Engine gauges

[rbmcintire]

I ran across this item while looking at instrument pods and remembered some owners wanted to relocate their engine gauge clusters. I don't think this option was previously discussed:

http://store.oceanequipment.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=EP162

Very inexpensive. The description of the product is written as if this company was an OEM that supplied Catalina.

Rob

 

[foolproof]

It sounds like it is just the pod, and you put your instruments in it. It would be cool if you were renovating your cockpit and wanted something different.

However, I like the instruments down by the floor, where they are out of the way. But then again, I don't motor often, just to get out of the marina and onto the lake. Cool idea though.

 

[Lost Parent]

Just moved mine up to the port seat back...easier to access

 

[Stu Jackson]

Very inexpensive. The description of the product is written as if this company was an OEM that supplied Catalina.

Rob, could be because they were? The Mark II versions of Catalinas included these Navpods instead of having the instrument clusters mounted on the sides of the cockpit coamings or footwells.

 

[mortyd]

huh?

 

[rbmcintire]

Yes, this gauge pod at the pedestal was new to me. I hadn't seen pictures or discussion of this before and it appeared from the ad that Catalina had used them at one point in production. Could be a cool idea for those wanting to relocate their gauges. Very reasonable price. New gauges and wiring would add another point two five (0.25) boat bucks. Take note Rich!

Rob

 

[Stu Jackson]

Rob , be careful what you wish for! In many cases, as reported in Mainsheet magazine, repeatedly, the location of the navpods interfered with installing autopilots. Some skippers found they needed to lower the navpod to assure clearances.

 

[rbmcintire]

That's a very good point, Stu. While I'm not in the "Move the Gauges" Party (our '84 is nicely viewable and accessible up on the Port coaming) I am voting for a new X-5 wheel pilot one day.

Rob

 

[Brad Woodward]

Looks nice but I think I would have to lean back and squat downtown read them. The location pictured would definitely hinder an auto pilot. My gauges are mounted on the aft area of the port bench where just a turn of my head I can read them, except when my dog is lying in front of em. Easy to read and easily accessible for starting and stopping the engine.

 

[Calif. Ted]

I used one of these to replace the factory installed pod because the back piece had cracked at the pedestal, didn't even have to change the gauges as the old faceplate fit perfect.
My MKI RM autopilot drive (the black one) fits normally, however the gray MKII drive wheels must be mounted in the alternate position (with motor at upper port side of wheel instead of lower starboard) on boats with the pod on pedestal.
When motoring I can see the gauges well enough from steering position but it takes real effort to read the hours on the tach.