Before:
Stormwatch came with a non functional depth/speed/wind unit, and a illuminated compass, mounted on a temporary bottom hatchboard panel. When not in use the previous owners would store in under the starboard settee with the cables attached.
I'm not so sure I like the idea of using the hatchboard, due to the risk of tripping on it, and the extra stress it puts on the cable.
The possible damage was evident when looking at the old cables.
Not to mention needing a place to stow it as needed.
Today:
I picked up a Lowrance Mark 4, which has a plastic mounting bracket.
My initial plan was having a swivel/swing arm with the fish finder mounted to it
That way I can swivel it against the starboard bulkhead or out into the companionway.
I also plan on having a 9" tablet mounted the same way. Possibly with the same thing show in this video:
After further thought, I'm considering having the fish finder externally on cockpit side of the bulkhead.
Unfortunately Lowrance doesn't have a flush mounting kit for this unit. (they do have one for the more expensive models.)
The mount that comes with it would force the unit to be 3.5 inches out from the mounting surface.
I'm thinking that possibly the best option is to make or modify a spacer of wood or plastic that fits the unit, so it can be 1.75 inches total thickness.
I could cut a big hole in the bulkhead that allows the fish finder to be partially recessed, but I'm not a fan of major holes for something that could fail and need to be replaced. 5 small holes are easily filled.
Why do I think that having the fish finder on a fixed mount, and the tablet mounted on a swing arm is a good idea ?
Tablet:
-The tablet will be used for entertainment (videos/music), in addition to chart functions.
-don't "need" to see at all times
-While the tablet is waterproof, It is not rugged enough to handle much abuse in the way of getting thrown around in the cabin.
-a swing arm would allow visibility from the cockpit, for navigation and evening movies, in addition to viewing inside the boat.
Fish finder
-need to refer to it a lot when sailing in water with unmarked shallows (common here)
-need to see it even in weather when the hatch needs to be fully closed.
Having one as a fixed mount, and one on a swing arm seem to fit intended use well, in addition to keeping the companionway free of excess obstructions.
The compass (suunto U-90 with light) will likely be externally mounted on the port bulkhead. I since it should last longer than the boat, I have less problem with putting a large hole through the bulkhead. I may get a different compass though, since this unit is so thick it would protrude all the way into the cabin.
Any Thoughts ?
Stormwatch came with a non functional depth/speed/wind unit, and a illuminated compass, mounted on a temporary bottom hatchboard panel. When not in use the previous owners would store in under the starboard settee with the cables attached.
I'm not so sure I like the idea of using the hatchboard, due to the risk of tripping on it, and the extra stress it puts on the cable.
The possible damage was evident when looking at the old cables.
Not to mention needing a place to stow it as needed.
Today:
I picked up a Lowrance Mark 4, which has a plastic mounting bracket.
My initial plan was having a swivel/swing arm with the fish finder mounted to it
That way I can swivel it against the starboard bulkhead or out into the companionway.
I also plan on having a 9" tablet mounted the same way. Possibly with the same thing show in this video:
After further thought, I'm considering having the fish finder externally on cockpit side of the bulkhead.
Unfortunately Lowrance doesn't have a flush mounting kit for this unit. (they do have one for the more expensive models.)
The mount that comes with it would force the unit to be 3.5 inches out from the mounting surface.
I'm thinking that possibly the best option is to make or modify a spacer of wood or plastic that fits the unit, so it can be 1.75 inches total thickness.
I could cut a big hole in the bulkhead that allows the fish finder to be partially recessed, but I'm not a fan of major holes for something that could fail and need to be replaced. 5 small holes are easily filled.
Why do I think that having the fish finder on a fixed mount, and the tablet mounted on a swing arm is a good idea ?
Tablet:
-The tablet will be used for entertainment (videos/music), in addition to chart functions.
-don't "need" to see at all times
-While the tablet is waterproof, It is not rugged enough to handle much abuse in the way of getting thrown around in the cabin.
-a swing arm would allow visibility from the cockpit, for navigation and evening movies, in addition to viewing inside the boat.
Fish finder
-need to refer to it a lot when sailing in water with unmarked shallows (common here)
-need to see it even in weather when the hatch needs to be fully closed.
Having one as a fixed mount, and one on a swing arm seem to fit intended use well, in addition to keeping the companionway free of excess obstructions.
The compass (suunto U-90 with light) will likely be externally mounted on the port bulkhead. I since it should last longer than the boat, I have less problem with putting a large hole through the bulkhead. I may get a different compass though, since this unit is so thick it would protrude all the way into the cabin.
Any Thoughts ?
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