DONE DEAL'S EQUIPMENT 

Done Deal is a 1998 Catalina 380 Sailed on SF Bay

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RADAR MOUNTING OPTIONS  (post or mast)

 

Generally sailors mount their radar domes either on the mast or on a pole at the stern.   A criticism of the stern location is interference with other gear (davits, outboard mounts, etc.) and aesthetics.  A criticism of the mast mount is interference with the foresail, harder to access for maintenance,  and a reduction of radar sensitivity at close range (see drawing below).  As with any installation there are compromises in both locations.

The graphic below only depicts the principal issue of the main beam width -- there are complex "secondary" effects which reduce the difference between the two locations.  In other words, the radar system does not absolutely miss targets below the main beam-width, it will still detect & display some targets below the depicted beam edge, depending on their size & reflectivity.