Seeking GPS/Chartplotter Install/Mounting Advice

[abreece]

First off, Happy New Year to you all.

2012 was a big year, in a very bittersweet way. This past fall I sold my 1982 Cape Dory 27 that I sailed and loved for the past 11 years (I acquired her when I was 16 years old). At the same time, I bought a bigger boat, though, sadly and regrettably, not a Cape Dory - she's a 1981 Shannon 38 cutter. The reason for the bigger boat is that within 3 years, I plan to take a year off from the "real world" and sail to the Caribbean and back, a dream of mine since I was a young kid.

Santa was a little generous this year, and under the tree addressed to me was a new Garmin 740 GPS/chartplotter. I know I'm not a Cape Dory owner anymore, so perhaps me posting on this board that I have treasured and followed since I was in middle school should sadly come to an end. However, I am curious and interested in how some of you have installed and mounted your plotters at the wheel? Any advice, experience, and pictures you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

With my very best,
Andrew

[Oswego John]

Hi Andrew,

Sorry, but I can't help you with the Garmin chartplotter, but I have a question for you.

I'm going back quite a few years with this. Are you the same fellow who used to sail out of Buck's Harbour, Me.

If so, I think that I remember that you mentioned playing the cello.

If any of this should be so, why does this register in my ever decreasing brain when I can't even remember my cell phone number.

Happy New Year.
Don't give up on the dream.
O J

[Shinok]

Congrats on the new boat, I had the pleasure of going aboard a smaller Shannon a few weeks ago and was really impressed. She seemed really well built.

[abreece]

O J,

That is indeed me you are thinking of.

My parents are members of the Buck's Harbor Yacht Club in Maine, I used to live aboard my CD27 during summers while working at the club (through high school and college). I got a job after graduating college at the Mystic Seaport Museum, hence my relocation to Connecticut.

Incredibly impressive memory about me and the cello. I played all through elementary, middle, high school, and college (Bates College). The pilot berth aboard the Shannon might be the perfect spot for it while I do the Caribbean cruise, though I think I will buy a cheaper cello for the sail, as I'm sure the moist air will be cancerous to the fine instrument.

If you are ever in the Mystic area, PLEASE look me up. It would be a pleasure to show you around the museum, and chat boats and Cape Dorys over lunch.

Very Best,
Andrew

[Maine Sail]

I developed and created this mounting system for one of my customers. I know a number of people have now copied and done this same mount and been very pleased with it.. It works really well and looks "factory".. Parts are under $100.00 for the mount.

This is a Ray e7D but very similar in size to the 740..

[Bill Goldsmith]

Happy New Year to you as well.

One thing to look out for is the Garmin 740 installation manual says the minimum compass-safe distance is about one meter from the compass, which essentially precludes mounting it at the binnacle. I think the reason for this is the strong magnet Garmin used to secure the SD card access door. I have read in online posts elsewhere a number of people complaining that the 740 swings their compass something like 30 degrees when brought closer than that. That scared me off buying one.

Some people posted that they opened the unit and removed the magnet, but that probably voids the warranty.

Have you tried moving the unit within range of the compass to see if you get this effect?

Oh, and don't feel like you need to fade away since you are not a CD owner. Former CD owners, present CD owners, future CD owners, and CD admirers are all welcome!!!