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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Radar

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gaucho9
1st Mate

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USA
33 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/30/2013 : 07:42:51

It was very tempting to purchase a radar in addition to the Garmin chartplotter for less than two grand, so we did. Where would be the best place on the mast to install the radar antenna? Thanks again to all who helped me previously on other topics...

GAUCHO

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5904 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2013 : 14:12:17

The responses to your question might be limited because your's might be the only C250 equipped with radar. I don't have radar, although have liked the idea ever since I was caught sailing in a dense fog and heard horns and big diesel engines all around me, but I found a discussion on Cruiser's Forum that might help give you some ideas. Go to the following link: http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f13/backstay-vs-pole-mounted-radar-51225.html
There's another good discussion here:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f13/got-a-radar-so-how-do-i-mount-it-21254.html

Edited by - Steve Milby on 05/30/2013 14:37:16

gaucho9
1st Mate

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USA
33 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2013 : 17:36:59

Thanks Steve! Here in the Penobscot Bay, can get foggy very quickly and there is a lot of traffic including ferries. I got a smaller unit that will allow me to see what is coming my way (I hope). Again, many thanks

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2013 : 17:46:42

We sail on Puget Sound, and while fog isn't an every day occurrence, I've thought about putting a radar on the boat more than a few times. I'd probably mount the antenna on a mast coming up off of the port cat-bird seat instead of up the mast. I occasionally see them used for less than $700, and the urge is very strong then, but I can think of other things I'd rather spend the money on.

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TakeFive
Master Marine Consultant

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2272 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2013 : 20:09:28

I don't mean to suggest that AIS is a full-fledged substitute for radar, but it does provide some of the same functionality and also identifies the names and other info on the boats, especially if they're over 300 tons. Since it can use your existing VHF antenna, the receiver is easy to install, especially if it's integrated into a VHF radio.

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gaucho9
1st Mate

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USA
33 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2013 : 20:57:05

Thank you all! I may install the Garmin chartplotter and study the subject further. So the radar may go in next season...

Edited by - on

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2013 : 11:14:38

A dock neighbor has sailed his Oyster 52 from the Chesapeake Bay up to the coast of Maine and back, and he emphasized the need to have radar for safe and pleasant cruising off the coast there.

Happy sailing!

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gaucho9
1st Mate

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USA
33 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2013 : 11:32:35

Thanks, John.

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9082 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2013 : 14:37:32

...and whether you have radar or not, a radar reflector is a good thing to have in fog. It'll make you shine on the other guy's screen.

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gaucho9
1st Mate

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USA
33 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2013 : 18:11:41

Thanks Dave! Any suggestion on a reflector's brand name?

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2013 : 18:36:37

I installed a Tri-Lens reflector on SL. Here's a [url="http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=15159"]thread with links to the research I did[/url], as well as a possible deal (don't know if they'll still honor it, I did the leg works years ago).

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9082 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2013 : 07:51:49

I also have the Tri-lens, which has been top-rated for sailboats (and is pricy)...

But the simple triple-plane spherical reflectors apparently work well if properly rigged (in the "catch rain" orientation).

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gaucho9
1st Mate

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USA
33 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2013 : 09:58:35

Thanks again!

G9

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.