[C320-list] Radar pole - temporary mounting creativity

[Jon Vez]

Chris,

I installed a pole mounted radar on my old 320 several years ago. I used
Edson parts to attach the bottom of the pole to the transom (I chose not to
use the swim step so it would remain usable). I attached the supports with
two Edson clamps to the stern rail. If you search the 320 web site, there is
a Mainsheet article and photos on how I did this...Hope this helps...

Regards,
Jon Vez (formerly #582)

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Christopher
Nichols
Sent: Saturday, June 25, 2011 8:43 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Radar pole - temporary mounting creativity

When I bought my boat it came with a Raymarine radome BNIB as the previous
owner had not got around to fitting it. He pointed out he had run the cable
to the stbd aft locker, intending a pole mount, which I resolved to install.
Of course then I discovered that the poles are c. $1000 and having just
bought the vessel another outlay was put off. Roll forward to this season
and as we prepare for our cruise in a week and a half I spied my old
windsurf mast ­ and recalled how very tough it was on the windy days before
children and waistline grew. A little tinkering and I have what I think is a
passable platform and pole but now turn my attention to how to affix the
pole to the boat. 
I was rather surprised by the weight of the dome and it is clear that in a
seaway that weight on the end of a long lever will require some hefty fixing
to keep it all together. I had imagined large hose clamps to the pushpit but
think this is asking a lot if the 1² stainless pipe.
Do you have any thoughts of how to fix it?

I have left the pole long enough so it could go down onto the transom / step
and I have davits to which I could affix the pole half way up ­ but would
like to achieve a result without making permanent changes to the boat.

Incidentally ­ anyone know off hand how tall the pole ought to be if it
stands on the lower transom step? I seem to remember being told ti is a good
thing to have it at least 2¹ above your head when stood in the cockpit -
making 8¹ a minimum to the cockpit floor?

Kind regards,
Chris Nichols
Amanda Rose no.476