Help: replace pedestal compass with MFD & more

[Sailon1]

The relatively large MFD pod (12" x 10" x 8") might be better situated atop
the pedestal, which would require moving the compass. The compass could
be moved and attached to a strut that mounts on one side of the pedestal guard. The MFD was previously mounted on one of those struts until the skipper briefly lost his balance, bumped into the MFD, and knocked the device onto the deck.

Replacing the compass would also provide a direct line of sight to the MFD when the skipper is seated at the wheel.

Installation of a Raymarine EV 100 AP system also needs to be considered.

So, the MFD's new location atop the pedestal would be an improvement, it seems, as long as the skipper keeps his balance.


Suggestions? (Ok, remove the drink holder, for one.)

[Pete7]

Do you have a photo?

I didn't fit a compass, instead a flat white sheet of GRP and bolted the chartplotter to that inside the grab rail. The Evo 100 P70 control head was then mounted to one side using one of these:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325197741...m=325197741254

[Sailon1]

My photo attachments are not posting.

[Sailon1]

Thank you. This is just what I was looking for as far as a pod for P70 control head.

I'll try and post pics.

[Sailon1]

Originally Posted by Sailon1

The relatively large MFD pod (12" x 10" x 8") might be better situated atop

the pedestal, which would require moving the compass. The compass could

be moved and attached to a strut that mounts on one side of the pedestal guard. The MFD was previously mounted on one of those struts until the skipper briefly lost his balance, bumped into the MFD, and knocked the device onto the deck.



Replacing the compass would also provide a direct line of sight to the MFD when the skipper is seated at the wheel.



Installation of a Raymarine EV 100 AP system also needs to be considered.



So, the MFD's new location atop the pedestal would be an improvement, it seems, as long as the skipper keeps his balance.





Suggestions? (Ok, remove the drink holder, for one.)

[Clivevon]

I had a similar set up which was modified to fit a GRP pod for a full size plotter etc. The compass remained in place, the SS grab bar was cut & extended up a bit then at an angle forward, still keeping the curved grabrail at the top. A large "off the shelf" pod was attached to the grab bar & the plotter fitted into that. It all works well - it was a bit of a shock seeing this modern kit in my 40 year old cockpit but I've got used to it now & its much better having everything at your fingertips.

I tried copying & pasting some photos here but that didnt work....

[skipmac]

I found a taller stainless pedestal bar which gave me room to mount a larger MFD over the compass. Still have a hand grab at the top over the display and still have the compass under.

A few years ago but I got the new bar from Defender.

[OS2Dude]

We replaced the OEM straight pedestal guard with a bent version. I made a platform that goes between the two side tubes to hold our 9" chartplotter. The OEM compass was replaced with a smaller Ritchie compass. Two MFDs are in the OEM Edson pods to either side of the pedestal. I don't have a picture of the setup specifically, but you can get an idea from the attached picture. I would not remove the compass just in case your electronics fail for some reason. (Lighting, battery fault, insufficient battery charging, GPS Spoofing, etc.

[MJH]

Originally Posted by Sailon1

The relatively large MFD pod (12" x 10" x 8") might be better situated atop
the pedestal, which would require moving the compass. The compass could
be moved and attached to a strut that mounts on one side of the pedestal guard. The MFD was previously mounted on one of those struts until the skipper briefly lost his balance, bumped into the MFD, and knocked the device onto the deck.

Replacing the compass would also provide a direct line of sight to the MFD when the skipper is seated at the wheel.

Installation of a Raymarine EV 100 AP system also needs to be considered.

So, the MFD's new location atop the pedestal would be an improvement, it seems, as long as the skipper keeps his balance.

Suggestions? (Ok, remove the drink holder, for one.)

I agree with skipmac, get a larger pedestal bar and mount the MFD over the compas.

[Pandor]

Originally Posted by Sailon1

Suggestions? (Ok, remove the drink holder, for one.)

For God’s sake, man. That beer holder is almost more important than a compass and nav pod combined.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by OS2Dude

We replaced the OEM straight pedestal guard with a bent version. I made a platform that goes between the two side tubes to hold our 9" chartplotter. The OEM compass was replaced with a smaller Ritchie compass. Two MFDs are in the OEM Edson pods to either side of the pedestal. I don't have a picture of the setup specifically, but you can get an idea from the attached picture. I would not remove the compass just in case your electronics fail for some reason. (Lighting, battery fault, insufficient battery charging, GPS Spoofing, etc.

Clearly the autopilots having a day off

[Sailon1]

Thanks for those suggestions. The project is starting to make sense!

[Sailon1]

This may be a duplicate reply. Anyway, thanks for the idea--the P70 pod looks like a good idea. I also have a couple of unused Edson pedestal brackets that could support the pod.

[Sailon1]

Excellent. It can be done!

Collecting some of the collective wisdom here on CF, I will probably remove the compass from the pedestal (there is another usable compass on the cockpit bulkhead). Next, attach the Simrad NSS8 MFD pod to the top of the pedestal. Autopilot instruments will go on the pedestal guards using brackets.

Thanks, all, for your ideas!

[stormalong]

A magnetic compass is your "when all else fails" instrument. Don't get rid of it. And be sure anything that you put near it does not affect it.

When your complex electronics fails or your power fails you will need that compass.