How do I install my GPS??

[Gerry Libertelli]

Comrades in Sail,I just purchased a Garmin 230 GPS Chartplotter. Id really like to install it myself, but Ive searched and searched and cannot find a resource that covers this task.I've chosen to install it on the cockpit console (perhaps mounted on the outer rail). Im an absolute beginner to doing work on my boat myself, but Im just really sick of waiting for the service yard at this point. I have simple questions, such as "Do I have to run the power leads all the way back to the panel? Or are all the relevant leads available in the console?" and "Where do I mount the antenna, and what is the proper procedure for drilling into the fiberglass?" Can anyone suggest some sites, books, personal experiences to help?Gerry

 

[John K Kudera]

Do it

Gerry, sounds as you are fustrated with the yard, is there a fellow sailor in your marina to possibly help you? Having a friend help, after reading the instructions. May be the best idea, that is a large marina, surely there is someone!

 

[Scott Donovan]

It isn't to difficult of a project

Gerry,There are really several steps to this project:1. DC Wiring - Always go back to the panel where there is fuse protection. Probably best to connect to a new switch or one that isn't too loaded.2. Routing the wiring from the panel to the device - Best to drill the wire hole through the fiberglass on a vertical surface if possible to avoid leak issues. Always seal with a silicon sealant3. Mounting the unit - there are mounting systems available...usually three screws and you are set. Check the West Marine Catelog.4. Once the antena is mounted, the same wire routing rules apply.Gerry, good luckCaptain Scott DonovanPrime MeridianBainbridge Island, WA

 

[Larry Long]

Easier said than done

When I ran power leads back to the breaker panel for the installation of my autopilot I discovered that the large flexible conduit that goes thru the cockpit floor under the helm console had been filled with 3M 5200.This is on a brand new 380, so I have to believe it was done at the factory.My experience was that it took twice as long to run the power leads as it did to install the actual autopilot. If you are going to do this yourself, I would recommend running a couple of extra leads from the breaker box in case you have future projects that require additional circuits at or near the helm.

 

[Paul Bednarzyk]

Wiring

Larry, When I installed my autopilot, I ran into the same problem with the conduit under the helm console. My work around was to drill a second 2" hole into the cockpit sole just forward off the factory installed conduit. I then epoxied a 1 1/2" piece of PVC conduit in place using West System epoxy that was thickened with a high strength filler. To keep water out I threaded a 180 degree elbow and when I ran the wires through I made sure that there was enough slack to form a "drip loop". After our trip to the Bahamas and back, no water got into the aft birth. Yes, running the wiring was the toughest part of the installation.Paul BednarzykS/V Knot Again H380