[C320-list] Recommendations on helm instruments

[Jack Brennan]

Hi Scott:

One of the problems with wind instruments here in Florida is that we 
regularly get hit with tropical storms or worse. Wind instruments aren't 
very sturdy, so every time we get hit, it's another $500 down the drain for 
a new wind sensor.

The nonfunctional wind instrument on mine was killed by Hurricane Irma.

Our winds in Florida are fairly steady and predictable, so it's not 
difficult to use yarn on the shrouds and a sturdy wind indicator on the top 
of the mast to get a fairly good reading.

Plus, I'm not worried about speed because I discovered today just how fast 
the 320 can be. I was hitting 7 knots in gusts that I don't think even 
reached 15 knots. Whew!

My "autopilot" today was the wheel brake. Tighten it up, then go forward to 
adjust the sails. Worked OK, all things considered.


Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.
Dolphin Cruising Club of Tampa Bay



-----Original Message----- 
From: Scott Thompson
Sent: Monday, October 01, 2018 5:38 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Recommendations on helm instruments

I've only used the Raymarine instruments so can't comment on the others,
but I've been happy with Raymarine. HOWEVER, I strongly suggest you
reconsider not having a wind instrument if you are going to use an
autopilot. I frequently use wind mode on the autopilot, especially when
sailing long distances, and especially when sailing upwind where small
changes in steering in response to small wind shifts make a big
difference. Makes short-handed sailing much easier. I've found that the
autopilot steers upwind almost as well as I can.


On 9/30/2018 10:20 PM, Jack Brennan wrote:
> Hello all:
>
> I’m a good way through the refit on my new-to-me 320, so I’m starting to 
> think about helm instruments and wondering what people on the list 
> recommend.
>
> I now have an old B&G pod with a functional depth/speed instrument and a 
> dead wind gauge. The wind instrument will disappear when I get the boat 
> rerigged (I’m old-fashioned). Some of what I’m considering:
>
> * A Navpod with pre-cut holes for a Raymarine depth sounder, EV-100 
> autopilot and Axiom 7 chartplotter.
>
> * Some type of waterproof tablet and Open CPN, which I have on my phone 
> and really like. A big question here is how to mount the tablet. I might 
> be able to keep the B&G pod with depth instrument and alter it to accept 
> the autopilot instrument.
>
> * Buy a Raymarine Dragonfly chartplotter/fishfinder, which is an 
> intriguing alternative. This can be inexpensively mounted on the pedestal. 
> The remaining question would be how to mount the autopilot and depth 
> sounder.
>
> Each seems to have its advantages and disadvantages.
>
> In some ways, the Axiom seems to be overkill for what I need. It’s big 
> selling point is networking, but that’s overkill for what I need. Also, I 
> don’t want to lose everything if the Axiom dies.
>
> I like the simplicity of the tablet, but don’t want it sliding all over 
> the cockpit and eventually going overboard.
>
> The Dragonfly has Navionics charts, which means paying for them forever. 
> Also, it has button control instead of touch screen and a smaller display.
>
> Any ideas and recommendations?
>
> Jack Brennan
> Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
> Tierra Verde, Fl.
> Dolphin Cruising Club of Tampa Bay
>
>
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