chartplotter install advice/opinions

[csavage]

am considering installing garmin 740s at helm;
connections to unit include sonar, power & NMEA 2000.
will I be able to fit wires in 1" binnacle guard? or should bring up pedestal?
how should I seal cables at entrance to tubes?
I'm concerned about penetrating deck at base of guard tubes.
am also debating navpod vs support bracket/shelf for unit;

opinions & pics please

 

[Bill1565]

Wires will fit in tube, plugs will not. My boat pedestal had 2aluminum wings with instruments on each. Wires were run up pedestal. I replaced this with a nav pod, and re wired. There is a " field install able" NMEA 2000 termination. You are on your own for the other plugs. Holes in the cockpit sole have not been a problem, but you don't want to bore out the entire foot, leave a ledge for the tubing to sit on. Net,net hole in sole will be 7/8" or even 3/4".

 

[Jimm]

am considering installing garmin 740s at helm;
connections to unit include sonar, power & NMEA 2000.
will I be able to fit wires in 1" binnacle guard? or should bring up pedestal?
how should I seal cables at entrance to tubes?
I'm concerned about penetrating deck at base of guard tubes.
am also debating navpod vs support bracket/shelf for unit;

opinions & pics please

Not clear what you have on at your helm-- I had to go to a 1 1/4" double bend to accommodate instruments and wiring. No problem running down thru sole as long as base is well sealed.

 

[Brad Woodward]

I did the same as Bill. Run the power cables up one side and the data up the other. Make sure that the transducer wire is NOT touching the other wires as much as possible. My sonar worked perfectly for three months then intermittently cut out, then stopped altogether. After doing a lot of research found it was the wires touching, seems it builds up some sort of resistance. I separated them by hanging the cable from the others by a separate tie wrap. Still have to find a few other places it is touching. As it worked again for a few days but is going intermittent again. Cutting the plugs off to get the wires up the guard tubes isn't as big a deal as they say. I got the Garmin package with radar. It said in the instructions "DO NOT CUT THE DATA CABLE!". Then the include a spare plug in case you have to cut it. I had to add about 8' of data cable I just got a plug tool and made a straight through RS232 with a female- female connector. No problems. I went with the nav pod and got a taller guard to keep the pod above the compass. I can see the compass better and the instruments don't affect it either.

 

[csavage]

Guys: thanks very much for the feedback & info;
Jimm: your set up looks great.
I am however, leaning towards an install in the starboard bulkhead rather than replacing the guard & using a nav pod. Not as convenient as at the helm but might not be too bad; I use the auto helm a lot when single handing.
what do you think about the bulkhead location?

 

[Bill1565]

Bulkhead is fine for single handing if you have good eyes or good glasses (or a LARGE screen). Crew or spouse will always be in front of it when you need to see.

 

[Jimm]

Guys: thanks very much for the feedback & info;
Jimm: your set up looks great.
I am however, leaning towards an install in the starboard bulkhead rather than replacing the guard & using a nav pod. Not as convenient as at the helm but might not be too bad; I use the auto helm a lot when single handing.
what do you think about the bulkhead location?

I single hand a lot too, and often sit in the stern seat. from there I can reach the auto helm. It would be a problem for me on the bulkhead unless I had a remote control unit......