BUCKLE YOUR CHIN STRAP
This Spring I finished wiring a 4000+ and a GPS into my helm of a 35.5 This was the second time and finaly got it right. The compass is an issue, but ends up being minor. The problem is the number of wires required and routing them to the instrument on the guard. I insisted that no wires would be exposed except for the drive to the motor. That means running compass, power, drive, Seatalk, and NEMA (optional) through a 1 inch stainless pipe. Its very difficult, but doable. I purchased a single pod "Navpod" with a side mount and located the control head just just outside the throddle lever. I can control the pilot from a sitting position and easily see it. I drilled out the guard on both sides where it attaches to the pedistal with the two flanges and four screws. I had to drill both sides to handle all the wires. This is not easy as those flanges are thick stainless. My big mistake was that I added the Seatalk interface after running the other wires last season. Its so tight I had to pull them all out and back in again with the new Seatalk wire. All the wires come from the starboard aft locker, through the steering cable area and up into the pedistal where they exit directly into the S/S guard pipe and into the insturment pod. Easier said than done. It looks neat and is functional. I have a picture and wiring diagram, if you like, at gsquare@erols.com. I mounted the compass on the back bulkhead of the aft berth. Probaby not the best, but after calibration got 1 degree of deviation.
