Further thoughts on location for Garmin 750 on Sadler 32

[eddystone]

Very grateful for all the ideas and photos on this and the Sadler and Starlight owners forum. I now understand that Garmin (not sure if just this model) are more likely than others to deflect compass because of the weak magnet which latches the SD card door so as chartplotter and steering compass would both be starboard side maybe a bit too close......

Therefore, as an alternative to having it on a hinged bracket on the companionway, I thought of mounting at the chart table and making a secondary lower washboard mount. the issue then is wiring; I don't particularly want a long coil of wire stuffed somewhere around the plotter - wondered whether it would be possible to have two wiring positions so that it could be plugged in depending where it was located - how would that work at the battery/switch panel termination? Any interfacing would have to be at chart table only.

 

[Blue Drifter]

I had the same issue but in the end decided that good chartplotter visibility, both at the chart-table and from the cockpit is more important than compromising the compass. In my case I have gone for swing out option, this keeps the cabling tidy, although not yet finished yet in the pictures. The cabling is not an issue as I will tidy up to leave sufficient slack to allow the full range of hinge movement. I am not sure whether the NMEA net will allow you to have a drop cable with no device on it - however I had to call the Garmin Support desk (0808 2380000 and go to Marine Division at voice prompt) and they were really helpful and I suspect will answer your query.

http://youtu.be/FsmSLGNNMEg

I will square away the compass issue at a later date. It would useful to know whether you can have drop down cables without a device.

 

[Twister_Ken]

I suspect Snooks, of this parish, has the same set-up. A private message to him might elicit some useful info.