Chartplotter Positioning on Console

Just Looking · 24 September 2006, 18:24

Hey all. Been watching the threads for a while, been on various sea trials, now I've gone and visited the boatshow and ordered my Rib

Have gone for Ribcraft 5.85, 4 x Wingback Jockey Seats, modified (slightly smaller) Offshore console with front seat, Suz 140Hp - delivery 1st week in March.

Anyway, I got a Garmin 298 GPS with external antenna for a snip at the show. (Whole of the UK pre-loaded with every single chart - FULL details)

- I understand this is a new option, saving buying the various CDs.

Anyway, I'm not sure about mounting position on the console.

I am not keen on bracket mounting as (IMHO) it obstructs your/passenger view through the windscreen but I am keen on being able to view the screen whilst driving (having cake and eating it).

An experienced Ribber at the show recommended flush mounting on the drivers side, which I subsequently noticed on the Ribcraft magazine (see picture to give you an idea). What do you think

n.b. the console I am going for is slightly different, dosen't have the cut near the top, hence larger flat area.

toby4594 · 24 September 2006, 18:42

Mine is flush mounted i suppose it does make for a neater job,however i do have my depth/fishfinder mounted centrally on top and find it does,nt really obstruct my veiw as i spend most of the time standing up anyhow,cos you can soon run out of space once you flush mount your vhf and cd player etc.

Ezgoing · 24 September 2006, 21:49

Flushmounting is best. Stronger mount and protects back of plotter.

Why not centre mont. This allows co pilot to use it as well allowing driver to concentrate on boat and water ahead.

rgds

Just Looking · 24 September 2006, 22:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ezgoing

Flushmounting is best. Stronger mount and protects back of plotter.

Why not centre mont. This allows co pilot to use it as well allowing driver to concentrate on boat and water ahead.

rgds

Thanks Ezgoing, am definately going for flush mount, but wouldn't centre mount interfere with the throttle? Hence my thoughts of over to right between throttle and steering wheel.

But, open to suggestions from more experienced Ribbers.

alt · 24 September 2006, 22:52

Flush mount is fine if you will be taking your boat out of the water and storing it securly after each use. However if you plan on leaving your boat in the water/in open view then your asking for it to be stolen... plus damage to your console

PeterR · 25 September 2006, 05:36

I have noticed at times condensation does collect in the consell given the right conditions this may be a consideration.

Paul Beaurain · 25 September 2006, 09:00

Hi
If going flush mount - keep it as high as possible.
In poor conditions or bright sunlight in means your face is closer to the screen!! Particularly when working through sub menus etc etc.
Paul

Very pleased to hear you have ordeerd your first RIB, A good choice. Well done.

bedajim · 25 September 2006, 09:48

I would / do bracket mount mine so you can remove it when your not using it!

James

Just Looking · 25 September 2006, 17:05

I have a solution. I note that Garmin do a QUICK RELEASE FLUSH MOUNT KIT. This would enable me to take off when not in use. Just need to find someone in the UK who sells it, have only found in the States so far.

On the other point, I would still value thoughts about positioning GPS flush mounted in view of driver or centre mounted as suggested by Ezgoing?

Thoughts much appreciated.

DGR · 25 September 2006, 17:18

I've got a Garmin GPSMAP 188 C mounted on my Ribcraft 7.8 with an Offshore console (which doesn't have the 'kink' in the front either). It's is flush mounted in front of the passenger/navigators position - which isn't the best place for it, as I spend most of my time using it from the driving position.

I didn't have the option of mounting it in front of the driver, as the Yanmar engine control panel takes up a lot of space (most of it) so mine is a bit of a compromise, especially in bright lighting conditions. One of my (many) winter jobs is to make a wedged shaped piece to fit on the console to turn the screen more towards the driving position.

I can use it as it is - but it's not great, and you have to move your head quite far over to get a good view - it's not just a quick glance and away you go. I've attached a picture of it.

Given a choice, I'd have it directly in front of the driver if - it will fit there.

D...

Downhilldai · 25 September 2006, 20:17

DGR,
On reflection, I expect you'd have offset the engine instruments to the port side of the console and had the chartplotter in front of the helm?

Just Looking · 27 September 2006, 19:31

Garmin struggling to find the Quick Release Flush Mount Kit. Pretty rubbish service as this is an accessory described in the manual. They think they have them in the states but the unit has a hole in the centre which seems daft to me as when you remove it there will be a gaping hole leaving electrics open to elements.

(as opposed to a solid back with sealed holes for wires and clips to attach the GPS).

I may just go for Flush mount permanently fitted near the centre of the console.

Another thought I had was to bracket mount on the console where the flush mount would go, but using some sort of ledge built into the front of the console. This would:

1) Allow removal of unit for security and programming.
2) Allow driver or passenger to view on swivel.
3) Maintain good visibility with nothing blocking view through windscreen.

Thoughts, or am I just faffing too much over trivia.