Radar reflector - where to fit?

[BigEd]

I want to fit Trilens radar reflector on my new Bavaria30 which has Raymarine radar installed on mast on spreaders level.

The question is - shall I fit it below or above the radar and how far from it in order not to create any interferences.

 

[LadyInBed]

As high up the mast as you can get it

 

[pvb]

As long as it's either above or below the radome, distance isn't important - it won't interfere with your radar.

 

[Robin2]

After reading the Qiniteq (spelling?) report, the best place for any of them is probably in the bilge where they will provide additional buoyancy. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

There seems to be little prospect of them causing a collision to be avoided.

 

[Greenwichman]

A Bavaria AND a radar reflector, now there's health and safety ......

Conventionally, reflectors such as yours go at the mast head, but frankly why bother? Get a "Seame" transponder unit if anything, otherwise save the weight and windage aloft. Nothing useful will accrue from having it high up.

To comply with SOLAS have something you can show an inspector, but don't believe it will help avoid collision.

 

[LadyInBed]

Another thought - Paint them Black and Gold and and set up as a 'Porn' Broker or maybe even a 'Prawn' Broker
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

PS if you are going to spend that sort of money, I would agree with Sea-Me solution.

 

[matt1]

I don't wish to sound rude about your Bavaria but if it's the new model with a ballast ratio of about 28% I would tend to fit it lower than normal. I have a Tri lens and it's quite heavy. I fitted it quite low on my Hunter 31 (which by comparrison has about a 40% BR) because I didn't want to add too much weight aloft. I subscribe to the view that most reflectors are rubbish (although the Trilens of course at least maintains a signal over a wider heel/aspect ratio) therefore I would rather think about the stability of the boat and or windage/performance of the boat more than where the reflector will perform best.. Also is there an argument for putting it lower where the movement will be less?

Also with a trilens; think about sail interferance more. The downside with it being lower is that in light airs the crusing chute can get wrapped around it. My last bit of advice is use sikaflex on the nut rather than threadlock. My rigger used threadlock (contrary to the instructions) and it dissolved the plastic!

 

[LadyInBed]

Matt, be sure to reply to the correct person!
Some people could be quite upset by having their slow heavy lumbering Colvic Countess confused with a fast agile Bav
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif