Wind Generator Placement ?

[SimonV]

I have my radar mounted at the back of the boat on a pole that is also my o/b motor crane. what I would like to do is mount the wind generator over the radar dome, rather than put a second pole on the port side. Would this cause any problems to the radar, the cable is shielded.



Note: Also posted in another forum.

[daddle]

No radar issue: a very slight decrease in radar performance would be expected. Seems like a bit of a mechanical engineering problem though. I bet the wind generator is heavy and wants a stiff mount. You want the tubes, if metal, that pass the radar antenna to be as thin as practical....and round.

[SimonV]

I was thinking 1.9 inch (48mm) OD s/s tube. Generator and pole should come in at less than 18lbs.

[SvenG]

Hi Simon,

Nice boat ! I know, that's getting old

How about moving the radar to the mast, a bit higher than the pole mount ?

I'm also curious if you are still finding the towed generator useful or is it too much of a pain except for passage-making ?

Finally,how much do you get out of the solar panels and are they still producing as much as when you first got GOODONYA ?



-Sven

[SimonV]

Originally Posted by SvenG

Hi Simon,

Nice boat ! I know, that's getting old

How about moving the radar to the mast, a bit higher than the pole mount ?

I'm also curious if you are still finding the towed generator useful or is it too much of a pain except for passage-making ?

Finally,how much do you get out of the solar panels and are they still producing as much as when you first got GOODONYA ?



-Sven

Hi Sven, I would like to put the radar on the mast but that would cost about $700 (mount and new Cable).
Havent done any passages on my boat lately, but I will be soon and the Hammilton Ferris Tow generator will be pumping out its normal 7-10 amps.
To be honest I dont take much notice of the solar panels, they just keep pumping out the amps and keep up with the drain from the fridge/freezer, I like ice with my whisky.

[Rhythmsmith]

I have the same issue - I have a pole mounted radar and need a place for my wind genny, which is relatively heavy (D400 is >30lbs). After weighing all the modified pole and mast options, I think the path of least resistance will be a backstay mount. As much as I don't like the idea of something clamped on that wire, I think it will be the best for performance, aesthetics, and price...
Let me know if you come up with a good solution, I'll be eager to hear it.