radar install for 19SC soft top

[montauk169]

Greetings Arima owners.
I have a 2006 Sea Chaser 19 soft top.  Looking for advice/recommendations/options for installing a radar dome without installing a complete tower setup.  Boat is equipped with a Simrad GO7-XSE.  Thanks in advance

[croaker stroker]

I have a mast something like this. (except mine is home made)
...

[headduck]

I did something similar with a couple of davit brackets from discovery bay marine... mount it like a pot puller and get the dome up above your dome. Microwaves and all...depending upon unit...

Also seen mast on the bow on a tripod-ish support.

[amazing grace]

You want an Arch. Not sure if that is what you meant by "tower".

A pole as headuck mentioned would be the other way I would consider.  I don't like the  tripod on the bow idea.

[headduck]

Btw...tripod secury mounted to bow...not for me either but out the way and works.

[Danno]

I've considered the single pole method but there's no good place that I found in the corner in front of the first mate's seat. I don't think I want it behind the seat and the thought of drilling that big of hole in the top of the cuddy makes me cringe.

A tripod on the walk around surface has some potential for me. Two legs in the channel and a third on top of the cuddy has me thinking.

I'm likely going to go with an arch that's mounted forward above the windshield. At 6'5" I don't want to be ducking the arch every time I walk forward.

Head duck, post some pictures of your post mount please.

[disposable]

i've heard of people mounting them on a big tall mast/pole in the rear port corner, kind of opposite the anchor light. i prefer to keep it out of the way so this was a big motivator for building a top, but my personal second best choice woulda been a radar arch (which could also support a lot of rod holders, lights, antennas, safety gear...). this could get expensive, but might be the most total combined bangs for your one-time buck.

[disposable]

found these using a google search of this site.

[Mooch]

I have a mast something like this. (except mine is home made)
...

CS, how much does that swing around in rough stuff?

[Danno]

This is my back up plan except mounted farther forward

[croaker stroker]

I have a mast something like this. (except mine is home made)
...

CS, how much does that swing around in rough stuff?

Mine is fine. Solid. Doesn't move.  I think it is heavier than the newer domes. I mounted it to the floor in the open bow and then supported it to the gunwale and forward bulkhead, kind of like how they mount those trap pullers. I made mine so it is removable.

[headduck]

It's not too fancy, and still working through the kinks but the basic premise is there.

So far, only needed it once, as I am lucky enough to be able pick and choose days...and the first mate barks non stop in the fog... just better to avoid it. 

The davit doubles as net holder, hence the appearance of use.

I chose pipe with OD to fit inside the davit holders and found a welder locally. 2 pieces that mate with pins for the shaft. Secured to the davet holders by pins. Platform for the dome.

I put guy lines at 3 points. I debated whether to move the davet holder further aft for increased support but I didnt want to mount to the floor and kick it every time I went to clear a shaker. The davets holders really should be further apart like CS. Perfect for folks who have the beefy pot pullers.

I carry all the pieces in the cuddy. Doesnt take too much space. I'm content with it and the arch and upgrade was desired but not in the budget. Itll work til it is.

[AJFishin]

Croaker has a nice set up and Headduck has a good alternative going on.

If I was to get a radar I would be looking into getting something like this and adding a support on top for a radar.
I have no idea if this SR17 is a member's, but I like this set up for a all in one top. The only downfall would be the cross supports in front of the center window, no AC in the summer

[DevMah]

Here is my installation, more pics in my gallery

Dev

[beancounter]

I think the arch just has so many advantages over a pole. Looks much better can mount antenna,lights,rod holders,net holder,drink holders and adds resale value.

[DevMah]

 

I think the arch just has so many advantages over a pole. Looks much better,can mount lights,rod holders,net holder,drink holders and adds resale value.

Yes the arch is nice.
Dev

[polarbill1999]

Why not an arch?  The fish on one's are pretty dang cheap and you get the added benefit of keeping rods up out of the way, a good place for an antenna, GPS Puck and can probably put your anchor light on top so you do t have to use the annoying removable one.  Also have something to mount net holders. 

[First Cabin]

I really like my tower and it is probably the best thing you can do to a soft top Arima.  It was hard to spend the money, but once it's on there you will really enjoy.  Rod holders, net, radar and probably the biggest reason is just having it to hold onto.  Someone almost always chooses to stand up and hold onto the tower while underway.  Turns out legs make the best shock absorbers available on a boat and the tower the best hitchin post.  Now I don't think I would enjoy an Arima without a tower.



But I did consider a single pole like Headduck.  I think that could be done well.  And really radar is only needed a few trips per year so a tower just for radar is an expensive addition.  The single, removable pole, right behind the helm would work well and wouldn't be in the way.

[Fishin Machine]

I have a Lowrance with a soft top. The tower is fish-on.