Fitting Radar to a Merry Fisher 795

[neiloakley]

Ordered my new boat just before Christmas, but didn't include the electronics pack as I have a full Raymarine suite that I removed from my last boat that's only 2 years old.

Looking around the boat, I couldn't see an obviously easy way to get a cable from where I would mount the radar, to the helm. The ceiling is GRP formed, so not like older style boats that have a wooden/fabric headlining that can be easily removed. There must be a way as the white nav light is mounted in the same place. I'll also mount a cable for a TV antenna while i'm there.

Anyone done this before on another merry fisher? The yard could do it for me if I pay them, but i'm already giving them enough ££££


Thanks

 

[AllanG]

Why don't you ask your supplying dealer, as I'm sure they will have fitted such equipment to other MF's in the past, which will have similar roof construction.

 

[neiloakley]

I will do, if no one here is able to help. But it's a bit like calling a plumber and asking him how to be a plumber - not everyone is keen to give away their secrets especially when it will mean one less job for them.

 

[sprocker]

Can you use the white nav light cable as a pull through? Attach a length of string/wire to it and pull it all back inside the boat (My roof mounted VHF antenna cable on my MF645 runs inside the starboard quarter panel and into the cupboard under the sink). Once inside the boat you attach your /radar/antenna cable and pull it all back through?

Just make sure you use a good knot!

 

[mcanderson]

If you are looking at Ryamarine, then they are offering a special where they will include fitting as part of the purchase.

Here is a link - http://www.raymarine.co.uk/view/?id=13493

 

[Canopy Locked]

I recently fitted pantograph wiper motors to my 755 (similar build I assume) and needed extra cable. There is no way to run cables down the front - cable has to be run to the stern of the cabin, down one of the rear pillars (I have music speakers at the top of the rear pillar so was easy enough to gain access) and then forwards under the deck to the fuse panel and helm position - bugger of a job on your own !

 

[neiloakley]

If you are looking at Ryamarine, then they are offering a special where they will include fitting as part of the purchase.

Here is a link - http://www.raymarine.co.uk/view/?id=13493

I already have my kit.

I recently fitted pantograph wiper motors to my 755 (similar build I assume) and needed extra cable. There is no way to run cables down the front - cable has to be run to the stern of the cabin, down one of the rear pillars (I have music speakers at the top of the rear pillar so was easy enough to gain access) and then forwards under the deck to the fuse panel and helm position - bugger of a job on your own !

How did you get the cable through the two layers of the roof?

 

[Mike k]

I already have my kit.



How did you get the cable through the two layers of the roof?

Not the same boat as yours but I recently fitted a spotlight to the radar arch, and cabled through the roof ( after drilling with correct spec and size of bit) and fitted a cable gland over the hole then using fishwires drew down the cable into a an upright pillar and to fuse box.

 

[Whitelighter]

I believe there is a void down the starboard side 'c' pillar of the wheel house which connects to the longitudinal void under the side window. This should let you run the cable to the helm but it's likely you'll need to get through mastiked groomers etc.

 

[Canopy Locked]

How did you get the cable through the two layers of the roof?

removed the speaker from the rear pillar - had removed the trim from above the windscreen (where the VHF sits), then I pushed a hose pipe along between the roof panels with a piece of fishing line attached. Untied the fishing line / removed hose pipe - tied on cable to line - pulled thro.

 

[neiloakley]

OK thanks - the problem is that there is nothing removable in the ceiling below where the radar mounts so I have to feed in the cable from outside and hope it comes out by the c pillar inside

 

[neale]

OK thanks - the problem is that there is nothing removable in the ceiling below where the radar mounts so I have to feed in the cable from outside and hope it comes out by the c pillar inside

I know it's a new boat, and you therefore may not like the idea, but why not cut a hole in the roof panel below where the radar is going to be mounted and fit one of these:

 

[neiloakley]

Good idea :encouragement: That would be a good "last resort" but hopefully I can get the wire through withour cutting any holes in her