[C320-list] Replacing Nav Instruments

[mseyler at cox.net]

I replaced my 1994 vintage Autohelm instruments, 2008 vintage Garmin GPS
742, and 2011 vintage X-5 autopilot last year with Raymarine i50/i60
instruments, Axiom 9 MFD, and an EV100 wheel pilot.  I'm pretty happy so
far.  Because they were all Raymarine products I ran everything through a
"SeatalkNG" network, which made everything pretty much "plug and play." 

I'd say it's more important to diagram the network you want to end up with
than the network you have now, as I wasn't able to re-use most of the old
cabling for anything but pulling messenger lines from one place on the boat
to another.

There were various choices to make along the way, and if anyone wants to
discuss in more detail you're welcome to contact me off-list.

Mark Seyler
S/V Reality,
Catalina 320, #232
New Orleans, LA



-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of
ptormey 4square.net via C320-list
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 7:03 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Cc: ptormey 4square.net <ptormey at 4square.net>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Replacing Nav Instruments

Frist thing you might need to do it draw out your existing wiring. (I know
what a pain).

When I upgraded Blue Skies #1037 for an AIS transponder and later added the
linear autopilot I had to extend the NMEA 2000 back bone to the instrument
head for the new gages.

IF you don't want the expense/aggro then you might just replace the burned
out with other used equipment. 

Pat
Pat Tormey
s/v Blues Skies
Newport RI

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of
Warren Updike via C320-list
Sent: Monday, February 20, 2023 8:52 PM
To: C320-list at catalina320.com
Cc: Warren Updike <wupdike at hotmail.com>
Subject: [C320-list] Replacing Nav Instruments

Our 320 is 1994. GPS failed years ago and I wired-in a Garmin GPSMAP 76Cx to
provide the GPS signal. That worked fine for a long time but now, the other
instruments have lost clarity and are hard to see in daylight. I'd like to
replace most of them with a Chart-Plotter, but am faced with the old wiring
and network protocol. I'm in my 80's and the brain don't process well or
fast.

Hopefully, there are owners of similar 320 generations out there who have
faced this upgrade and can offer some advice on how to approach the project.
I'm not against spending the money, but don't need to go overboard either.
We sail on the Chesapeake Bay so our need for anything other than low-end
instruments.

Thanks for any advice you may offer,
Warren Updike
8800 Walther Blvd: Apt 4307
Parkville, MD  21234
(C) 410-790-4014
(H) 410-657-1311