Spreaders?
DEPENDS ON YOUR RIG. WILL NEED TO BE CLEAR OF HEADSAIL.

* Things to be cautious of if Pro installs?
HIS KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE.

* Cost for Pro (estimate)?
MOST WORK OF THIS TYPE NOW COSTS BETWEEN $75 AND $100 PER HOUR.

Bill