Association Forum - Radar arch on a Catalina 25?

Assn Members Area · Join

Home.

Association Forum

Ships Store

Cruising

Racing

Technical Tips

Photo Gallery - New

Boat Search - Updated

Manuals & Brochures

Swap Meet

Links

Officer Flag Line & Staff

Bylaws & Constitution

Members Area

Join the Association

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.

Association Forum

Username:	Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

All Forums

Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Radar arch on a Catalina 25?

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

Page: of 2

lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

Member Avatar

Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/06/2004 : 01:54:38

Has anyone ever put a radar arch on the back of their Catalina 25, or seen one on someone else's 25? I don't actually have radar-what I would use it for is to mount solar panels, GPS antenna, and backup VHF antenna. It would also be the mast crutch. And if I ever decide to move the boat to SF Bay full-time, I might get radar. Is the Catalina 25 too small of a boat for this? Most of the sailboats I've seen with a radar arch are at least 30'. It would probably turn out to be way too expensive, but at least I wnt to check it out.

Larry Charlot
Catalina 25WK/TR Mk. IV #5857 "Quiet Time"
Folsom Lake, CA

"You might get there faster in a powerboat, but in a sailboat, you're already there"

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2004 : 05:31:45

Larry,

I have considered this idea as well since I'm now bent on longer cruising(10+ days)and have solar panels hanging in odd, disruptive places. I haven't done anything yet but I would think that you would have to design something yourself since I haven't seen anything on the market. Maybe Edson makes an arch that would fit. More likely you'd have to find someone in your area who works with aluminum or tubular steel.I would think though that since there is little bolt-on space on the transom, that you need something that is integral, and probably replaces, the existing stern rail, and angles back over the rudder so that it is actually outside the boat. Cost, like most things marine, would be high if you could get it from a manufacturer and not so high if you could get it made locally.

I'll do some net searching and let you know let you know what I find out. This could be a great upgrade project for the C25 if it's done right.

Al
GALLIVANT #5801

Edited by - on

John V.
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2004 : 17:39:31

After this summer's lake superior cruise radar is certainly on my list. When we arrived at Grand Portage MN to launch, every boat there had a unit, even small 18' fishing boats had them.
When we departed the harbor we found out why. Not 100 yds from shore a heavy fog rolled in so fast we lost sight of every thing and had to feel our way out using sound and sonar. We kept gently feeling for the deeper water that led to the channel while listening for waves lapping on nearby rocks. I have a 9' mast on the stern for an airex wind generator. There would be room lower down for a bracket to hold probably a 24" antenna. Many of the small boats we saw had antennas that were much smaller than 24". I would love to know which radar unit has the smallest antenna. I believe that the C25 can handle a unit either on the mast at the spreaders or on a tower aft. I'm not sure if an arch would work unless you had one designed to replace the stern pulpit.

Edited by - on

oldsalt
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2004 : 17:59:11

The smaller the antenna, the narrower the beamwidth and the less detail/definition the radar will provide.

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2004 : 18:11:34

so how much would it cost to install a radar unit?

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2004 : 18:31:01

John,

I also ran into a nasty fog situation on my 9-day cruise on Lake Superior (Houghton/Portage Canal to Grand Maraise Mich and return)this summer. I (I was single handing) left Big Bay in a thick fog which allowed about 20 yards or less visibily. I was following a course to a GPS way-point to the Huron Islands and monitoring depth contour lines with a chart book. Everything was fine until I approached the islands and started talking on the radio to a large (72') motor yacht in the same area. My sailing partner who was behnd me on a 30' Nunsuch called and told me that his radar had me "on Huron Island" and I should make an immediate 90 degree turn to starboard. I looked to where the island should be but saw nothing, and checked the depth which confirmed that I was at 58' - probably extremely close to a shear rock wall on the east side of the island. I had apparently input some real "garbage" for a waypoint in my GPS. Lesson learned - always double check everything, use multiple navigation aides, and stay alert, especially in fog. If your planning on returnng via the same route and the weather is clear, sail to each waypoint to check its validity.

Rather than radar, which I consider too large for the C25, I'm getting a chart plotter, which will give me a better idea where I am than nothing at all. Besides, I'm saving for a roller furler, which I consider a higher priority for single handing.

Al
GALLIVANT #5801

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2004 : 18:51:27

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Gloss
 so how much would it cost to install a radar unit?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Sailnet has a furuno on sale for around $1,500.00.

I would think the easiest installation would be a mast mount instead of having an arch fabricated.

Edited by - on

Lightnup
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1016 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2004 : 19:07:55

The extra weight's not a problem, but the boom smacking into the inside of the arch every time I tack gives me a headache!

Steve

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2004 : 19:46:38

so does the 1500 include the antenna and also the display, and cables, and mount etc. etc. etc. ?

Will it fit down the chimney when santa comes?

