Where to mount instruments on H34?

[Mike Ross]

I'm just curious where people have mounted their instruments on a H34. I'm considering getting a Navpod, but at $180 I'm a little hesitant. I also wonder how well it will work on the straight pedestal guard.Any suggestions would be appreciated.Thanks in advance,Mike

 

[Ed Schenck]

Same question.

We probably have the same type of pedestal(H37C), straight grab bar, not too wide nor too high. I've studied other boats to get some ideas. One of the nicest and cheapest was a homemade teak arrangement, maybe 6" x 20" with a slight angle for better viewing. But it depends on the size and number of instruments. I have seen the pods that stick out to each side, mounted at the level of the binnacle. Looks nice but too much in the way. Have also considered the Edson bar that is taller, wider and angles forward(link below). Then you can add the Edson gauge mount or make a teak one. Either way it's big bucks. For my knot log and depth I like the original cabin mounting where everyone can see them. I'd only be mounting a chartplotter and radar.

 

[John K Kudera]

I have not done it yet,

At some point, I will add a chart plotter, I will run the wires up the pedestal guard, as I did for the autopilot, I will mount a teak bracket to mount the plotter between the compass and the guard.I currently have a fixed GPS that I have not fixed to the boat. I have a block of wood as a base, 1"x3"x length of the bracket, self stick velcro on the base, I have velcro on the shelf over the electric panel at the Nav table,that fastens it there, or, with enough wire to extend under sail to the left front top corner of the sliding hatch, which also has a velcro pad. The hatch can be opened or, we can close the hatch if we need to, the screen can be seen from most everywhere in the cockpit. Good Sailing!John sv 50/50 H34

 

[Andy Howard]

When I added a chart plotter...

I looked at the Navpod also but ended up using the RAM-111 with a rail mount base attached to the pedestal guard about even with the compass. I'm glad I did because it allows you to move the plotter in any direction, which is great for those cold or rainy days when you want to get up under the dodger.

 

[Daniel Jonas]

NavPod

We just finished installing equipment in our new 290. We removed the short grab bar at the front of the helm and installed a NavPod with an extended grab bar. We also got the NavPod pre-cut for the Raytheon 520. It was more money, but frankly, I'm glad we did not have to mess with cutting it out ourselves.The whole installation took about 3 hours (not counting fishing power, HSB and SeaTalk wires from below). That put the chartplotter up above and left room for the autopilot head next to the tach mounted just below in the standard helm station.

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

Instruments over the hatch

I had the same problem. Because I like for everyone to be able to enjoy seeing the instruments, I decided to fabricate a teak box (one could use different lumber or material)that I installed over the hatch. I does remove 5½" from the entrance, but that has not created any problems. Total cost was around $60 (teak and ¼" thick lexan. I installed ST60 windmeter and tridata. Beauty is, by just changing the lexan sheet I can add another instrument such as VMG. Easy to see from everywhere in the cockpit. I will post a couple of pictures in the photo forum. Check it out. Good luck