Chartplotter location

[Storyline]

Everyone has their own preferences but what works for us with a similar sized unit is to hang it from the cabin roof just to port of the centreline and just forward of the steps down into the cabin. This means it can be seen from the chart table and also the helm (too far away for detail but can see an overview). However where it really scores is when standing up in the cabin to use it. My eyesight is not what it was and now need reading glasses but I find by standing and operating it from a foot or two away is great. Made a wooden block contoured to fit the slope in the roof so the plotter is horizontal - I think it looks good. Might be able to find a pic if you are interested.

Also, like you we are a centre cockpit sloop with just the one wheel !

 

[Birdseye]

Are there any clear advantages/disadvantages or is it just personal preference?

There is a third alternative. Your plotter will be capable of being connected to a wifi unit whhich will mean that you can view the plotter screen on a rablet or phone. In my case with B&G I can operate the plotter from the tablet and likely raymarine is the same.

Anyway, that gives you the option of having the plotter above or below deck and what is in effect a remote. I dont know the layout of a sunbeam 44 but if its like my boat with the mainsheet directly in front of the wheel then I am not at all sure of mounting the plotter in a pod there. Once saw a pal rip the complete steering binnacle out of his sigma 35 thank to the mainshhet wrapping round it in an accidentla gybe. What price a plotter pod?

 

[Concerto]

Cor blimey - just seen the price for the pod they recommend - £400! Big ugly things! Think I'll stick with trunnion.

The penny has dropped with a very big clang. Thats why I used the trunnion.

 

[sailorman]

Why does your very helpful chap say it has to be in a pod? It's waterproof enough to be trunnion-mounted under the sprayhood, my old C120 was mounted like that very happily for years. And, with a trunnion mount, you can take the plotter off easily for safe storage when the boat's unattended. Like you, I often helmed lazily using the autopilot from the shelter of the sprayhood, and the plotter location was ideal. With a 12" screen size, visibility from the helm was still OK, even for my eyes.

some like to helm a games console

 

[Resolution]

A vote here for having it at the wheel, right where the helm can see it best. On my aft cockpit single wheel Sabre 42 we do have a bloddy big pod with a touchscreen Garmin, but that also houses a couple of ST60 instruments which provide wind info etc. The mainsheet is out of the way on the coachroof. Depends obviously on what type of sailing you do, but we have done loads of coastal passages in the last two years, including several overnights, and without exception all my guests have remarked on how interesting they find helming for long periods because there is lots of info to play with. And having AIS on the plotter right in front of you is a good safety factor in crowded waters. The Garmin is truly excellent.
Downsides?
My good friend the boat chef is short and cannot see over the top! He also gets mesmerized by the dials and forgets to look out at the real world enough!

 

[sailorman]

A vote here for having it at the wheel, right where the helm can see it best. On my aft cockpit single wheel Sabre 42 we do have a bloddy big pod with a touchscreen Garmin, but that also houses a couple of ST60 instruments which provide wind info etc. The mainsheet is out of the way on the coachroof. Depends obviously on what type of sailing you do, but we have done loads of coastal passages in the last two years, including several overnights, and without exception all my guests have remarked on how interesting they find helming for long periods because there is lots of info to play with. And having AIS on the plotter right in front of you is a good safety factor in crowded waters. The Garmin is truly excellent.
Downsides?
My good friend the boat chef is short and cannot see over the top! He also gets mesmerized by the dials and forgets to look out at the real world enough!

thats why there best over the hatch in ones perfiral vision then most of the crew can see them as well

 

[Dockhead]

As several people said: it's really down to your own habits and preferences. We can't really advise you.

FWIW -- if I only had one plotter, I would have it at the helm. That is because the plotter is most useful for close pilotage when you need to be at the wheel. I do not, however, have only one plotter. I also have one at the nav table, which is also incredibly useful. Under the sprayhood is where I keep watch in less clement weather, and I often wish for one there. A third plotter, maybe? But this would be my third choice after helm and nav table.