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Old 22-01-2025, 15:07   #1
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Chartplotter Location

Hey All
Just accumulating all our equipment for the spring refit of Bears Mistress II and was wondering if any of you folks have mounted their chartplotters overhead?
As our new (to us 1983 CS33) has a full cockpit enclosure I was toying with the idea of keeping the binnacle free of electronics and mounting the new Raymarine 9s overhead just forward of the steering station. Not sure if this is just crazy talk from an old sailor or something anyone has done...I cannot remember seeing it anywhere before.
We have no intention of taking down the enclosure other than if we leave the boat South somewhere for a summer but we would then be taking down the solar panels over the Bimini anyway.
Thoughts?
Cheers!
Mike and Ally
S/V Bears Mistress II 🇨🇦
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Old 22-01-2025, 19:31   #2
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Re: Chartplotter Location

I'd consider it, but not do it.

Here are my reasons, they might not apply to you...

Reason 1: I use my chart plotter extensively as my main navigation computer. I interact with its buttons and screen quite a bit when underway, and while planning trips. Reaching overhead to interact with it is just not even remotely appealing.

Reason 2: I wear bifolcals. I would not be able to focus on a screen above my head without tipping my head back to the point of neck strain.
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Old 23-01-2025, 00:41   #3
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Re: Chartplotter Location

Lol, the bifocals thing. That'd clinch it for me!

More seriously, I also have a "camper top" helm enclosure, and I wouldn't want to risk any electronics to head-banging coming to or fro. I can't visualize your setup, but for me, it's a hard "no".

One more consideration. I've had a couple of situations on charter boats where the brightness of the helm display seriously impacted my night vision. I was able to put my hand or a chart over the bright MFD, but with an overhead one that'd be more problematic.

Just my opinion.
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Old 23-01-2025, 03:46   #4
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Re: Chartplotter Location

Also consider cable routing. It’s not just power and NMEA2000, for which you will need consider voltage drop and where the plotter will be on the bus (will it be at the end with a terminator?) also echo sounder, radar and whatever custom wiring the chart plotter needs (video, manual controls etc.) it all gets a lot more complicated routing that lot overhead and down through the supports.
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Old 23-01-2025, 13:21   #5
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Re: Chartplotter Location

We have chartplotter on a swingout arm... when in motion it sits in corner of companionway (with plenty of room to enter/exjt via companionway. Can be viewed inside cabin when not moving, and is kept inside so it is less attractive to thieves.
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Old 23-01-2025, 17:50   #6
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Re: Chartplotter Location

One of the main reasons I don't wear bifocals but have two pairs of glasses is the amount of 'overhead' work I have to do on the boat - and thats without an 'overhead' chart plotter.
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Old 23-01-2025, 18:29   #7
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Re: Chartplotter Location

Thankyou all for chiming in...points well made.
When I head back to the boat next week to clear snow off the cover we're going to have a look at it again. My wife thinks it is a crazy idea and after 35+ years together her assessments usually turn out to be correct!
Cheers and sail safe!
Mike and Ally
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Old 24-01-2025, 15:03   #8
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Re: Chartplotter Location

I mounted the upper helm MFD [12” B&G Zeus2] to port of the companionway hatch. This is so anyone in the cockpit- including the helmsperson- can see it clearly.

At the helm I mounted a remote control for it which has the same buttons and dial as the MFD. The only thing that is inconvenient from the helm is using the touch screen, but that need is rare. [And I can use both the remote and touch screen while sitting forward on the port lazarette.]

Here is a photo demonstrating our layout:



I realize this may not work in some cockpit configurations, but is great for us.

FWIW

Cheers, Bill

PS: We have tablets mounted at both helms running independent navigation software as back-up.
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