Radarmounting

In a racing boat I would either avoid the radar altogether or put it on a short pole at the transom. (to lower the weight high up and avoid contact of spinnaker and radar antenna) even if the lower height would degrade the radar range.

In a cruising boat I would install the antenna on a spreader or to the side of the mast

You are right to be concerned. I wouldn't like the radar beam to hit my head or my children's or anybody else's. But the beam is very narrow, so if the pole is taller than 2.5m then, close to the pole the beam would pass over all persons. If one is standing at the bow he will be hit because the beam opens +/- 15 degrees up and down from the horizontal, but the strength of the signal weakens very fast with distance, so this is not a big problem. Usually during night nobody stays there for long.

Anyway I am suggesting to install the radar antenna up at the mast, both for radiation protection and for better range.

On the other side in a racing boat (where you don't use the radar continuously anyway- to save battery) the best place is lower and far from the spinnaker. Lower to increase boat stability and reduce weight up and far from the spinnaker to avoid spinnaker getting caught around the antenna during hoisting and dousing.

Very interesting. How new is this radar and over which band is it?

 

Sound really good. If the sales promotion video doesn't lie this system could be installed on a pole without problems for the crew. Possibly thats a better place than in the mast where its hard to maintain and bringing more weight in the mast.