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1772 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2004 : 20:12:43

The extra weight's not a problem, but the boom smacking into the inside of the arch every time I tack gives me a headache! - Steve


Steve ... you goofball!

That picture is a hoot!

'Glad to see the hurricanes haven't dampened your spirits ... 'hope your boat and those of our other Catalina compadres made it through the storms OK.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2004 : 20:21:43

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Gloss
 so does the 1500 include the antenna and also the display, and cables, and mount etc. etc. etc. ?

Will it fit down the chimney when santa comes?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I think the [url="http://www.sailnet.com/store/item.cfm?pid=25496"]Furuno system on Sailnet[/url] includes only the chartplotter and radome. Cabling and mounts are probably extra.

Steve,

Nice arch!...Have you move your traveller to it yet?

Edited by - dlucier on 09/06/2004 20:22:08

Brooke Willson
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2004 : 20:25:51

There are also backstay mounts -- although obviously the higher the antenna the better, so high on the mast would be helpful.

Brooke

Edited by - on

oldsalt
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2004 : 21:50:24

Hang a pair of 200 HP Mercs on that thing and you might be onto something.

Edited by - oldsalt on 09/06/2004 21:51:24

Lightnup
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1016 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2004 : 09:32:16

Did you mean like this Mark?

Steve

Edited by - on

MattL
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2004 : 09:42:10

Steve, are you sure that's not a beefed up mac?

Edited by - on

Jeff McK
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
389 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2004 : 09:57:07

Steve,

Will that rig let you get over 20 knots? If so, maybe they can have a Ski Boat division at the next Nationals. Oh yeah, put some padding on the end of the boom. That should cut down the noise after a tack. :-D

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2004 : 19:31:12

Hey Steve,
Your boat now needs some deck wenches to go with the radar arch and Mercs. And some Miami Vice music in the background.

Edited by - on

At Ease
Admiral

Members Avatar

672 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2004 : 20:41:19

Take the $1500 and put it toward a bigger boat.

Edited by - on

oldsalt
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2004 : 21:05:09

Now you're cooking Steve; the first "muscle sailboat". I'll bet that thing will do at least 45-50 knots easy and have both the Hunter and Mac crowd drooling.

Edited by - oldsalt on 09/07/2004 21:12:30

Lightnup
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1016 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2004 : 21:20:24

Can't do much about the music but we picked up a wench and another 200 horsepower! Gee, I love sailing!

Edited by - on

Jeff McK
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
389 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2004 : 22:12:16

YOWZA!! I never saw ANY of these options on the C-250 order form. Did I miss a page somewhere? :-D

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

3072 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2004 : 22:19:19

Hmmm...

I think the arch would look better the other way... kinda like a wing on a riced-out Civic.
Obviously needs some fart cans on those Merc's too.

Edited by - on

oldsalt
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2004 : 22:41:43

Wow; 600 screaming HP and ready to rip.

With that extra Merc it's perfect now Steve, don't change a thing. The epitome of style and class and just the ticket for a quick midnight run to the Bahamas and back without attracting any attention at all.

The perfect vessel for the import/export entrepenuer.

Or, for those otherwise inclined; the perfect gentleman's yacht or an environmentally friendly muscle boat when motorsailing.

The Catalina 25 MK. XIV Thundersailor, a technological and marketing breakthrough and a definite babe magnet as well. Congratulations on your revolutionary design. Olin Stephins and Capt. Nat Herreshoff would be proud.

Edited by - oldsalt on 09/07/2004 22:51:41

MattL
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 09/08/2004 : 03:29:38

Obviously you are not traveling up to speed or I'd see a rooster tail behind those merc's. Our lake is going to be closed to boating for a weekend next month for the annual drag boat bull $%#$#, Bet you could kick butt over here.

Edited by - MattL on 09/08/2004 03:32:35

RichardG
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 09/08/2004 : 11:55:36

There's a local stainless shop that does that custom "arch" type work around here. I assume there are also some respected shops up in the Bay Area, as well, but it will be quite expensive.

Backstay radar mounts are also on the expensive side. I would assume a standard Edson mast mount (about $250) would be the way to go on a C25 (after confirming the mast is wide enough for the mount).

While I usually take Practical Sailor's advice with a grain of salt, their Sept. '04 issue reviewed inexpensive, entry-level LCD radars. At about $1,135, they rated the lower priced [url="http://www.defender.com/cgi-bin/Web_store/web_store.cgi?keywords=furuno+radar&frames=yes&store=yes"]Furuno 1623[/url] quite high. I doubt I would ever get one, but I was surprised at my interest in the article and that you could conceivably have a high quality, mounted and fully-functional radar for less than $1400.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 09/08/2004 : 12:12:18

I thought we were just supposed to use reflectors and hope the other guy is paying attention.

Edited by - on

Page: of 2

Topic

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Jump To:

Association Forum

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.