Hunter 36: Mods to Lewmar Pedestal / Navpod

[WarrenWolf]

The location of the NavPod on our 2009 Hunter 36 has bothered us from day one. It is positioned too high blocking the view from the helm seat which makes it mandatory to stand at the wheel while underway. Anyone have any experience addressing this issue?

All we have installed in the NavPod is a Raymarine GPS so we are considering relocating the GPS to the lower housing on the Lewmar pedesal (behind the compass - between the stainless rail tubes - see photo). Then we would get rid of the NavPod entirely. This will leave us dealing with exposed mounting holes in the stainless rail if we leave it as-is. Or we can try cutting it and lowering it as well - or just find a replacement rail. Any thoughts on this subject would be appreciated.

 

[Bob 04 H260]

A lot of modern sailboats seem to have this issue. I think we have the same pedestal on our H356. I've only found it an issue when motoring all day in the ICW. Sailing we often have the autopilot running and we are sitting in one of the corner seats. I have considered a booster seat (that seems to be the solution most skippers choose) but I don't feel it is a big enough issue for me to store the seat when it is not needed.
Bob

 

[HernandoBeacher]

I have the same issue with my H36 and a problem seeing the chart plotter when seated. The top navpod is angled in a way that the screen cannot be viewed when sitting anywhere in the stern. I have thought about rotating the navpod so that the screen is anbled to a seated height. That doesn't solve WarrenWolf's orignal complaint and I have also abandoned the center for corner seats.

 

[Ken13559]

If you remove the pod don't cut the ss bar. It makes a good hand hold. Just put an a plastic/rubber end cap over the holes. Or ring tape the holes with self vulcanising tape.

 

[WarrenWolf]

A lot of modern sailboats seem to have this issue. I think we have the same pedestal on our H356. I've only found it an issue when motoring all day in the ICW. Sailing we often have the autopilot running and we are sitting in one of the corner seats. I have considered a booster seat (that seems to be the solution most skippers choose) but I don't feel it is a big enough issue for me to store the seat when it is not needed.
Bob

Thanks Bob. It looks like you have close to the same setup as ours. From the photo, it looks like you have a couple instruments mounted in the lower housing where ours is currently empty and available as a location for our GPS. On our boat, those instruments (depth and speed) are located on the cowling over the cabin hatchway. I also like to use the corner stern seats when on Autopilot but unfortunately, most of the time they are already occupied be other crew members. :-(. A booster seat would have to be quite sizeable in order to be able to see over the NavPod. I still think removing it will be the best approach.