Radar Dome Install Trophy 2052 Hardtop

[kvkon]

Any one installed a radar dome on one of these? Any advice on how to install the dome? I have an aluminum bracket that the dome attaches to but I need to attach the bracket to the roof. Is the roof a solid structure or is there a void inside? Hope someone has experience in this before I start drilling holes!

 

[FunInDuhSun]

Any one installed a radar dome on one of these? Any advice on how to install the dome? I have an aluminum bracket that the dome attaches to but I need to attach the bracket to the roof. Is the roof a solid structure or is there a void inside? Hope someone has experience in this before I start drilling holes!

My guess is that it has a wood core between the inner and outer skins. You can drill thru it and use stainless machine bolts. Make sure you thoroughly cover the exposed wood with caulk and use large fender washers below. For optimal radar perfromance the radome should be above the roof and aimed 2 degrees forward from level with the hull in the water.

 

[dingbat]

Couple things to think about

The farther back from the front edge of the hardtop the higher the pedestal mount required. Wedge mounts must be on forward edge of top

Need to determine running angle on plane to determine wedge angle.

May want to consider a fold down mount if you have any low clearances to contend with.

Washers are not going to cut it. You need something a little more substantial under the bolts. Mine is backed with 1/4” aluminum plate

If boating in SW, use 316 stainless hardware and “bed” everything to minimize “rusting” in the future. Big box 304 hardware will rust in a heart beat

The cable hole is the hardest thing to deal with.

 

[mr 88]

How are your handrails installed ? As in is there a exposed nut on the underside of the hardtop ? If so fasten the dome the same way , my guess is that it's hollow as the 3 hardtops I have are all hollow , Boston Whaler , Luhr's and Rampage [ as are Tiara's ] . Running angle is helpful but I will say when I need mine it's so foggy that your not on plane so the angle is out the window . I wouldn't sweat over it . As mentioned a backing plate would be nice if powder coated or done in SS . Fender washers and button head bolts will work as well. I would guess if your grabrails which are bolted on with no backing plates can take the weight of 200+ lb person pulling on it under rough conditions with 2 bolts your 10 lb Dome can be bolted on with 4 . All 3 of mine are done that way.

 

[shrew]

Washers are not going to cut it. You need something a little more substantial under the bolts. Mine is backed with 1/4” aluminum plate

If boating in SW, use 316 stainless hardware and “bed” everything to minimize “rusting” in the future. Big box 304 hardware will rust in a heart beat

I installed on on my radar arch using 1-1/2" washers and ran that thing for 10 years. 23kt cruise speed, 18-20 in 4-6 ft seas. I never had an issue with my radar and 1 foot Edson mount.

Your mileage may vary.