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Don & Sue,
First in regard to the Raytheon RL-9 Radar. I gave serious consideration
to both the Furuno and Raytheon LCD Radars prior to buying and installing
the RL-9. Both are good units, have lower power requirements than CRT
Radars, and provide reasonable performance within the range capability
of the Radar. My personal preference was for the features offered by
the RL-9, and I have been more than satisfied with this Radar. It has
few limitations within the 16 mile range, and I am seldom concerned with
things beyond this distance. Even when running a boat with a 72 mile
Radar, it was usually on the 6 to 8 mile range, and who wants the
expense and current consumption that the larger radar requires unless
you are on the QE-2.
If money, space and current limitations are of no consideration than I
might opt for one of the CRT Radars, however I find the RL-9 to be
excellent and without a CRT, it facilitates installation in the confined
space found in numerous boats.
I have not found that a mast or two interferes with the Radar. The boom
on the other hand provides more potential for shadow effect, however
most of us install the Radar higher than the boom. I understand that a
junk rig, precludes installing the Radar on any mast, below the highest
point of the yard. With this in mind, I might consider installing on a
Radar Pole, outside of the circle of the boom, or as you originally
suggested, above 35' on your fore mast. I don't believe I would spend
the additional money necessary for either the gimbal, and definitely
would not replace the spars.
Regarding your question about a gimbal dampening rolling and pitching,
and being expensive. Yes they are expensive, and they will probably not
have any effect on pitch, as most gimbals only provide movement in one
plane. I have seen several interesting arrangements on pole mounted
radars, that allow setting the Radar angle to account for heel, and then
resetting it after one changes tack. These are usually owner designed,
and seem to work well for pole mounted Radars, at a much lower expense
than the gimbal you mention.
I have never felt that the increase in heel, windage and expense
necessary for installation on the mast warranted modest increase in
range one gained from added height. In my experienced having the Radar
12' to 15' above sea level is more than sufficient, and in extreme foggy
conditions I prefer the smaller circle of viewing proximity afforded by the lower mounted radar. I have experienced the problem of having the
object on the display disappear from the screen, before it is visible
from the deck, so the difference between a boat length or less, and
several boat lengths is significant. So I would go for the lower,
rather than higher mounting. This is my personal preference based upon
my own experience.
Will be interested in hearing what you finally decide. Good Sailing,
Sean
