value of pedestal guard

[fiestaMojo]

I need to install a new depth system, seriously considering a fishfinder (Garmin FF 140) with the display at the helm. . . thinkin' I could fabricate a base made of Starboard to mount between the pedestal and the compass. . . while thinkin' about this project I saw that the popular way to mount instrumentation seems to be on a pedestal guard; my boat does not have a guard - should it? seems they wouldn't add much protection, just a convenient mounting platform for your instruments. . . is adding a pedestal guard a good initial project?

 

[Ed Schenck]

My pedestal guard not only holds some instruments but also my cockpit table and drink holder. I replaced the original with an offset guard, $100. from TIQ. That made room for my homemade pod($8.00). And I cannot imagine not having a guard when I think how many times I have had to hang on to it.

Most likely you will need to get the pedestal plate and feet from the mfg. No problem if an Edson but expensive. But lots of less expensive sources for the guard itself.

 

[Bill Roosa]

I'd agree with Ed, just make sure it is sturdy as it will quickly become the hand hold of choice and get lots of tugging on. A little over design here will pay off in the long run when you need it most.

 

[fiestaMojo]

pedestal guard

does the guard attach to base of the pedestal?

 

[Ed Schenck]

Mine does not if you mean at the bottom. The two bottom ends insert into two "feet" that are bolted to the sole. On the pedestal below the binnacle is a plate with two holes for support of the guard. Here is an illustration: http://www.edsonmarine.com/marinestore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=85_98&products_id=1022 .

This is the top plate that would fit my 1979 Edson pedestal: http://www.edsonmarine.com/marinestore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1027. But mine is not stainless, just white like the pedestal. And I see that I could replace the feet with stainless for only $60.!!

 

[Steve Dion]

One thing to consider that that the guard may/will become a toe stubber. Some vessels have a raised area that the pedestal sits on (I think the 37C does). Other are setup so you need to attach the guard directly to the cockpit sole. They can tend to leak after a few years too.

Another option is to have the guard legs bend and have flanges made so the guard can screw into the pedestal post. This keep the area around the base clear (no toe stubbing and makes water intrustion into the cockpit sole less prevelant.

 

[sandpiper10471]

I really like pedestal guards. They offer a very handy handhold and I believe add support to the pedestal which takes a huge amount of abuse from torquing etc. This saves considerably the bolts and caulking holding the pedestal down and so while it does increase the number of holes through the cockpit sole, it reduces the potential for leaks.
I really dislike having instruments on the guard. For single handing only, it is great but if crew are involved, I prefer if everyone can see the instruments and share in the adjustment of the chartplotter, radar etc. Everyone should be able to enjoy the "funmeter" when riding waves and more than once my bottom has been saved when a crew noticed the water getting thin while the skipper was daydreaming.

 

[sail_4_me]

My pedestal guard has a garmin GPS mounted on the side. It also has the cockpit table attached to it ( a large folding starboard table ). My instruments are mounted on a pedestal frame in 2 pods which get in the way of using the throttle and gear shift. The pedestal, frame and guard combined make a very strong handhold in rough weather.

My plans are to replace those 2 instrument pods with a setup like Ed has, likely I'll also replace the GPS with a larger model.

Forgive the attached pictures, I wanted to show you other setups. It's Feb and I'm really missing those summer BBQs in the cockpit.