mounting radar

[butch41]

I am planning on installing new radar unit on the roof of mine 2120. Im using a pedistal mount. What should I use between bracket and roof and between radar unit and mount to seal same?

 

[DaleH]

What should I use between bracket and roof and between radar unit and mount to seal same?

For 'above the waterline' use, I now prefer BoatLife products over 3M products. You could use BL Lifeseal or similar.

But if drilling any holes thorugh the cabin, I'd drill them a 1/16" oversize and seal the woood with epoxy, even if just a waterproof 5-minute kind. Then re-drill for correct fastener body size.

My radar and mount design didn't require any seal between the 2, but I used rubber washers.

BoatLIFE LifeSeal Polyurethane/Silicone Sealant is a one part, fast curing, low odor, high adhesion, non-sag compound. LifeSeal is excellent for sealing decks to hulls, underwater thru hull fittings, vinyl ports, windshield setting glaze and the bedding of marine hardware. It retains excellent adhesion and elasticity under all weather conditions.

BoatLife Life Calk is a long lasting, permanently flexible marine polysulfide sealant which can be sanded, painted and used above and below the waterline. Tack-free in 1 to 3 days, Cures in 7-10 days (weather dependent). Excellent resistance to teak oils, gasoline and diesel fuel.

 

[Megabyte]

Because this is an installation that might need to come apart at some point for maintenance, service, or replacement, I would use a non-permanent sealant such as a thin application of marine silicone.

 

[Megabyte]

Looks like Dale and I posted at the exact same minute in time.

 

[butch41]

thanks. Did you mount your pedistal with screws or did you thru bolt them?

 

[DaleH]

Through bolt! Screws work loose, as the 'teeth' on the shank 'cut' the hole bigger over time!

NEVER, EVER use screws when you can thru-bolt or use a specially designed stainless-steel toggle bolt for use where you can't get a bolt onto the other side.

 

[Megabyte]

What year is your 2120 Butch?

Does it have the 'bulge' that allows the wiring to run through the chase, or do you have the solid top on your boat?

 

[butch41]

megabyte, it is a 2006 and it has the tube to run the wires thru but there is not enough room for the wires. I mounted my gps unit [a garmin 4208] on the roof just to my left of captains chair. I had to relocate inside lamp a little more to the left and after checking where I can mount radar unit on roof I will have to move light further to left as I will mount pedistal for radar above thicker section of roof.

 

[butch41]

Dale what kind of epoxy do you recommend to use in the holes?

 

[DaleH]

Dale what kind of epoxy do you recommend to use in the holes?

I use Raka 2-to-1 liquid epoxy as I but it in 1/2 gallon kits, but they make a sample kit for $19 that give you epoxy and fillers so you can make it any thickness you want. See www.raka.com and call Larry for their sample kit.

That said, on non-'working' load bearing items, you could use a 2-part 5-minute type WATERPROOF epoxy.