[Rhodes22-list] R22 Instrumentation

[William P. Barry, III]

On our R22 we had a Lowrance GPS/Depth Sounder combination unit as well as a
bulkhead mounted compass. We had a mount installed on the port side bulkhead
facing the tiller that the GPS would slide into, with an identical mount
inside the cabin behind the step over the centerboard trunk so it could be
taken inside when not in use. The antennae was attached to the stern rail.
This setup was ideal for us and whether in use or in the storage fixture the
GPS was never in the way. The screen is too small to visible see your
present location without great eyesite, but its fairly easy to take a quick
look while under way when sitting on the bench seat tiller in one hand the
other on the GPS controls. Really there shouldnt be a need to constantly be
looking at it while under way. The numerical value for water depth however
was enlarged and easy visible from any position in the cockpit whioch would
be more vital immediately available information. We had a hand held GPS and
found that a fixed mount with the larger screen and chartplotter was much
more valuable in use. The handheld often just sat on the bench seat and
occasionally looked at but its chartplotting capabilities were extremely
limited due to the fucntional availability of a monitor. Also on the topic
of using a GPS as a compass... Unless fully under power or moving at a
decent speed, a GPS is not the most efective method of finding your current
travel direction. The gps cannot visible see which direction your boat is
heading like a compass can, it only tells you the actualy direction and rate
of speed in which you are moving. eg: If the boat pivots 360 degrees at a
point, the gps will not detect any movement at all. the fixed mount compass
however will also rotate 360 degrees.

http://www.chmarine.com/Rule/Compass/Saturn.html We had the bulkhead mount
(dual read) compass and had the backlight setup to turn on when the
navifation lights were on. No problems and found it very easy to read while
at the tiller. Bought and installed through GB. Only change that i would
have made would be a RED backlight for night sailing, less visual
distraction.

Hope this helps....

Will Barry
wp.barry at att.net




----- Original Message ----- 
From: <DCLewis1 at aol.com>
To: <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2006 12:12 AM
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] R22 Instrumentation



Folks,

We are in the midst of trying to get our R22 equipped while it’s still at
GBI and the matter of instrumentation has come up.   The purpose of  this
Email
is to solicit input regarding what works.

Our current plan is to have a depth finder (Humminbird Mk17?) and bulkhead
compass mounted on the exterior cabin wall.  Questions:
- Both  instruments seem to me to be far from the tiller.  In your
experience
can  you meaningfully use instruments mounted on the cabin (I realize this
may be a  function of your farsightedness, but any input is welcome.).   In
particular, would a hand held compass be more useful than a bulkhead
compass?
If you like a bulkhead compass, any specific recommendations  regarding
models
and types?
- If these instruments are mounted  on the exterior, how do you keep them
from walking away?  Has anyone had a  problem in this regard?
- I understand the Mk17 has a bezel that facilitates  mounting.  I also
think
the Mk17 has a 1 year warranty that the display  will be waterproof.  But
for
the long term, how do you keep the Humminbird  (or any other) depth
finder/GPS display secured and out of the weather when the  boat’s secured?
I haven’t
identified a cap that would keep the sun and  precip off it and/or secure it
- have I missed something?  I gather there  are a number of Humminbird users
on the board, what do you do?  I believe  there are caps for bulkhead
compasses, that protect them from the weather, and  provide some security,
it that what
you use?

I’m inclined to use a hand held GPS, just because it will be closer to  me.
Also, it will be easily secured and I can take it home to program way
points
etc.  The same GPS could act as a compass.  The alternative is  to use the
Humminbird depth finder with a GPS driver - they make one - or  another
bulkhead
mounted GPS system.  The Humminbird will have a larger  display, but at the
front of the cockpit.  Again, I’m not sure the  Humminbird can be secured or
kept out of the weather, and I don’t think it will  be a simple matter to
take it
home to program a course, way points, etc.   Has anyone considered these
trades and come to a decision as to the way to  proceed.  Better yet, does
anyone
have experience with hand held vice  bulkhead mounted GPS displays.

Thanks for any input.

Dave

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