Installing Garmin on Edson ?

[Sailorman375]

I am going to install a Garmin chartplotter on my Edson pedestal and my question is where and how to run the wiring. Can I route the cable down through the pedestal itself ( the wiring for the compass light does), or should I drill the guard and run down the leg. This would seem to be more difficult.

Thanks

[Sailmonkey]

Drill the guard and run the wire in it, it's really not that hard and an added benefit is keeping extra wire away from the steering chain and engine control cables. Your first one is tough, but once you've drilled a dozen or so guards you don't even think about it.

[Zednotzee]

I would suggest that you try temporarily routing the wires, then turn on the plotter & see if it affects the compass. That may make your decision for you.

In either case, make sure you use an appropriately sized grommet to prevent any chafe on the plotter wiring.

[Sailmonkey]

Oh yeah, the compass............I gave up mentioning that since most people don't look at it once they've got a bug zapper in front of thier face.

[gettinthere]

Should be a clear hole under the floor from the pedestal guard to drop wires down.

[Sailorman375]

Ok. Suggestions on how to drill the guard?

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Sailorman375

Ok. Suggestions on how to drill the guard?

Best luck I've had is a file to score the guard, then start a small pilot hole (1/8" ish) then finish with the appropriate size hole saw. Clean the hole with a file, install a grommet and all should be well.

[Prerequisite]

If you run it through the guard, how do you get it through the cockpit sole? My guard sits on the sole, so the wire would either need to re-enter the pedestal or I'd have to drill through the sole. When I installed my Garmin, I used the wiring from the auto-pilot that had been installed but didn't convey (for some reason) during the sale. Of course the PO recently sent me that auto-pilot, so now I'm back to square one. Boats are fun.

Jeff

[Sailmonkey]

Pull the guard off, drill the sole, fill the hole with epoxy, re-drill the hole a little smaller, run the wires through the guard, place the guard back in the little receptacle thinghy on the sole (maybe with a little sealant if the guard is over an aft berth), enjoy.