Nav. Instrument Location

[Pete]

We had the opportunity to charter a larger boat this summer that had the electronic nav. instrument displays (wind dir., depth, speed, etc.) mounted over the companionway. As we sailed, I quickly came to appreciate the convenience of the nav. display location since I could keep an eye on the displays without moving my head and without appreciably changing my eye focus. We are looking to buy a new boat (a mid-size Catalina, probably a 320) and all of the boats we have seen have the nav. displays located on the wheel mounting. Does anyone sell a mounting to place these displays over the comanionway? Is there a reason why this is not done? It sure seems easier to use them when you do not conctantly have to shift your head and focus.

 

[Ron Doescher]

instruments

Agree with you -- over the companionway is a nice spot. I don't think that the 320 has the room over, or to either side. The pedestal mount Catalina uses has these instruments at a fairly convenient level, though you do need to glance down occasionally. But, any good helmsman will be constantly moving their eyes all around the 180deg vertical & 360deg horizontal quadrant anyway.I wear bifocals & have found that a prescription with the lower "reading" optics set for a 24-30 inch focal length works nicely for reading those instruments & working on a computer.

 

[Dave Ullrich]

"order" your boat without instruments

My 1983 Cat 30 has them mounted to the cabin. I really like the position. The instruments were installed by my Caltalina dealer after the boat was bought without any instruments. They did have to cut 3 holes in the cabine, but did a GREAT job. Looks factory. See if this might be an option for you. An added bonus is that you may have a better selection of instruments to choose from.

 

[John J]

Nav Instruments

Dave makes a good point about having them installed later. On our 310, Catalina charged about $3500 for ST60 Wind, depth and speed. In any of the catalogs or sail magazines you can find this same package for $1700. I would think most yards could install this package for a lot less than $1700

 

[Gary Jensen]

companionway mounted

My 36 had a custom mounted wood bracket over the companionway. I loved it!!!!! When sailing everyone could tell if the speed increased, where the wind was coming from, at what speed etc. etc...My 380 has them mounted just forward of the wheel. I am going to change them. . I am going to make a template of cardboard and have a custom "mahogany" (varnished) ecliptical, boxed, mount made (OR I will make it). The last one was just great!!!!