Will mounting kayaks on C28 roof affect radar operation?

[Headlee]

I'm thinking of mounting two kayaks on the roof of my C28; however, I'm not sure if this would affect the operation of the radar. Mounting them, either flat (like the the stock photo of the C28) or angled up in J-shaped bracket, would appear to block the radar dome. Has anyone had experience with mounting kayaks or issues with radar operation on the C28? Thanks.

 

[BB marine]

Yes it will effect the operation! It does not effect straight forward or straight aft the most important returns. It does effect returns from the sides. That is the one issue with the Cutwaters radar dome location. The Rangers have the dome fwd of the sport racks and mounted much higher. The Cutwaters have the dome aft of the sport racks. I have a inflatable paddle board that we set up on the sport rack starboard side of the pilot house. It does effect returns to the radar. I know of another C28 owner that keeps his Kayak on the port side of the pilot house and has checked the difference in the returns with the Kayak on and off and has noticed a difference. If I'm planning on a cruise in open water or area's that I feel I may have the need for full radar operation. If conditions seem right for days with limited visibility then the board comes down. If it is a nice clear day and I don't feel I will have the need for the Radar the board stays on the rack. I just finished a 650 mile run in Florida. I used my radar one day because I needed it and one day just because it was there! I would mount the kayaks and then realize what the radar limitations are. You will use the kayaks probably way more then the Radar. The radar will still be available for the most important use forward of the vessel.

 

[pleeson]

What Brian said. My kayaks are mounted in a J Bracket so maximum negative impact. Radar forward and rear is fine, to the side not so much. However there is still a beam spread so we see things coming from the side forward of the boat. Not sure if it's 30 degrees or something else but we have picked up many a small boat that was a potential conflict. Just bear in mind it's not perfect "vision".

 

[Headlee]

Thanks for the great insight to this. As suggested, we need to determine how much we will use the kayaks versus the limited radar and factor in the elements. Thanks again.

 

[Crazy Heart]

I have installed a cargo box on my C-28. It degrades my radar image on the starboard side especially if I have my crab traps stored up there. You can see the cargo box in my photo album. I am currently working on moving my radar to the upper platform on the mast where the TV dome is installed. I am manufacturing a larger SS plat to support the radar. I also need to figure out how to support the radar when the mast is folded down. Suggestions anyone? If it all works I will post some photos.