New Radar mounting location on Tugs

[Red Fury]

Does anybody know why the 2016 tugs have the radar dome mounted low on the mast this year? The masts I have seen on the 2016's have a new mounting system where they fold over to the port side rather than forward. I am wondering how the lower position on the mast affects performance of the radar. The higher position on previous years kept the dome higher than most of the stuff on the top of the tug like the stack and cargo containers. The new location has it about even with the stack and solar panel. If you were to put on a Thule cargo container it would also be at or above the dome. Does the radar need line of sight for optimal performance? Is it able to "look through" objects mounted on its level? Also, with the 15 degree downward beam angle, it puts more of the boat and passengers in its scan area. Just wondering if having it mounted in a higher position is still an option and if it would improve performance.

 

[nzfisher]

I believe that the beam of the radar will reflect off of most objects in its path. I have found that when I travel with the crab traps on the roof rack I fabricated it obscures objects (boats) in the rear as they get closer to the boat. I have also learned that a great many fiberglass sport boats do not show up on radar unless the gain is turned up quite a bit. Not a great thing to find out given the density of fog that often occurs out of Newport Oregon. I really can't address why they changed the radar height and configuration- probably lowers manufacturing cost. Most serious fishing boats that use radar to locate birds have radar mounted high with a larger array to increase distance performance.

 

[S. Todd]

I have a 2015 R25SC that has the "new" mast arrangement. One advantage is that it gets the spotlight higher to reduce some glare, although it still throws glare off the bow rail and foredeck. The big advantage is it is much easier to raise and lower IMO. I raised and lowered the mast on a 2014 dealer stock boat before ordering the 2015 and much prefer the newer arrangement. There are no side stays required because the hinge arrangement is more secure. Also when trailering, I believe it is much more secure. I put a small plastic pad on the roof and the mast sits there nicely without any play or sway or bounce. I do not have radar so I cannot comment about your concerns with that.

 

[Red Fury]

We are looking at getting an R27. I will be sure to inquire if the dome can be mounted higher on the mast at the factory. We have a sailboat now and the radar has been handy on foggy mornings. It would be nice to be able to see faster boats that maybe overtaking us from behind - which may be an issue if there are cabin top things blocking the rearward view of the radar. What is the glare issue with the spotlight? Is it glare from the railings?

 

[Andrew Custis]

I'm able to see perfectly behind with the radar lower and the ease of raising and lowering the mast is much easier without the weight on the hinged portion. All 8.5' beam boats and under are now being built without a spotlight. We've had too many issues and the glare you get while on the water really doesn't make them too useful.

Feel free to email me directly if you have other questions.

Andrewcustis@rangertugs.com