Radar arch

[sisusuomi]

When getting a radar arch is there any specifics needed? We're looking to add radar to our boat but want a nice arch that kayaks or inflatable raft can fit under. Does any arch work with any radar unit is what I'm asking. I was reading about radar and noticed that a couple of radar post type supports were gir specific brands, and that's why I'm asking this question.

 

[potbuilder]

I'd think you can drill holes to mount any radar to just about any arch you get.

 

[Anythingalaska]

When getting a radar arch is there any specifics needed? We're looking to add radar to our boat but want a nice arch that kayaks or inflatable raft can fit under. Does any arch work with any radar unit is what I'm asking. I was reading about radar and noticed that a couple of radar post type supports were gir specific brands, and that's why I'm asking this question.

Any arch should work just fine. After all; they are just metal brackets that hold the radar on top of your cabin. Like PB said, drill new holes to fit whichever arch you decide on.

 

[TriIron]

Looks like you are asking two questions here. While you can probably fit any radar on the top of the arch you may not be able to fit any raft or kayak under an arch depending on the height or width of the arch. If you're talking about mounting an arch on a hard top (instead of a on a soft top) then you also need to take into account where your cables will run. For some boats that can be a lot more work if you mount the arch aft rather than forward (assuming your helm is forward). We have had arches where we mounted rod holders onto the arch-which may determine the type of arch you install. You may also want to also mount your antena(s), GPS or search light on the arch so you need to either have tabs on the arch or be willing to install them later. One last consideration is that in some installations having the arch and the radar at the aft portion of the rood may (depending on the configuration of the roof) cause problems with the radar signal.

 

[sisusuomi]

Thanks for the replies. We've got a pilothouse with the forward facing windows so we're of the opinion that positioning the arch as far forward as possible. I like the idea of getting additional tabs welded on during the fan. Unfortunately I don't have my big welder any longer so I will need to get the arch made by someone else.

I kinda figured it didn't matter about the arch as long as it can accommodate the unit do it sits parallel to the water at a particular speed, so the radar beam is reading correctly and not looking up into the sky.

BTW any recommendations for fabricators in Juneau?

 

[MacGyver]

You may or may not needs to add shims to the back of the radar depending how high the bow rides up.

 

[Big Jim]

Silver streak in anc usually has some already made up; give em a call and some rough dimensions and they are quick and easy to deal with.
Go big and thick on the tubing and as wide as possible. On my 24' Hewes mine is about 18" at Least above the roof. I can get 3 double kayaks under that and my inflatable will fit as well. It came with the radar pad and another 4 plates both horizontal & vertical for mounting antennas. I have the radar, mast light & 3 antennas all up there out of harm's way. Also you can run all the cables down thru the legs/tubing thru the roof for a clean install.
Can't say enuff positive about an adequate, sturdy, large arch.
On the radar, when I installed arch, it had a slight forward angle/slope to it, mounted radar with no shims on a whim (ha!) and bam! Works perfectly as-is. It will show me sticks and birds sitting on the water at 25 kts as well as everything larger and will still reach out to at least 15 miles. Incidentally it's the cheapest radar I think you can get; Furuno 1623. Awesome.

 

[AKBassking]

This is the company I used:

http://www.atlantictowers.com/