Time for a New Helm

[Timeout]

I finally gave in and got rid of the 80's vintage helm equipment and replaced it all with a Furuno TZT14. Now I can reach everything from the helm seat. Switches were all replaced and relocated into laser cut mirrored stainless plates and gages were relocated to a smaller cluster to make room for the new MFD box. Before and after photos below (actually after then before).

 

[krush]

Very nice! But now you don't have as many boxes and gadgets to brag about!

 

[Timeout]

Less is more, but size does matter, hence the 14" display...

 

[gbharrington]

Looks great!

 

[Timeout]

Thanks. 80% of the time was engineering what to do, what materials and parts to use and removing several bushels of PO wiring. Making up to date components not look out of place on a 34 year old boat takes some thought. Many sketches and cardboard prototypes involved in the planning process. The actual build and install was fairly straight forward.

 

[Avenger]

Nice job. Very clean install.

I find the same thing with most any job. Preparation is 90% (or therabouts) of the job. But that's what brings the the execution to only 10% and makes the results 100%.

So, where's the compass?

 

[Timeout]

The compass is hidden by the wire chase going to the bridge in that picture. Its still there.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Your "before" photo looks like the Navigation Museum- I think I see items made by Micrologic, Datamarine, and some others that aren't around any more. I had one of those ICOM VHF radios, which I think was called an M120 or M100. Best radio I ever had.

Overall, this is a great helm update and I am glad you posted it. Also jealous.

 

[Avenger]

That RADAR has to be a JRC. The buttons look identical to the ones on my fishfinder.

 

[Fanfare]

I think the radio is an Icom M-80. It was an excellent radio. Just does not have all the new bells and whistles of today's. Imagine, once upon a time people only used their radios for talking.

 

[Timeout]

You're correct, it was an M-80 but was too deep to fit over where I put the new M-504 as that wall section is only 6 - 7" deep. That is really the only reason I replaced it. The new VHF also gave me DSC, hailer, intercom, auto fog horn, and command mic interface (2nd station on the bridge).

 

[jim rosenthal]

Those old ICOM radios work forever. Well, nearly forever. I've always had either those or Standards, and have been happy with both.

Did you design the helm redo yourself? It's really outstanding.

 

[Timeout]

Thanks for the positive feedback. Designed, built (except for the switch/gage plates), and installed myself. Still have a little paint work to do on the dash where all to old holes were filled. All of the black boxes are on the stb. wall of the hanging closet that backs to the boat electrical panels. This makes for easy access and wiring and provided a large surface to fasten them to. Didn't give up much closet space (about 2-3").

 

[sgharford]

Oh la la - That's Svelt! See you got rid of the original engine alarm system to. Magnificent.