Re-equipping a small consoled diving RIB

David G · 23 November 2007, 14:32

Hi,
I am considering re-equipping my RIB with a new suite of electronics.

The problem is that the console is relatively small.

The RIB is a 1990 Osprey Sparrowhawk.

I need to find dive sites so a graphical sounder is mandatory together with DCS VHF and GPS. I think a chartplotter would be sensible too.

Any suggestions?, or is that too broad a spec?

Budget is not unlimited either

Fully waterproof is a given.

Cheers,

Orve.

Channel Ribs · 23 November 2007, 16:12

On a budget I would say you have two options:-

1) Standard Horizon CP-180i Chartplotter with optional depth sounder.

2) Garmin 450S Plotter/Sounder combined.

Either with a Horizon GX-1500E fixed DSC VHF.

PM me if you would like some nice Ribnetter pricing.

Simon B · 29 November 2007, 16:06

I'd look at;

Lowrance LMS 520C (Combo)
Lowrance Globalmap3500C (NauticPath chart) and suitable Sonar c510?
Icom 421 Euro

We have the 3500C and 107CDF (separate units) very good value for money, chart is good for divers as it incorporates tide and current stations. Sonar is very good, you can even see a small shot weight as it is being pulled up.

9D280 · 29 November 2007, 16:21

For what it's worth I've had to mount my VHF sideways up the side of the console as there is next to naff all space for it in the more traditional places - partly due to my steering gear being a pain & blocking off the space below the wheel (well, for a radio sized lump anyway- the switch panel will fit!) Solution is to side mount it and I'm in the middle of building a protective "shield / lid" for it to prevent passers by (i.e anyone heading forward!) from either totally removing it from it's mounts or more likely disconnecting something.

There's a pic of someone else's side mount on here, but I don't have time to look for the thread. I've given it a dry run in the garage, and as long as you donlt mind the display being at 90 degrees to normal the fact you can rest your hand on the "top" of the set means you can prod the buttons with your thumb.

Am still considering the whole GPS thing myself, so no help there I'm afraid

Poly · 29 November 2007, 16:30

if you are struggling for space then the user "fjarvis" on here has a nice approach - he has mounted a standard horizon 1500 inside the console and uses just the optional secondary command mike mounted on the outside for normal stuff.

Simon B · 29 November 2007, 17:52

Here's our compact mount of all the kit, not so good for shorter helmspeople! It's all ripped off now and is going to go into a cutom made GRP housing in international orange (of course!)

jyasaki · 30 November 2007, 01:25

Standard Horizon PS-2000 is a black box VHF/Loud Hailer/Fog horn. Though I haven't mounted the PA speaker for the audio stuff, the VHF itself works quite well. The unit itself is mounted out of the way, and the only thing outside the console is the microphone and mic cable. As I recall, it was less than $200 US with the mic.

jky

Limey Linda · 30 November 2007, 01:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon B

Here's our compact mount of all the kit, not so good for shorter helmspeople! It's all ripped off now and is going to go into a cutom made GRP housing in international orange (of course!)

Hey Simon
Don't for get to allow space for the plasma TV and DVD player and a toaster.

Limey Linda · 30 November 2007, 02:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyasaki

Standard Horizon PS-2000 is a black box VHF/Loud Hailer/Fog horn. Though I haven't mounted the PA speaker for the audio stuff, the VHF itself works quite well. The unit itself is mounted out of the way, and the only thing outside the console is the microphone and mic cable. As I recall, it was less than $200 US with the mic.

jky

Thankyou jya
I did not know about the PS 2000. It is just what I need and well priced too.

9D280 · 30 November 2007, 14:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

if you are struggling for space then the user "fjarvis" on here has a nice approach - he has mounted a standard horizon 1500 inside the console and uses just the optional secondary command mike mounted on the outside for normal stuff.

Yeah, once again I get more gold stars on my hindsight PhD! The old boat was one of the "sports" seariders, so I had a nice big dash to mount it in(complete with pre cut hole!) and so the good old Icom421 was installed.....

Oh well, mental note has been made for next time.....

jyasaki · 30 November 2007, 16:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

Thankyou jya
I did not know about the PS 2000. It is just what I need and well priced too.

There used to be a second; the PS 1000; it was a stripped down little brother to the PS 2000. As I recall, fewer DSC options, no hailer or foghorn functions. Seems to have disappeared from the offering, though it does still show up on e-bay and the like.

jky

Stoo · 01 December 2007, 02:57

I built a small bracket to hold my Lowrance Globalmap... now upgraded to an LCX-25C. If gets the unit out of the line of sight, and the controls are at my finger-tips when my hand is on the throttle.

The radio is underneath the throttle box and out of the way, but easily heard and seen. I use a Standard Horizon Quest.

I've used this set up for 10 years and wouldn't change a thing about it...