[C320-list] Recommendations on helm instruments

[P.F. Ross]

Jack, I am in the process of upgrading my helm instruments as well after
moving my boat from a midwestern lake to SW FL a couple of years ago.

Up until this current retrofit, I used an iPad with Navionics mounted on my
pedestal guard rail using this mount:

https://www.amazon.com/Arkon-Tablet-Galaxy-Surface-Tablets/dp/B079MWWV3L/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538497404&sr=8-3&keywords=ipad+rail+mount

Worked great!

Regards,

Frank Ross
Beta Wave #206
Naples, FL



On Mon, Oct 1, 2018 at 5:07 PM Jack Brennan <jackbrennan at bellsouth.net>
wrote:

> 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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>