If your radar is in working order, you're required to monitor it. I think
it's a bit over-kill for that size of a boat. The mount wouldn't be at the
top, but at the spreaders. I would also be concerned about the weight of the
dome, given the light rig you have. I don't like the idea of a dome sitting
10 feet from my head either.

It isn't necessary for offshore by any means. It's a big battery drain also.
I think you'd be better served by good charts, a good gps, good
watch-keeping, and cautious behavior.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

"JimC" wrote in message
news

I'm considering installing a short-range radar on my 26M, and I would
appreciate recommendations or comments. For example, when traveling down
the Houston-Galveston ship channel, it would be helpful to be able to see
traffic going up and down the channel in the event of fog or rain that
obstructed visibility. Also, it would be helpful to be able to see oil
platforms, traffic, etc., offshore in poor weather conditions or at night.
Joe, is this a concern for you when you go down the channel?

Do most sailors consider this a necessity for offshore sailing, and if so,
what types do you recommend? Did you mount the radome on top of mast, or
on an aft-mounted radar mast?

Jim