I am the new owner of a 1993 Hunter 23.5. I have not taken the boat out on the water yet, as I am doing a small scale restoration. My only sailing experience is in my uncle's 16' dinghy. I plan to mount a compass (Plastimo Mini-Contest) on the port bulkhead as close to the companionway as possible, and a fishfinder (Humminbird Piranha) on the starboard bulkhead, also very close to the companionway opening. My question is, will the location of these instruments interfere with anything like the mainsheet or other lines. The mast is currently off the boat so I'm having a hard time visualizing. I am afraid I will mount something, then on my first sail realize "x interferes with y". I would appreciate any guidance on the locations of these items, or testimony from other 23.5 owners about the locations of their instruments. Thanks in advance!
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Compass on port side too
Brian, I have my Plastimo contest (not mini) mounted in the identical place on my '94 23.5. not a problem at all. One word of caution mount the compass with the edge at least 4 inches from the companionway hatch so you do not hit structural supports when cutting the hole. Also this distance will allow you room to install a companion way cover if yo so desire later on down the road. The first cut is always the hardest psychologically. Measure twice and cut once. Also, make sure your boat is level sitting on the trailer (port to starboard) so when you stick the template and drill your holes the compass will sit level and your inclinometer will be sitting at 0. If it is not level your inclinometer will be off.
Brian, I have my Plastimo contest (not mini) mounted in the identical place on my '94 23.5. not a problem at all. One word of caution mount the compass with the edge at least 4 inches from the companionway hatch so you do not hit structural supports when cutting the hole. Also this distance will allow you room to install a companion way cover if yo so desire later on down the road. The first cut is always the hardest psychologically. Measure twice and cut once. Also, make sure your boat is level sitting on the trailer (port to starboard) so when you stick the template and drill your holes the compass will sit level and your inclinometer will be sitting at 0. If it is not level your inclinometer will be off.
Get a real depthfinder
I have a Humminbird FF on my 23.5 (starboard side) and would recommend against it. Operationally it is okay, but it does occasionally foul the jib sheet, or get kicked when coming into the cockpit from on deck. I would recommend a flush mounted unit. I think you can get one for just a little more than a humminbird. If you would like photos of my set up I can post a couple.
I have a Humminbird FF on my 23.5 (starboard side) and would recommend against it. Operationally it is okay, but it does occasionally foul the jib sheet, or get kicked when coming into the cockpit from on deck. I would recommend a flush mounted unit. I think you can get one for just a little more than a humminbird. If you would like photos of my set up I can post a couple.
I mounted my stuff
(GPS and pirahana 2) on a board that fitted into the port slot that the companionway boards sit in. I used bungees to hold them there. that way I could remove them and put them inside when not in use. I wouldn't mount anything permanent until you sail the boat a few times. Use tape, bungees, cardboard, bubblegum, whatever to temp mount them and try it. Once you drill the hole there is no turning back. I mounted my compass too close to the port winch and it doesn't read accurately. The comments about flush mounting anything is a good one. Foul it with a line one time and it's history.
(GPS and pirahana 2) on a board that fitted into the port slot that the companionway boards sit in. I used bungees to hold them there. that way I could remove them and put them inside when not in use. I wouldn't mount anything permanent until you sail the boat a few times. Use tape, bungees, cardboard, bubblegum, whatever to temp mount them and try it. Once you drill the hole there is no turning back. I mounted my compass too close to the port winch and it doesn't read accurately. The comments about flush mounting anything is a good one. Foul it with a line one time and it's history.
Compass Mount
Here is a photo of where my compass is mounted. Never snagged a line on it and I can see and read it fine from the transom.
Here is a photo of where my compass is mounted. Never snagged a line on it and I can see and read it fine from the transom.
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