Hey Maties, I am thinking about purchasing a GPS Chartplotter, I have a 9.5" pedistal in My C27 there is not a whole lot of room in the cockpit near the wheel. I need some proven mounting suggestions. I am considering a Garmin 172C or a Raymarine RC400. I would appreciate any feedback on these units, especially problems with locating near the compass. Ease of use, readibility in sunlight etc. Pictures of your installations would be greatly appreciated. Please help, the snow is finially starting to melt, and it's time to think spring. Fair Winds, Bill
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Chartplotter
I mounted a Garmin 162 with internal antenna on the pedistal guard above and to the left of the compass. I used a stainless steel "L" bracket that I fabricated, but could have used wood or StarBoard. Works great. Does not affect the compass. Internal antenna saves the hassle of running wire to an external antenna. Bimini does not seem to affect signal strength. Readability in sunlight is excellent.
I mounted a Garmin 162 with internal antenna on the pedistal guard above and to the left of the compass. I used a stainless steel "L" bracket that I fabricated, but could have used wood or StarBoard. Works great. Does not affect the compass. Internal antenna saves the hassle of running wire to an external antenna. Bimini does not seem to affect signal strength. Readability in sunlight is excellent.
Mounting Chartplotter
I struggled with the same issue on my 27 Watkins. I resorted to an instrument mount made by SNAPIT Marine. I ran the power, antenna, cables through the pedestal and mounted my charplotter to the SNAPIT mount. This allows me to disconnect and store the chartplotter below. Here is a link and I can post an image if you want to see the end result. http://www.snapitmarine.com/html/snapit_5.html J
I struggled with the same issue on my 27 Watkins. I resorted to an instrument mount made by SNAPIT Marine. I ran the power, antenna, cables through the pedestal and mounted my charplotter to the SNAPIT mount. This allows me to disconnect and store the chartplotter below. Here is a link and I can post an image if you want to see the end result. http://www.snapitmarine.com/html/snapit_5.html J
Clamhead, I would like to see the finished product
Clam, I looked at that link, may be just what the doctor ordered. I would like to see the finished product.
Clam, I looked at that link, may be just what the doctor ordered. I would like to see the finished product.
Ram Mounts
I just installed a Ram Mount on the pedestal guard, to hold my large handheld, GPSMAP175. It is the short arm version with the one-inch balls, and the rail clamp option. It came with a Garmin holder for the GPSMAP175 which accomodates the power/data cable. They have almost unlimited versions of these mounts. The real advantage of this type of mount is that it can easily be adjusted for different viewing angles, so I can see the screen if I sit, or stand, or am off to one side. Cost was $28 for the complete mount plus $16 for the rail clamp. See link.
I just installed a Ram Mount on the pedestal guard, to hold my large handheld, GPSMAP175. It is the short arm version with the one-inch balls, and the rail clamp option. It came with a Garmin holder for the GPSMAP175 which accomodates the power/data cable. They have almost unlimited versions of these mounts. The real advantage of this type of mount is that it can easily be adjusted for different viewing angles, so I can see the screen if I sit, or stand, or am off to one side. Cost was $28 for the complete mount plus $16 for the rail clamp. See link.
Ram mount
I installed a JRC radar display down low on the steering pedestal with the Ram Mount that Jon talks about. The benefit was that I could swing the mount forward out of my way, disconnect the display and or mount easily when I wasn't using it and most of all it was at a level and position that my crew that was often navigating while I was at the wheel could swing the unit around for their best visibility, and adjustments while they were sitting in a more stable position in the cockpit often with chart in hand. I found when I most critically needed the radar/chartplotter I had my hands full with the boat and having crew able to watch the screen and direct me was very helpful. This position and the swing arm allowed for that.
I installed a JRC radar display down low on the steering pedestal with the Ram Mount that Jon talks about. The benefit was that I could swing the mount forward out of my way, disconnect the display and or mount easily when I wasn't using it and most of all it was at a level and position that my crew that was often navigating while I was at the wheel could swing the unit around for their best visibility, and adjustments while they were sitting in a more stable position in the cockpit often with chart in hand. I found when I most critically needed the radar/chartplotter I had my hands full with the boat and having crew able to watch the screen and direct me was very helpful. This position and the swing arm allowed for that.
Ram Photo 2
This one showing more detail. I can hardly believe I spent 10 years with a generic mount, Velcro straps, and Bungie cords trying to make do. I just ran across this solution the other day. A couple twists of the adjustment knob, unplug, and I just take the whole thing below when I'm done for the day (less the rail mount ball which stays attached)
This one showing more detail. I can hardly believe I spent 10 years with a generic mount, Velcro straps, and Bungie cords trying to make do. I just ran across this solution the other day. A couple twists of the adjustment knob, unplug, and I just take the whole thing below when I'm done for the day (less the rail mount ball which stays attached)
Ram Mount Pictures
That installation looks very clean, any problems with compass being so close? Bill
That installation looks very clean, any problems with compass being so close? Bill
Compass interference
I can't say I've checked for, or noticed the compass being influenced by the GPS. I don't really use the compass for accurate heading information. Usually just use compass as a steering aid in low visibility conditions. And seeing that the GPS is a low power device, I think the compass would be more likely be influenced by the instruments mounted above, or the instrument cables routed through the pedestal guard, or the engine control panel, just below the compass. All in all, I think it's going to work out fine.
I can't say I've checked for, or noticed the compass being influenced by the GPS. I don't really use the compass for accurate heading information. Usually just use compass as a steering aid in low visibility conditions. And seeing that the GPS is a low power device, I think the compass would be more likely be influenced by the instruments mounted above, or the instrument cables routed through the pedestal guard, or the engine control panel, just below the compass. All in all, I think it's going to work out fine.
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