Is a 12” mfd too big for my helm?

[Tim francis]

With the way the compass is positioned, I think my only choice is a swivel bracket. I figure when I get a dodger, I can either swivel it 180 degrees, add a 7” or9” display forward, or prop up an iPad behind the dodger for foul weather. I’ve got mostly all sportfishing and powerboat experience so the motor boat part of me is showing.
Thanks again for y’all time

[skipper53]

I use a 10" RCA tablet at the helm to run Open CPN on an Islander 32. The Charts show up well and can quickly be enlarged or reduced as needed, but the program icons on the tool bar are too small without my readers! My choice would be the 12" for your boat.

[Kiwi Dave]

I thought that this was the upper limit for me (yes I know it is a catamaran). 12" & 7" Raymarine MFDs.

[Shoalcove]

Tim,
It looks like you might have to change to an angled Binnacle guard to fit a 12” CP at you helm. At least, that’s what I used and can fit a navpod above my compass. It may be awkward for your companionway hatch though so would need some checking.
Good luck with the project!

[jharding]

you really need to mount mfd at the helm, when things are dicey you don't need to be leaving the helm. The bigger the better, otherwise you have to zoom in and out too much to get the big picture, and if you don't zoom in enough you miss a lot of important detail, like shallow shoals. My eyes aren't as good as they used to be I just got a good deal on a 16inch fits in same space my 10inch was, wow what an improvement. Just don't forget to look outside the boat not just the screen.

[Tim francis]

https://www.starmarinedepot.com/navp...r/pzz2984.html

https://www.starmarinedepot.com/navp.../pzz46439.html



https://www.starmarinedepot.com/navp.../pzz27380.html

Yea I’ll have to do more research
I may have to just go with a 9 inch mfd because the angled binnacle aren’t cheap either. I’m pretty sure the 9” will fit on the binnacle as is. I’m not around the boat for a bit longer. Thanks

[Tim francis]

Are those binnacle s easy to change out?

[Tim francis]

I wonder if I can heat up the stainless and angle it myself?

[Exile]

Originally Posted by waterman46

I may be mistaken, but is there any weatherproof Ipad on the market? Most phones and pads will be destroyed by even a little salt water.

Other than "ruggedized" Android tablets, the only weatherproofing I'm aware of are covers for various phones, along with iPads, that are made by LifeProof. I've used one on my iPad2 under the dodger for years without a problem. They claim an IP68 rating. Can't say for sure whether moisture defeats the touch screen since mine generally stays dry, but I have the "Nuud" model which allows you to use the original screen (no protective screen cover/film). Might help.

[PuttingDoctor]

Tim Francis, check around your POC for salvage spots. You may find a binnacle guard a bit taller. So far you don’t have any wires in it to worry about so an easy swap.
Next ask around for a welder who could cut and add the extra height and bend you need for the new plotter / NavPod.

[Shoalcove]

Originally Posted by Tim francis

Are those binnacle s easy to change out?

If you make sure to get the same spacing for the mounts, it is a very easy change. Mine slides into the mount at the compass and into feet on the cockpit floor and is held in place by set screws.