Mounting Electronics

[MattinRI]

I'm going back & forth with Brian on options.  For the GPS, I'd really like to fit the Raymarine C90, but Brian said only the older C80 will fit in the dash.  I've got the C80 now & its adequate, but the newer electronics will not interface as well.  The C80 is 11.1”X 8.2”, the C90 is wider at 12.46" x 7.74".  So I need to either go with the old tech C80, mount the C90 above the dash, or figure out a way of rearranging instruments.  From what I recall, the engine guages are the interfering factor in the width.  I was wondering if it may be possible to mount the guages in a small custom panel above the dash or some other location. I'll ask Brian, but thought I'd get a few opinions.

[TammiGoddard]

We mounted our Garmin 5212 on the fiddle just above the helm. It has worked out great - but it all sort of depends on how gauges etc. have been already mounted on your helm.

[MattinRI]

My two concerns with a mount like that were (1) visibility, and (2), concern that it would be more attractive to thieves.  Does it block you're view at all while seated at the helm?

[Ron]

Hi,  Just to add my 2 cents worth-our Raymarine C120 monitor is just about the same size as Tammis' Garmin 5212 (what a great chartplotter), and is mounted just a wee bit closer to center with no problem with visibility.
   Good luck.
       Ron

[Scotia Mist]

And for the vertically challenged (short) people Karen and I mounted on a swing away RAM mount.  It is adjustable in just about every direction. When the mount is tighten down the MFD is very secure.  When you want the MFD out of the way just swing it up onto the dash.



 This doesn't help you with your decision but...
Robinson's Hole between Naushon and Pasque Island

[TammiGoddard]

All these photos of chartplotters in action are giving me waunderlust!
I too am vertically challenged, and getting more so by the year  but have no problem with my vision being blocked by our chartplotter.

[peteplatt2000]

You guys seem to be confused about what "being vertically challanged" means. Constantly hitting your head on the overhead light fixture, squeezing out through the side doors (oK, so maybe the being hotizontally challanged does not help either), sitting at the dinette & not stepping on the Admiral's toes with your size 15 feet - That's being vertically challanged! I was green with envy watching Brian move around the boat & having tons of room - I'd need cristina's new boat to have that kind of room proportionally. I can't even imagine trying to stand in a shower in the forward section!

Fortunately, we visited Halifax as they were finishing up "Sooner". They were just about to install my chartplotter hanging from above. Well above Brian's line of sight but right directly in front of my face. This is definitely something to think about ahead of time. We ended up having it installed on the dash up against the window. My thought was that it'd be just below my line of sight while I was looking ahead from the helm. I could keep an eye on it without really having to look away. That worked out well, but it's a long reach to touch the controls. If I'm sitting on the helm seat, I have to lean very far forward to change the screen - I usually get off the seat & stand to do it. Not a big thing but a minor nuisance. Having it closer would be more convenient & have the benefit of making the screen seem bigger.

Pete "Sooner"

[MattinRI]

Overhead is definitely out! I like the fiddle mount & guess I'll go that way & take the risk with whatever added theft attraction it presents.

[Scotia Mist]

Matt,
 If you use a bail mount couldn't you just unplug the head unit and stow it away or remove it from the boat? With our unit it can be removed in less then a minute.
   Another idea that might be helpful is window covers/treatment. 
  We have curtains over our windows and I think that might help as a theft deterant. My theory is "they don't want to steal what they can't see". Of course I have no idea if my theory is correct or not.

 Our curtains are very very simple. Swing by your local Mill Store (unfinished furniture) and pick up some 3" pine shelf brackets (i/m sure there is a proper name for these things but I have no idea what it is). Then use a 3/4" hole saw and drill out 3/4" "U" in the top of the shelf bracket (or you could use a skill saw and trace a quarter as an outline). Use 5/8" or 1/2" wood dowels for rods to hang the curtains on. You will need to finish the wood with stain (we use purtain pine by minwax) and polyurethane. Karen picked up some lightweight Sunbrella off Ebay in a light color and made the curtains.

[MattinRI]

I was wondering if there was a quick-disconnect option. I had my C80 flat mounted & never saw the bracketry that came with it.  Good idea.  You'll have to let us stop by your slip sometime so I can take some pictures of all your improvements.  The way things are looking, I'll have plenty of time to work on the Ros before launch (I can't buy the engine until I sell the Scout!).

[Scotia Mist]

Not a problem Matt.
  We should be in the water sometime within the next 2 weeks. The weather is just not being very friendly right now for boat projects. Still need to touch up the bottom paint and hit the trim tabs/armstrong bracket with Trilux.