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142 Posts
I opted for a mast mount (RayM 4kw installed in '08). Personally, I don't like the stern mounts for several reasons (most personal). Having it up on the mast is a set it and forget proposition. Radar technology is not that great as it is, especially so on sailboats. I wanted height to help maximise target acquisition, and I don't regret the decision at all. I certainly, and most importantly, wanted to avoid contact with the radar beam. Case in point, our baby monitor goes schizo when the (home) microwave is on, and it's 10 feet away, and not 4kw. Yikes! The suggestion of simply putting it in standby mode is not an option. Turning them on/off is bad for the microwave device, and will shorten its lifespan. And, crew is not likely to do that anyway.
As for climbing the mast. Well, can't comment as I had my mast taken down for the installation. I would say that I think mounting it from a bosuns chair would be very difficult.
Lastly, the genoa does not get stuck unless poor technique is applied. Most people when tacking will blow the jib as they start the tack, which is terrible technique (and bad for the sail). If you wait until almost in irons to blow the jib sheet, 1) the jib will still be driving the boat forward and 2) less sheeting in on the other board, which means the jib will flog a lot less (if at all).
As for climbing the mast. Well, can't comment as I had my mast taken down for the installation. I would say that I think mounting it from a bosuns chair would be very difficult.
Lastly, the genoa does not get stuck unless poor technique is applied. Most people when tacking will blow the jib as they start the tack, which is terrible technique (and bad for the sail). If you wait until almost in irons to blow the jib sheet, 1) the jib will still be driving the boat forward and 2) less sheeting in on the other board, which means the jib will flog a lot less (if at all).