Wireless Instrument Mount

[Paul D.]

Hey all,

After installing a Raymarine MN 100 wind instrument sensor on the masthead and moving the display around the cockpit for a season or two (catching it as it slid about in 35 knot heels) we finally settled on a location that should work. The project had a couple parameters,
- The instrument is solar powered so it either needed sun or a DC power wire
- It did not sit flush on a bulkhead so it would not be comfortable to lean back against
- Ideally it could be viewed both from the helm and from below or at least the companionway when hunkering down during blows (Just to get a confirmed reading of that 50 knot gust so, you know, you can truthfully tell the tale later.)
- It should not get in the way of moving around the cockpit when all hell is breaking lose
- Didn't want to spend a boat unit on some sort of mounting pod

After a few false starts and aborted location decisions, I built this rail mount with a piece of 1/2" starboard. Modeled from my old handheld Garmin GPS mount, it will live opposite the GPS on the binnacle rail above the depth sounder and not sit out board as far. I should be able to swivel it forward to view from the cabin, tilting on the fore and aft axis too in order to get the best visibility for standing or sitting. I know it is slick and simple to have every display on one of the new MFD's, which I may wind up getting at some point, I like separate instruments in case one goes down. Frankly, the depth sounder is the only one I regard as a really valuable tool.

While it is not tested yet the GPS mount has worked really well over the years so hopefully this will too. I'll let folks know if it's any good or not. Though God knows it will not need any varnish!

[Bob Ohler]

Good-looking mount! I like the to-do list in the background! "Cruisers make lists like stagnant water makes mosquitos."

Please post a photo of the unit mounted on the binnacle guard.