Tillers & Chartplotter location

[palacegrand]

Hi Folks,So I'm thinking of adding a chartplotter/sounder this summer. Likely something in the 6" to 8" screen size.The question becomes: where should I put it? Without a wheel there's no binnacle to mount it on and while there is an instrument bridge at the forward end of the companionway, that's a bit far away to view any detail or manipulate it while single-handing. (which is the majority of my sailing)I suppose it's possible to have it mounted on a swing arm in the companionway but ... Anybody else faced and solved this dilemma? Or have any bright ideas?cheers,jcm

 

[Rob Hessenius]

Chartplotter location

JCM~I have the same situation as you. I spent a lot of time thinking about and came to the conclusion that the swing arm out of the companionway was the way to go. I bought a double arm mount. I have a Garmin 172ci and I have no problems viewing from anywhere in the cockpit. When you are in a tight spot you will zoom in enough that you will see fine. I wish I had a picture of my set-up. Its pretty straight forward.

 

[Joe]

go with a swing arm....

...you can easily adjust it to suit any place you sit in the cockpit. You can't do that with a binnacle mount. You have to stand behind the wheel to see it. The cool thing about tiller steering is that it allows you to move around the cockpit, steer with your knees while you adjust lines or reset the gps, sit out on the coaming with a tiller extension. Tiller steering is a no-brainer for single handed sailing.

 

[Paul Akers]

My CP has an...

...integrated antenna. This allows me to take it below and turn it on in order to enter the next day's passage. I have a pedestal and wheel. With a shelf it's a no-brainer, but I would suggest to mount it to a mounting board with an integrated antenna and a 12v ciarette lighter plug. This makes it portable and stays within reach because, if you are like me, you will always be playing with it - changing screens, etc.