Windjammer
Well-Known Member
Starting from "ground zero" on radar -benefits/disadvantages of radome vs open array - range? operation? maintenance?
Radome vs Open Array?
- Thread starter Windjammer
- Start date
In a nutshell, given the same power level like 4kw, an open array system will give you better range and higher resolution than a radome due to the physics of the antenna. This may or may not be important to you as I don't know what kind of boat you have. Also, if you don't have the room for a 4 or 6 foot spinning antenna on your boat, the radome may be your best option. You also have to look at what kind of conditions you boat in as it's silly to put up a high-powered antenna if the boat really is not used in conditions that warrant it.
The open array resolution and higher power availability is good if you are in rain or use the system as a tool to find birds working above feeding fish. If I had to do over again, I would have got a higher power system since I use the thing to find fish more than anything else. I can crank up the gain and adjust the sea clutter to find fish feeding within about a 5 mile radius but I know the "real boats" have 6 foot/10kw systems that go much farther than that.
The downside to the open array is the power drain as well as the fact you need space to have the spinning antenna. They also look funky on smaller boats.
The open array antenna on my previous boat had the motor go out on it but it was covered under warranty. I've never had an issue with my current one though. I do open the top on it occasionally to make sure it is dry and and no water is getting in the motor/electronics housing on the thing. I saw a picture someone posted of a 4kw open array Raymarine system where the seal had leaked and it rusted out the whole inside and trashed the motor/electronics.
The open array resolution and higher power availability is good if you are in rain or use the system as a tool to find birds working above feeding fish. If I had to do over again, I would have got a higher power system since I use the thing to find fish more than anything else. I can crank up the gain and adjust the sea clutter to find fish feeding within about a 5 mile radius but I know the "real boats" have 6 foot/10kw systems that go much farther than that.
The downside to the open array is the power drain as well as the fact you need space to have the spinning antenna. They also look funky on smaller boats.
The open array antenna on my previous boat had the motor go out on it but it was covered under warranty. I've never had an issue with my current one though. I do open the top on it occasionally to make sure it is dry and and no water is getting in the motor/electronics housing on the thing. I saw a picture someone posted of a 4kw open array Raymarine system where the seal had leaked and it rusted out the whole inside and trashed the motor/electronics.
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sbw1
Well-Known Member
- Oct 10, 2006
- 8,185
- Boat Info
- This is listed in my signature
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- This is listed in my signature
About the only maintenance is keeping the thing clean and giving the zerk a shot of grease per the instructions in the manual.
I didn't know there was a grease fitting on the Raymarine open array antennas... Where is it?
osd9
New Member
When I bought my 380DA, it was only three season old and the open Array was frozen solid. As it turned out, the gasket leaked and the inn'erds were rusted beyond repair. I was told by the raymarine tech to open the top and check for water annually. Also, he suggested using a silicone grease on the gasket.
I've also not noticed a zerk inside....I'll have to get out the manual and check.....I'll be opening the top come spring for the annual check and grease...any special grease needed?
I've also not noticed a zerk inside....I'll have to get out the manual and check.....I'll be opening the top come spring for the annual check and grease...any special grease needed?
Are you the one that posted a picture of that? I can't recall who posted it... don't even know if it was here or on SRO.
osd9
New Member
I didn't post a picture, but I mentioned my scanner problem on SRO....
OK...so I got curious about the scanner maintenance and went to Raymarine.com to look up the manual. My manual is on the boat and it's raining. Four points to note. 1st...The manual specifically cautions NOT to grease the seal in the pedestal lid....HMMMM...damn certified tech... 2nd....the manual instructs to grease the four self-retaining bolts and thread holes on the lid with Denso paste....tech never told me that.... 3rd....the manual instructs on a yearly maintenance to remove, grease and re-attach the mounting bolts securing the scanner and pedestal....that's another new one... and 4th....no mention anywhere about a zerk fitting....
OK...so I got curious about the scanner maintenance and went to Raymarine.com to look up the manual. My manual is on the boat and it's raining. Four points to note. 1st...The manual specifically cautions NOT to grease the seal in the pedestal lid....HMMMM...damn certified tech... 2nd....the manual instructs to grease the four self-retaining bolts and thread holes on the lid with Denso paste....tech never told me that.... 3rd....the manual instructs on a yearly maintenance to remove, grease and re-attach the mounting bolts securing the scanner and pedestal....that's another new one... and 4th....no mention anywhere about a zerk fitting....
I can't imagine that most Sea Ray (or any other boat) owner is going to unbolt the pedestal every year and apply some protective grease. When I moved my radar antenna to my mast, I did wonder about those bolts though. The housing on the antenna base is cast aluminum and the mounting bolts as well as the bolts to keep the lid on are stainless steel. I remember wondering "hmmm... I wonder if they put some sort of insert in there so there is no dissimilar metal issue.". I have a feeling the steel bolts are in direct contact with the aluminum housing and they want you to remove and put Denso paste annually to help with corrosion. I have some other goop on the boat (can't remember the name again) that I probably should have put on those bolts... hmm...
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dc380
New Member
- Mar 18, 2007
- 480
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- SOLD 2002 380DA, C120, A50, ST7001, ST600R
- Engines
- 8.1s Mercs, 7.0 Westerbeke
I had the same experience, when I bought the boat the radar was rusted internally. Raymarine replaced it with a replacement unit for their standard replacement cost. It came with a tube of heavy grease, which the technician applied to the gasket. As I recall he said it was the only way to guarantee no water would get in. It was a black grease, which I have never seen before.
I plan to reapply green marine grease this spring.
I plan to reapply green marine grease this spring.
2000SEARAY280SS
Member
I have the Northstar 2Kw dome on my boat and the driver for me was that where I boat mostly in the Potomac the radar has more than enough range to cover the river. We use it mostly for night cruises and fishing. It also did not require an additional display since I bought the M121 and can window the display or overlay it on the chart. Works like a champ. My buddy down the dock has a Furuno unit that can see the ever present crab pot markers in the Potomac that mine can not.
As always more power more better. From what I saw the specs on dome vs open array of the same power typically up to about 4Kw did not vary that much and was sometimes better for the domes.
As always more power more better. From what I saw the specs on dome vs open array of the same power typically up to about 4Kw did not vary that much and was sometimes better for the domes.
Dominic, was not the one who posted the picture and we have not seen the guy who did...acucu I think was his name and I am sure he still has a beautiful boat to sell if you are interested Gary. No need to worry everything that was wrong with it was fixed by warrenty right before he decided to sell the boat. Pictures look familiar to the pictures on the website if I recall.
Wesley
Wesley
