How do I fit a Radar Reflector?

[gtmoore]

I've just ordered an Echomax radar reflector and as the mast will be down on my boat in the next week or two I'd like to have a go at fitting it myself.

How high should this go? The reflector weighs approx 2Kg I believe and my boat is a bit over 29 feet. Is it critical as to where this goes or shall I just sling it up above the spreaders?

As regards fixing, I was going to rivet it - is it generally safe to drill into a mast? And isn't there a special rivet I should use on an aluminium mast. Where would I source these and will they work with my cheapo Halfords pop-rivet gun?

And how many more questions can I ask in one post!

Thanks for any advice

Gavin

 

[Chris_Stannard]

Yes you can drill into a mast and pop rivet. Try to use something that is not going to leave a sharp point or edge in the mast which may damage your halyards.

As to height, put the reflector at a reasonable height so that it does not interfere with things, but not too high, since it will have a slight but measurable adverse affect on your stability, about half way up seems pretty fair to me on both those counts.

Chris Stannard

 

[extravert]

Yes you should use special monel rivets in a mast. Ask a rigger for some, and see if you can borrow his rivet gun, as monel rivets are much tougher than normal cheap ones and the short rivet guns are not really up to popping them. If you are attaching dis-similar metal fittings to an aluminum mast you should also smear the contact surfaces with zinc chromate paste. In my latest Compass catalogue I saw that they had some of this nasty sticky yellow goo.

 

[dickh]

Yes, use Monel Rivets and Duraloc as a barrier between the Aluminium mast and the Stainless Steel brackets. I have used a cheap rivet tool for up to 5mm3/16") dia monel rivets; - and 6mm(¼") can be done but is very hard work - if you can borrow/hire a 'lazy tong' type it makes it easy.
Regarding position, usually just above the spreaders seems to be the usual position.

dickh
I'd rather be sailing...

 

[gtmoore]

Thanks to everyone for their advice

Gavin