Radar reflector - Firdell Blipper

[muzzaman]

I am trying to replace my old radar reflector that was lost overboard this season. It was I think a Firdell Blipper so I purchased the Echomax 230BR which is meant to be a direct replacement using the orginal mast brackets.

It is too big however (fixing centres are 545mm whereas the original one I had was 503mm). I think I may have had an early model of the Firdell Blipper (210-5).

Two questions -

1) does anyone have one of these eary models available for sale?

2) if I have to move the mast brackets, how possible is it to drill out existing rivets, re-drill and re-rivet the brackets whilst up the mast?

I am very comfortable up the mast (although no mast steps) but have never done any riveting and I understand monel rivets are hard to "pop".

Any thoughts would be gratefully received after a very frustrating afternoon up the stick!

 

[johnalison]

I had to replace a Blipper on a Sadler 29 and managed it while up the mast, including moving a bracket. It is not unduly difficult even for a non-mechanical person like me. Just don't drop anything.

 

[muzzaman]

I had to replace a Blipper on a Sadler 29 and managed it while up the mast, including moving a bracket. It is not unduly difficult even for a non-mechanical person like me. Just don't drop anything.

Did you have to drill out and re-rivet the new brackets? If so was this difficult?

 

[johnalison]

Yes, I did. It was many years ago. I think that drilling out was pretty easy and I used a fairly basic riveter which has been sitting in my garage unused ever since.

 

[muzzaman]

Yes, I did. It was many years ago. I think that drilling out was pretty easy and I used a fairly basic riveter which has been sitting in my garage unused ever since.

Did you use monel rivets? I know very little about these but are apparently harder to use.

 

[johnalison]

I don't remember. I just picked up a packet from a tool shop. I don't think the application is very critical as the stresses can't be much. Anyway, I sold the boat.

 

[Cardo]

I fitted a new radar reflector to our mast 3 years ago. Monel rivets are a _beetch_ to pop with a regular, bog standard, every day rivet gun. I did it whilst the mast was down and found it hard work. But then, it's just the effort to pop the rivet. I'd imagine you can do it whilst up the mast, just take your time.

 

[corinthmistral]

Riveted some brackets on my mast with Monel rivets last year. I used a "scissors" type/industrial grade riveter. They are very tough! In the end I ended in a slight comedy situation (for the observers, not for me!) swinging around in the air trying to pop the rivets as they needed quite some force. That said I got the job done ok. I don't think I would have been able to pop the rivets with my normal riveter. Worth borrowing this type of kit if you can. Good luck!

 

[Hadenough]

Or investing?

http://www.tool-net.co.uk/p-341224/...XrVlmRFcU6wlZR0AsNd_aiK0Mq6yCyYXsYaAlok8P8HAQ

Easy enough with one of these.

 

[VicMallows]

Since it is the 'stem' that you are breaking, what is it that makes monel rivets that much harder to pop? Is the 'stem' made of something different to regular pop rivets?

 

[Hadenough]

I think it's the crushing of the (various materials) rivets that is the problem.

 

[Piers]

I am trying to replace my old radar reflector that was lost overboard this season. It was I think a Firdell Blipper so I purchased the Echomax 230BR which is meant to be a direct replacement using the orginal mast brackets.

Hi Muzzaman. May I ask what boat you have? Couldn't find it on your personal details. The reason I ask is that having been involved with radar reflector tests on many occasions, the answer could well be that the hole your boat makes in the water will give a far better reflection than any passive reflector.

 

[charles_reed]

Since it is the 'stem' that you are breaking, what is it that makes monel rivets that much harder to pop? Is the 'stem' made of something different to regular pop rivets?

"Regular" pop rivets are in two materiels, Al alloy and stainless steel.
The alloy ones are easy to rivet - stainless less easy and monel the hardest.

http://www.hpalloy.com/Alloys/descriptions/MONEL400.html

 

[muzzaman]

It is a Sadler 32.

Hi Muzzaman. May I ask what boat you have? Couldn't find it on your personal details. The reason I ask is that having been involved with radar reflector tests on many occasions, the answer could well be that the hole your boat makes in the water will give a far better reflection than any passive reflector.

 

[actionoptics]

1) does anyone have one of these eary models available for sale?

Yes, and in very good condition. Definitely 503 mm centres.
How about £60?

 

[Clivevon]

Just to say, don't even think about using anything other than monel rivets up the mast. Rivets have been known to break & freak accidents do happen.

 

[muzzaman]

Many thanks indeed but I think I have secured one on ebay for £35. The seller is just checking the fixing centres but assuming it is 503mm I should be sorted.

1) does anyone have one of these eary models available for sale?

Yes, and in very good condition. Definitely 503 mm centres.
How about £60?

 

[Yyopd28]

I bought a Rival 34 and there was a radar reflector on board, I beleive it is the firdell flipper 210-5. No bracket, so if you have replaced and the brackets are not damaged I would buy them off you, if not are you interested in buying the reflector?