Chart Plotter Location

Joe · Dec 12, 2021

Mount it where you can reach it while steering, the traveler sounds good, I'd like to see the mounting. Then you can get something small, like a 7" Vulcan, with networking.... you can still control tiller pilot, etc. plus also allowing you to add tactical displays elsewhere.... like on the mast or over the companion way so the crew can easily see important data.... windspeed, boatspeed, course etc. (they don't care about looking at a chart, 'cause they ain't navigatin') That's way more functional that one big expensive screen that gets in the way of crew activity on such a cool boat.

F260SS · Dec 12, 2021

Souellette said:
I'm adding a chart plotter to my wish list. Curious to know if anyone has installed one and where it is located. I've seen one mounted to the right of the companionway opening but that seems too far away and will get blocked by guests. I recall seeing that someone had created a mount so it could be located on the traveler. Has anyone done something like this? Any other ideas?

The first owner of my boat built a mount for the traveler. I am going to the boat today to winterize. I will get some pictures and post them this evening.

F260SS · Dec 13, 2021

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions.

F260SS · Dec 13, 2021

Souellette said:
This is very helpful. Thank you. Two questions: I'm assuming this is angled sufficiently such that the main sheet doesn't interfere with the mount? Also, how is cabling handled? I wonder if it can be run on the underside of the traveler to keep it out out of sight?

Yes, it is angled enough to not interfere with the main sheet. My instruments are wireless and battery/solar powered so there is no cabling. If I added a chart plotter to it I would probably use some bulk head connections under the traveler.

I think if I was doing it myself I would look at some of the Ram Mount options. You could probably configure one of their mounts to position the screen in front of the traveler without having to drill the traveler or bend up an aluminum bracket.

Ward H · Dec 13, 2021

Not a 275 but on my O'day 25 I used a Ram Mount setup as suggested by @F260SS. I mounted it on the inside of the bulkhead and it easily swung out into the companionway opening. People sitting in the cockpit rarely got in the way. I did have to shift forward sometimes unless I zoomed in on the screen.
Another Ram Mount option I've seen is a Ball Mount placed on a seat back far enough back it didn't hit anyones back but gave good visibility to the helmsman. You could put a plug next to it to plug in the CP.

Joe · Dec 13, 2021

You really have to decide how you want to use it. My experience is that I rarely have the map screen displayed when sailing... instead I have all my sail data.... vmg, course, speed, etc. displayed on the B&G SailSteer screen. The chart screen can have this info also but unless you're looking for AIS targets (definitely a desirable feature) you find the sailsteer screen more useful. If you want the chart on display all the time... then a larger, fixed mount device might suit you better, something you can see from the helm but not necessarily needing the smaller data inserts to be as visible as the course and layline markers.

shemandr · Dec 14, 2021

That Sail Steer screen seems more for racing but would be useful just sailing. I would probably use the chart screen as a default page because that is the point of a chart plotter - to show you where you are. But if racing on a set course (So you know there aren't depth or obstruction issues), the Sail Steer would excel. I wonder how good it does at integrating current. In the Peconic Bays venue current can differ by yards in certain areas. The Sail Steer would have to update set and drift very quickly in order to beat the brain.

All U Get · Dec 15, 2021

An old salt from Casco Bay put his on a swing arm mounted inside the companion way so he could swing it out while sailing and back inside at the end of the day.

drewlamparello · Dec 17, 2021

MIne is on a swing mount in the companion way. Yes its can be obstructed but I would worry about killing my self or other crew members if it was protruding from the traveler... Besides given the size of those holes any concern about weakening the traveler by taking so much metal away for the mounting bolts

MikeHoncho · Dec 17, 2021

Maybe I missing something but how are you going to be able to use anything mounted in the pod when the traveler/main sheet is mid ship which is the majority of the time? I’d suggest mounting the plotter within fingers reach of where you normally place yourself in the cockpit. I do a lot of single hand which puts me between the helm and traveler. My plotter is a IPad mounted to the grab rail on the helm that I can face front, back and side to side.

F260SS · Dec 17, 2021

How about something like this mounted just in front of and below the traveler? It would be easy to remove the chart plotter and swing out of the way when you didn't need it. I wouldn't want one mounted in the companionway where you can't get to it from the helm position.

Joe · Dec 17, 2021

Souellette said:
That's two votes for swing mounting in the companionway. How big is the screen? Can you see it from the helm OK?

On my boat you reach the unit from the tiller, but on your boat, the long cockpit and relatively small cabin, may place it out of reach. Simple enough to determine by sitting at the tiller and seeing if you make the reach to 5 or 6 inches from the bulkhead. The double swing arm allows for a number of useful positioning options.
Found these old pics to give you an idea... but I have a regular C27 and the cockpit is much smaller than your 270 sport. Only way to tell though is to get to the boat for some test fitting. Good luck.

drewlamparello · Dec 21, 2021

Joe said:
On my boat you reach the unit from the tiller, but on your boat, the long cockpit and relatively small cabin, may place it out of reach. Simple enough to determine by sitting at the tiller and seeing if you make the reach to 5 or 6 inches from the bulkhead. The double swing arm allows for a number of useful positioning options.
Found these old pics to give you an idea... but I have a regular C27 and the cockpit is much smaller than your 270 sport. Only way to tell though is to get to the boat for some test fitting. Good luck.
View attachment 201058 View attachment 201059

Mine is mounted on the swing arm. If you sit behind the Traveler reading the stats on the Face of it depend on your eyesight. I can read the numbers if I have my glasses on and other crew, much younger with better eyes, can read it with no problem.

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