Instrument installation on 1995 H-26

[Ray Bowles]

We just bought a 1995 Hunter 26 and need advice on installing a knot/depth meter and compass. The instruments we bought are a STANDARD COM. HORIZON MD100 depth/knot and a AQUA METER (Rule Ind.)bulkhead mount Saturn Compass.I mounted the 2 thru hull sending units for the knot/depth meter on both sides of the bilge pump. I would like to mount the smart parts on the port cockpit bulkhead. The instructions require the MD100 to be at least 12 inches (300mm) from a compass. The compass also must not be near internal electrical wiring or metalic fixtures, (ie. the head light and port cabin top winch).Does anyone have suggestions or experence with my gauge mounting dilema?

 

[Jon Bastien]

What I usually see...

...Is the depth/speed/wind instruments on one side of the companionway (usually the same side as any cabin wiring, swith panels, etc), and the compass on the other side of the companionway (away from anything that would cause magnetic interference). Don't forget the simple stuff, either- Make sure the compass is not near stereo speakers or major electronic components INSIDE the bulkhead. If that's just not possible, you could always get an electronic compass with a remote sensor...--Jon BastienH25 'Adagio'

 

[Harvey Small]

Yup!

Compass on the portside bulkhead, Knot/depth meter on the starboard. That's how it is on my Hunter 26. Also, remember that the bulkhead isn't a true vertical, so if you don't correct the compass mounting with an angled shim, you should remove the compensating magnets before mounting. I know that means you can't use the magnets, but they won't work if the compass isn't vertical.Harvey Small s/v Waiting for the Sun