Getting ready to pull the trigger

[PrincessoftheLake]

om my radar purchase. I am pretty sure, I think, that I am going with the Garmin 3210 MFD. I should just go ahead and place the order but this seems like so much money and I am feeling hesitant. I do have one last question, do I need to buy one of those Navpod enclosures for the display unit? I am thinking I can just mount it on the pedestal guard of my 1995 Hunter 40.5. Can that be done or is that an awkward mounting? Right now my Garmin 182C is mounted there (obviously it will be removed when the radar comes. I am not trying to be too much of a cheapie but it would save me about $300...I am attaching a picture so you can see what I am talking about.

 

[Karl]

Don't have to.

You don’t have to buy the Navpod if you want to use the mount that comes with the unit. The advantage of the Navpod is that it provides a more permanent mount that is a little more secure. You won’t have to remove the unit when you return to shore to keep it from being stolen.I used a Navpod and a new mount when I installed my Raymarine C-80. Gives a cleaner look, and at the same time I was able to move the rest of my instruments closer to the wheel.

 

[Tim R.]

"Size matters" I think you said this ;-)

I was looking at the 3210 for my Ericson 35 until I made a cardboard cutout the same size to see how I could mount it at the helm. It seemed huge on the boat so I bought the 3206 instead which is the exact same model but smaller. I also installed a mount at the nav station.No, you do not need an enclosure.Tim R.

 

[PrincessoftheLake]

Of course it does

That's why I want the 3210 ;D

 

[Tim R.]

Go removable

I do not use an enclosure because I remove the unit from the helm to prevent theft. Of course they can just break into the cabin but it is not out in the open like the 4 boats around me. The theory being that they will steal the one that is easier to steal. Also being able to move it to the nav table at night is essential for trip planning and anchor alarms.Tim R.

 

[PrincessoftheLake]

Tim, I like the removable idea

because I got to thinking about the security issue after reading Danny's post and the lock he added. I would feel better if I had it stowed below when I am not on the boat. How do handle the mount at the nav station at night?

 

[Tim R.]

Mounting kit

I bought an extra mounting kit from Garmin and hung it next to the vhf. The kit comes with an extra cable which I ran back to a junction with the antenna lead and power. I also wired in a serial cable to connect to my laptop so I can do trip planning with that or firmware updates and backups.Tim R.

 

[PrincessoftheLake]

Ferg, that picture sure looks familiar

and my apologies for doing damage to the fine reputation of the Bayfield sailors. The lack of beer cans is due entirely to my abusing the privlige a very long time ago. LOL!

 

[PHitchcox]

At the helm, on a Navpod

I tread where most do not dare - I have to vote for placing the Garmin (beautiful equipment) at the helm, secured by a Navpod from theft. My old 185 Garmin was removable, but over the years, reattaching it time and again took its toll on the electrical connections.I can also understand having a removable setup, particularly if you want to lay waypoints and routes at the nav table.Here's the daring part. I have to comment on Fred's setup.I've sailed in groups for several years, with several who have radars located below. When we hit fog, they have someone at the helm and someone down below reading the radar and you can imagine the conversation, back and forth, "can you see anything?", "no", "you sure? thought I saw something off the port bow","nothing", "you sure?"... You get the idea.I'm presuming Fred has an excellent reason why his is below. Better crew, doesn't go out in fog, sorry, but I have to ask.Paul

 

[Maine Sail]

Fred why not at the helm for radar??

As you know I spend a good deal of time in the fog and I can't think of a better place for my radar display than the helm? Just curious as to why you'd rather be away from the helm and in the cabin rather than at the helm..?? It does seem interesting that both the guys from Maine, fog central, would want it at the helm..As for how to mount it I vote Navpod. I have had two units that were removable a Northstar 952X and a Garmin 182C both required new plugs within a year and I actually bent one of the pins on my Gramin that I had to very, very carefully straighten with a small flat bladed screw driver. Navpods are very secure, keep the wires neat and prevent water from getting anywhere near the connections or from dripping down the inside of your pedestal into the aft cabin or into the cockpit floors core..

 

[PrincessoftheLake]

I did it!

My new Garmin 3210C, GMR18 AND my Navpod enclosure will be on their way to me within a day or two. Rob from West Marine in Oshkosh got in touch with me through this forum and let me know he was willing to help me get the Garmin I was looking for. We took of it this afternoon and I am really happy. I will be mounting the display at the helm in the enclosure. After reading all the comments, it makes sense.Again, my thanks to Rob for doing such a great job. It was a pleasure doing business with him!

 

[Tim R.]

At the helm

I have my chartplotter and radar at the helm. The admiral is lookout at the bow. She loves sitting up there in the fog.Maine Sail, you around this weekend? My wife wants to learn how to polish the boat. I am hoping we can get some of it done in between the rain showers that are forcasted.Tim R.

 

[PHitchcox]

Maine contingency - apologies to princess

Good to hear about the Garmin and Navpod.For the Maine contingency, Centerboard Yacht Club in South Portland Sunday for cleaning and polishing. Rain or shine. (the boat'll shine either way)Paul

 

[Rob Hessenius]

Thanks

West Marine does not troll on this forum. I am just a regular here and knew I could help Princess out, as I would for anyone. Rob Hessenius

 

[Tim R.]

Hey Paul

I am at CYC also. My boat is still in my yard but hope to have it at CYC 5/12 or 5/13 depending on weather.Tim R.

 

[PHitchcox]

My apologies to Rob and WM

I didn't mean to imply anything inappropriate (trolling doesn't sound good). My apologies to Rob. It's great you'd help out anyone, be they commoners or princesses.Paul

 

[DannyS]

Congrats!

Congratulations on your purchase and good luck with the installation, now the fun really begins!

 

[Maine Sail]

Tim you're in luck....

My wife is in Florida for the weekend. Give me a buzz on my cell as I'm in and out of the car all day.

 

[PrincessoftheLake]

Thanks Danny!

Fun? Installing the radar? Oy vey...