electronic chartplotter mounting

[scepter23]

Hi, new member here. Just purchased a 1980 seacraft scepter 23 with Yamaha 225. Pictures to follow. I am about to purchase a furuno 12 inch plotter/sounder and looking for ideas on mounting and location. There is not much room at the helm for a unit of this size. Has anyone mounted similar size units successfully? I do not have a hardtop so all mounting will have to be bulkhead type. I think the present helm configuration does not allow any type of flush mounting? any ideas/photos would be appreciated.

[TomParis]

Welcome Scepter23, there are several members who can give you some ideas on this.

But welcome to the best forum in the world for Seacraft owners!

[kmoose]

Not sure I have seen another Tsunami with more junk on the dash than mine. Currently I have dual 10"s and a dedicated 8" bottom machine on my dash with plenty of spare space for my travel humidor and box of chicken wings. The key to making it all fit is "stacking" your electronics in a way that allows you to see all the screens from the actual driving position. Plotters of course need to be closest as they need regular user input. Here is a current pic of my dash minus the chicken wings....

Also note I do not have a binnacle on my dash. If you are running single engine, a side mount binnacle will be one of the most user friendly mods you can do to add dash space and improve ease of operation.

[scepter23]

Originally Posted by kmoose

Not sure I have seen another Tsunami with more junk on the dash than mine. Currently I have dual 10"s and a dedicated 8" bottom machine on my dash with plenty of spare space for my travel humidor and box of chicken wings. The key to making it all fit is "stacking" your electronics in a way that allows you to see all the screens from the actual driving position. Plotters of course need to be closest as they need regular user input. Here is a current pic of my dash minus the chicken wings....

Also note I do not have a binnacle on my dash. If you are running single engine, a side mount binnacle will be one of the most user friendly mods you can do to add dash space and improve ease of operation.

Now that is an interesting use of space! thanks.

[scepter23]

now that is an interesting use of real estate! Now I just need to move my compass and shifter. thanks.

[Rufneck]

I am having the same challenges with my Scepter rebuild. I would like 2 chart-plotter/GBPS units side by side but there just isn't the room on the dash. I looked to have an electronics box rebuilt so I could move it further aft and larger but it didn't work because of the brace that comes down from the windshield. I have determined that I don't necessarily need dedicated gauges from the motor as all of that can be displayed on the Garmin units that I will ultimately install.

I have also been considering a side mount binnacle but I had pretty much talked myself out of it because I was concerned about bumping into it when standing at the helm. The new top mount binnacles are very small so I don't anticipate it taking up too much space it I put it on the dash. We'll see. I've always liked the idea of a side mount throttle.

[kmoose]

The side or "bass boat" control conversion is one of the best mods I've ever done. Nothing like not having to reach forward to the dash from the helm seat risking your teeth on the windshield in seas... You also reclaim a huge amount of dash space.

[FishStretcher]

I built my dash for a 5" plotter. Then I bought a 8" sounder. On my smaller boat, a 2" ball RAM mount works nicely. The plotter is on the port side, screen facing starboard. It works pretty well. I snuck it between T-top tubes for protection. The plotter and compass are still centered on the console.

I just realized this might be less than useful information for a cuddy boat but maybe not?

[Theodous]

Do you recall the length of the throttle cables you used when you converted to side-mount?