instrument pods

[rhc21]

Does anyone know who makes/sells instrument pods to fit over a hatch opening?
Specifically for a jeanneau 29.2. I have seen plenty for rail fitting but virtually none for what I want.
Thanks in advance

Richard

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[stefan]

Check www.navpod.com many mail order companies both in USA and Europe sell these high quality pods. I bought one for my radar/plotter from USA and very happy with it.

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[rhc21]

Thanks Stefan, will give them a try.

Richard.

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[Talbot]

IIRC Lewmar do these pods as well

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[rhc21]

Thanks guys, both of these look good but I'm really after a pod that will fit over the hatch opening. There seem plenty for rail/steering pedestal mounting but I suppose these can be made standard.

Richard.

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[salamicollie]

2 years ago I also searched in vain - if you are lucky the original manufacurer may have offered one as an option and you can get one as (a horribly) expensive spare.

Some of other possibilities:

Convert a Taxi roof sign - these are available for £20-30 in various sizes (in white and no writing) - a bit of ingenuity should get it adapted.

Build one out of quality ply and coat in epoxy then if it must match your gelcoat paint it

Build a plug out of MDF and build your own in GRP


The most expensve part for any of these options is if you have to use in the Index deck glands to take the wiring out the pod and into the cabin...

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[Cloven]

Make your own? If you are a reasonable DIYer, or know of one, its not too difficult.

I made one not too long ago for just this purpose. The main tools you will need are a jigsaw and a router.

The materials consited of a plank of 120mm x 45mm hardwood from a local timber merchant - cost about £50 but loads more than you will need.

A length was used to make the arch and another was routed out for the intruments to fit in. This piece was then fitted onto the arch piece. A slot was cut in the base of the arch to take the cables which at one end pass through the coachhouse roof and on to the transducers.

With the extra I have made a spare tiller and loads of other bits and pieces.

The main 'pod' housed wind, log & depth intruments and the GPS was mounted on a bracket alongside. Big advantage is that you can design exactly what you want.

Hope this helps.


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[Gunfleet]

If you were going to build a plug it would be miles easier to build a positive out of clay then take a mould off it.

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[oldsaltoz]

G'day Richard,

Unless you plan to mass produce, don't bother with a mould, and avoid ply as it will look very boxy and a bit home made.

Build one yourself, an easy project if you use closed cell foam and glass over it, then a few micro balloons to fill it a smooth finish.

I made one for a client last year that replaced the original sliding companionway cover, constructed in closed cell foam with PTFE runners; hood above instruments to keep the sun and rain off.

Cut and bend foam to the required shape, sand to required profile, glass over inside and out, fair with micro balloons and sand to a smooth finish, add a coat of 2 pot and you have it.

This one included instruments for wind, depth, and speed, also 2 speakers, one for the two way radio and one for the CD player; and a flush fitting light on the underside of the hatch; access to the back of the instruments via the underside hatch door the has the light mounted in it, so you don't have to find a torch if you have a problem at night.The front mounting panel was made of black Plexiglass, easy to cut and keep clean. As the whole unit was made in one piece with the only opening on the underside no water can enter.

If you are concerned about the strength of this material, I can tell you that it will hold two adults, you can't fit more on it, we tried.

I hope this helps.

Avagoodweekend.



<hr width=100% size=1> Old Salt Oz /forums/images/icons/cool.gif Growing old is unavoidable. However, growing up is still optional.

 

[rhc21]

Thanks again guys, I can feel a project coming on! Probably should just mount them to the bulkhead and be done with it. But I always like a good project!!
By the way, what are micro ballons?

Richard.

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[Gunfleet]

Sounds great and from the horse's mouth, given your job. ? I wonder what you mean by closed cell foam? I always think that means the stuff they make bedrolls out of, but I've the feeling you may mean something else.

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[cliff]

4"x2" or 4"x1½" rectangular plastic ducting (B&Q? or builders merchant), White ready made box to span the hatch opening then all needed is a couple of end pieces (hardwood) and some cable glands. Could even go up to 5 or 6 x 2 if your instruments are too tall.

 

[salamicollie]

Yes that would make more sense

Doh

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[oldsaltoz]

G'day Richard,

Your instruments will away from winch handles and knees above the companionway, and you will be able to see them when the cockpit is full of crew, some of whom will have their back to the bulkhead covering the instruments. Bulkhead installations also expose you very expensive gear to the elements.

Micro Balloons are very small spheres of cured resin, mixed with fresh resin to about toothpaste consistency they are very easy to apply, and, dead easy to sand and fair, leaving an ideal surface for painting or other coatings.

Just in case someone asks, micro fibres are mixed with resin to form a very strong glue, however this material is much much harder to sand, and the finish (when sanded) leaves exposed fibres and so must be coated with more resin. Best to remove any excess glue when it's still wet and save a lot of work later.

I hope this helps.

Avagoodweekend.............





<hr width=100% size=1> Old Salt Oz /forums/images/icons/cool.gif Growing old is unavoidable. However, growing up is still optional.

 

[Mudplugger]

Have used Flowerpot containers with some success on last two boats...can be bought from garden centres, BQ, Homebase etc. cost about a £5er. faced with a bit of plastic soffit( from your local Double glazing outfit, sealed with Sealastic. Drill from underside for cable entry.....painted to match. and mounted on s/s brackets. About £10. in total...Hth...Tony W

<hr width=100% size=1>Tony W.