Where mount radio and plotter on existing small console?

[Copinsay]

Hello All

Some creative suggestions welcome please :o)

I'm after adding a VHF radio and a chartplotter (thinking Garmin 556) to the console on my new-to-me Bombard Explorer 5m RIB - see pics.

As you can see there's not a lot of room, so wondered what people would suggest?

I plan to remove the existing fishfinder as the display isn't that great and hard to see down there, and I find it gets knocked by my knees.

Before buying a chartplotter I'm keen have in mind how and where it can be mounted, as I image that may influence the choice.

Also, to me the switches take up a lot of room so could be moved, but then I'm not sure that space could really accommodate a chartplotter or radio, given proximity of the wheel...? (I have a VHF handheld, but would like the added range of the boat mounted unit).

Also I wondered whether getting a radio with a remote (almost) full function handset may be one solution re space?

All suggestions welcomed and thanks in advance for your ideas.

Best wishes

Steve

[martini]

My personal choice would be to bin that console and get a decent one, looks like there's plenty room for a bigger one.

It would be a shame to let the console influence the decision on your electronics and I can't see anywhere at all you could satisfactorily mount a plotter anyway.

Sent from my portable speaking device using Rib.net

[Copinsay]

Thanks Martini - I can see why you are suggesting starting with a new console... for now I'd like to get used to the boat, as if I decide not to keep it for too long, I feel it would be a shame to swap the console now... even if it means making do with a less than perfect mount for the 556 etc.

But still good to make that suggestion :o)

Thanks

Steve

[Poly]

Steve, in terms of the vhf I would look at things like the standard horizon 1500 + RAM handset. It can be hidden inside the console with just the handset on display.

Not sure of how to squeeze decent plotter on, but to ne honest on a smallish boat bouncing around and trying to navigate at 20 knots is tricky anyway.

[martini]

One option for a plotter, use a gopro or other camera mount which would clamp onto the windscreen rail and bolt the gimbal bracket which comes with the plotter onto it.
Might be a bit wobbly but at least it's not permanent.

[9D280]

Radio: On its side on the opposite side to the engine controls. I built a box out of marine ply to protect it from passing knee caps (well, OK, vice versa to be honest!). I am in the middle of building an "instrument pod" to fit to the top of my console, although you have the small problem of a lack of flat space to bolt anything to.

Regarding the plotter, havre you bought it yet? If not, you could buy a combi and piossibly fit where the switches are? Not ideal, I agree, but at least fitted. As Pol says, screens are duifficult to read in a small bouncing boat! (I used a Garmin 12, and had it on "street mode" as it gavce a nice "glance at-able" display versus some tiny arrow on a pixelated map).

A mapping handheld may be another solution, and may be particularly good if you are serious a bout changing the boat. It will either be another "toy" to entice a buyer, or you keep it and have an independent battery powered GPS should your electrics or plotter fail on the new boat.

It's also amazing how a decent set of waypoints can help nav on a non mapping handheld, but that;s probably another discussion.

[Blizzard]

Look at the kit that scanstrut do - Scanstrut - Installation Solutions for Marine Electronics
For your VHF - Icom M505 inside the console with the command mic lead out. You have full functionallity for the set. If you then want to develop the boat in the future, you can.

[Copinsay]

Hello All

Many thanks for all these helpful comments - much appreciated.

Best wishes

Steve