Install cockpit chart plotter on smaller (28') boat

[MattS]

Am starting to think about this on my Moody 28, having recently tried a passage with my iPad in a waterproof case and struggled to be able to see the screen through the case in bright light.

If i do it, I would install main plotter in cockpit and use the iPad as a repeater below. as far as I can tell, my two real options are in the bulkhead to the side of the companionway, of on a mount on the coach roof.

Would be really interested to see examples of how people have installed modern plotters on sub 30' boats, and also hear about any learnings / experiences of what’s worked / not worked.

 

[LadyInBed]

I put mine on a swinging arm

 

[donm]

Am starting to think about this on my Moody 28, having recently tried a passage with my iPad in a waterproof case and struggled to be able to see the screen through the case in bright light.

If i do it, I would install main plotter in cockpit and use the iPad as a repeater below. as far as I can tell, my two real options are in the bulkhead to the side of the companionway, of on a mount on the coach roof.

Would be really interested to see examples of how people have installed modern plotters on sub 30' boats, and also hear about any learnings / experiences of what’s worked / not worked.

I put a Standard Horizon 175 in the bulkhead mounted in a teak surround. It works well - only the drawback that someone may sit in front of it but as I only look at it from time to time that’s not a problem. It’s easy enough to programme there - subject to the weather!!!

 

[donm]

I put a Standard Horizon 175 in the bulkhead mounted in a teak surround. It works well - only the drawback that someone may sit in front of it but as I only look at it from time to time that’s not a problem. It’s easy enough to programme there - subject to the weather!!!

On Halmatic 30

 

[Daverw]

29‘ and tiller steered with. 7” fitted into bulkhead at the side of cockpit, use Ipad at chart table, easy to use as sat beside, use autohelm a lot anyway, worked fine for last 5 years. You should be able to make out in photo

 

[Davy_S]

I fitted mine on a swinging towel rail,

 

[ithet]

And the answer is ....





Unfortunately those SH units are not supplied anymore. Fitted nicely in the panel on my Moody 28 when I had her. Might give you and idea though.

 

[LiftyK]

I have always had a plotter in the cockpit but removable. When I had 21‘ sailing boat I used a swing out arm as others have described. Now in my 27’ sailing boat I lead the plotter cables out from the cabin, through the companionway and to a grab-rail on the roof. There I use the RAM Mount system to attach the plotter. A ball mount is clamped onto the hand rail. The plotter is attached to a plate with ball mount. A clam connector joins the two.

It really is excellent
- it mounts in seconds using an oversized thumbscrew
- the clam connector adjusts the angle and direction of the plotter in seconds.no tools required
- it is weatherproof, vibration-free and indestructible
- when not on the coachroof, the plotter is relocates into the cabin where I have another ball mount screwed into a wooden panel

I’ve used RAM Mount stuff for tens of years. You can buy it directly from RAM Mount U.K. now.

 

[TopBanana]

Mine is on a long lead that runs out into the cockpit when I need it to. It sits on a small block of wood so it can stand upright. 7 inch B&G unit

 

[steveeasy]

I wanted my Vulcan 7 easy to hand in the cockpit of my Twister. I did not want to cut a hole and also wanted to view is easy. So I made a angled case for it. it has SS drop catches so it can be removed easily. Works well for me.
Steveeasy

 

[Elessar]

Am starting to think about this on my Moody 28, having recently tried a passage with my iPad in a waterproof case and struggled to be able to see the screen through the case in bright light.

If i do it, I would install main plotter in cockpit and use the iPad as a repeater below. as far as I can tell, my two real options are in the bulkhead to the side of the companionway, of on a mount on the coach roof.

Would be really interested to see examples of how people have installed modern plotters on sub 30' boats, and also hear about any learnings / experiences of what’s worked / not worked.

iPad repeater below good
Ladyinbeds solution better. Was going to suggest just that.

 

[Halo]

I had an arrangement similar to Lady in beds. It worked well. . I used very wide Velcro inside and out to stop the arm swinging under way.