Practical Boat Owner — November 2017

installing nasa clipper instruments

6

The width

of the

mounting

apertures was

next carefully

marked onto

the front panel.

7

Time for the old magnetic compass

to beat a hasty retreat to make way

for the new console.

11

After a coat of Burgess Wood Sealer

to seal the ply, it was covered in

white vinyl leather-cloth stapled on to

match the rest of the instrument panel.

14

Due to the compact nature of our

new console the stainless steel fixing

brackets had to be modified by shortening

and reforming the bends.

17

The standard echo sounder

transducer was to be connected

first. See below for tips on where to site it.

8

The distance between the instruments was decided and the apertures marked and

cut out with a jigsaw. When the instruments were temporarily positioned it became

obvious the panel was far longer than necessary and would need shortening

10

Properly cut to size, the whole thing

could then be glued and screwed

together. With glue dry it was sanded to

remove the rough edges.

9
With side panels of our ‘on the fly’
design fitted, the pod could be
offered up to work out the optimum
position and angle on the cabin top.

12
NASA recommends testing before
fitting so a temporary connection
was made to ensure the instruments were
working as they should.

15
Secured finger tight by wing nuts,
basic connections were made for
sounder and compass warning buzzers.

13

The rubber seals could now be fitted

into the recesses on the rear of the

instrument housings where they’d sit

against the new console.

16

The neat-looking console was then

placed in position ready for the final

connections to be made.

Fitting the

transducers

Warning:

do not cut or shorten

any transducer cables

unless the instructions

specifically say you

can do so!

➜

WHErE TO SiTE a TranSDUCEr a suitable position in the bilges must consider the instrument performance as well as

running of the wiring. it’s always best to position transducers well aft, especially on fast boats where the bow has a tendency

to leave the water regularly. the area must also be clear of obstructions such as keels that can disturb water flow.