[C320-list] Helm instruments

[Chuck Mueller]

Hi Jack - This year I updated the instruments on my 320, using the Axiom 7,
EVO-100 wheel pilot, and a new speed, wind and depth package from Raymarine.
I initially had a single pod with 4 instruments, but switched over to two
pods.  The lower pod is on the slanted portion of the pedestal and has the
Axiom and the autopilot.  The upper pod has wind speed and depth.  I'm
really happy with the combination except for the fact that the new depth
instrument won't work with my old transducer.  But I have the new transducer
and will install it when the boat gets pulled.  The Axiom allows you to
update all Raymarine instruments in the system, plus the auto-routing
feature is really nice.  And the standard Axiom 7 without all the fancy
fishing depth options, is quite reasonable.

Chuck Mueller
Northwind #676 Yr. 2000
Holland, MI

Message: 6
Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2018 22:20:05 -0400
From: "Jack Brennan" <jackbrennan at bellsouth.net>
To: <C320-list at catalina320.com>
Subject: [C320-list] Recommendations on helm instruments
Message-ID: <14F990814CF943FC89B8D7F8E6D4E446 at jackPC>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="utf-8"

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,