Information on Radar Towers
Not every yacht needs a tower with a leveling feature. Cruisers do not generally sail on excessive heeling angles. Many modern yachts sail much "flatter" than yachts of older design. Also, other accessories are being mounted on towers these days. Simply stated, it is the easiest method of installing antennas on a yacht.
The RA10 is manufactured with tubing that is reinforced for the lower 4'. This ensures that the motor hoist will not cause bending of the tower even if the tower is clamped to a very low stern rail. The hoist arm has a 32" reach and the arm is removable by simply lifting it out of its sockets.
The RA10/MD will fit any 2" pole such as wind generator poles. Aluminum poles should have a rubber gasket placed inbetween the stainless and the aluminum to prevent galvanic action.
Depending on the rigidity of your yacht's rail or any other issues that might cause movement including the amount of weight aloft might require one or possibly two bracing struts. These are not included in base price.
The unit shown is manufactured with the 1" tubing surrounding the radome. The tubing surround provides sufficient clearance to mount any radar. It has enough clearance above to tuck in a TV antenna and the 1" tubing of the "surround" allows GPS and VHF antennas to be mounted above both TV and radar. This unit has manual leveling capability. How? You simply spin a hand wheel to level the radome - it just takes seconds.
*Please note that the RA6 and the RA8 are not made with tubing reinforced in the lower area (for RA10/MD motor hoist option), but the option is available. Simply request at ordering time and we will be happy to include it. There will be an additional charge for this option.
If you think you may need additional supports, please call for assistance.
Information on Trolling Brackets
The trolling bracket assembly consists of two parts. A stainless steel receiving bracket that is mounted either above or below the swim platform/grid and a square stainless steel shaft with a polyurethane motor mounting bracket affixed to the outer end of it. The shaft is inserted into the bracket and locked into position with a stainless steel pin.
The TB 20 trolling bracket has a maximum vertical adjustment of 8" and hence with a standard shaft motor is normally applicable for use on top platform/grid surfaces that are located between 8" and 16" above the surface of the water. Other vertical distances can be accommodated by mounting the receiving bracket on the underside of the platform/grid.
When installing the unit, purchaser must ascertain the strength of the mounting surface. The receiving bracket is secured by stainless steel bolts complete with fender washers, and the strength of the mounting surface can be increased by installing a piece of 1" marine plywood larger in area than the dimensions of the bracket on the underside of the mounting surface.
