I have been a cruiser, and I installed my separate chart plotter on the Stbd side of the companionway at the fwd end of the cockpit, where I sit under the dodger in inclement weather, with the auto wheelpilot driving the boat. I can see it when I sit behind the wheel but I only sit there when I'm maneuvering the boat or navigating by radar. I mounted a block across the ss loop with a ball & swivel for my radar. That way I can see the radar from my fwd seat or from behind the wheel. Where you put things, depends on what suits you best, the kind of sailing you do, and the instruments you will be using. I like my radar on the swivel because I don't have to sit at the wheel to use it. A pod makes the installation neat but restricts the use of whatever you put in it. Ask yourself: Would you want access to your chartplotter when someone else is steering the boat? Good Luck ---Joe Shirley