40' DA, 1999 - Panel Space for Chartplotter

[BeeBoating]

Whoops - looks like I only measured once before buying. At least I haven't cut yet. If anyone out there is on their 40' Sundancer, late 90's vintage, could you measure the available dimensions of the flat area where the original Ray radar display is installed? It's a 2 hour drive to the boat and I won't be there for a few weeks.
I purchased a Garmin 4212 and planned to put it in place of the old Ray 41xx. I must have reversed the WxH, because looking at a picture I have it doesn't look like there's enough width for the Garmin.
On that note, any comments on bail mounting above the standard location? It probably won't look as clean, but may be a more usable location for the chartplotter (the radar was awfully low?)

 

[RollerCoastr]

Matt, I think that's a no-go.

The space just over 13" wide, but your 4212 is 14.8" wide. What helps is that the dimensions of the unit are of the face, so the actual unit is smaller and MAY fit, with acceptable overlap.

I'm having a 5212 installed this week, but it's narrower than the 4212. It was so close that I didn't think even the 5212 would fit, so I asked the installer to come and measure. He did, and assured me that a the Raymarine C/E120's would fit, and so will the 5212. I've since found a pic online of an E-120 in that space, and it looks fine.

The installar also provided an adhesive template to prove that the 5212 fits.

Which scanner did you get?

 

[BeeBoating]

I thought that would be the answer. On to plan B. What do you think of bail/gimbal mounting it above the standard location? I am installing a new stereo system - I could put that component in place of the old radar.

I purchased the 4kw, 24" HD radome. I couldn't rationalize paying 2x the price for the open array based on my usage - although the array certainly looks good when they are spinning.

BTW - who are you using for install?

 

[RollerCoastr]

I think the external mounting is much more practical, and much less asthetically pleasing. (trying to be PC) I know what you mean about the dash panel. To me the issue isn't just that it's low, but that's it's low and vertical.

I have the same issue with the dome. I couldn't justify the extra cost either, so I'm getting the same dome, but I'm concerned about it looking under-sized on the boat. To mitigate that, I just emailed the installer and asked for a mounting post to get the dome off the arch. $300 to make it look "bigger"?! I'll miss the open array, but I won't miss that old green screen.

The boat spends winters in Michigan, so "Luke's Marine Service" in Harrison Twp Mi. is doing the install. It's still worth mentioning because now he (Steve) is very familiar with the 400DA dash and might be able to offer advice if you give him a call.

 

[RollerCoastr]

Keep in mind that the mouting area isn't square, the measurements of the units have "play" in them because of the lip and I found it difficult to get a precise measurement of the opening with XX in the way, so please take my measurements with a grain of salt!

 

[Skuza]

Take into account also the taper of the dash and how it will affect the "back end" of whatever your mounting. If your squeezing something onto the face plate then the dash structure behind it might come into play. Just another thought!

 

[steve mac]

I went through the exact same thing last year. I wanted to get the Garmin 4212 with touch screen....but it wouldn't fit. Even the 5212 (non touch screen) is very close. Keep in mind, there is some material inside the flat panel, so you can't cut right to the edge of the panel.
I ended up installing the Ray E80. It fits nice with a piece of black starboard to cover up the hole from the old 41XX. I should have went with the E120, but didn't think it would fit either...but I could be wrong on that.
I also ended up getting the 4kw dome. You're right, it doesn't look as good as an open array, but it does the trick. I was told that the newer domes are as good (if not better) than a 1999 vintage open array.
Good luck with the project.

 

[RollerCoastr]

Actually Steve, the 5212 is the touchscreen, the 4212 is the non-touchscreen.

I never thought that the Ray 120's would fit, but my installer insisted that they do, and just this week a 400DA went on the salvage site after the guy drove up on a reef. The pics include a nice clear shot of his E-120 installed in the dash. It takes up every millimeter, but looks like a perfect fit!

 

[Warren]

I'm really looking forward to some posted photos when the job is done Matt. We might get around to this upgrade later in the season if it looks good and the job can be done on budget..

At the moment I'm thinking of using one of those stepped arch mounts for the radome and a sat dome or a dummy sat dome if the cost is prohibitive.

Keep the link going and please post pics!!!
Warren

 

[wingless]

Just use the Raymarine template printed at 100% to check the fit.

 

[glass slipper]

Hey 400DA owners, back in 2006 when I replaced all electronics I wanted my Garmin front, center & easy to get to. This is what I came up with, looks pleasing & is user friendly. I like Raymarine radar so the 8" color radar/chartplotter stand alone (as a backup unit) everything else is tied together via NEMA,ST60's ,autohelm w/cordless remote, cameras foward and aft. tie into Garmin and Garmin ties into tvs. It has been a great set up wouldnt change a thing.

 

[BeeBoating]

Great idea. Thanks for sharing. Is that a 12" screen (4012/4212?) Did you purchase or fabricate the mounts (assuming they aren't standard, in the box items?) Any tips on finding these easily? I would have to relocate my VHF, but I'll have a big spot open up when I pull out the old radar.

Thanks again - Matt

 

[BeeBoating]

Also, it looks like the Garmin is getting pretty close to the compass. I think the recommended clearance is around 3'. Assume no issues?

 

[glass slipper]

Matt,it is a 3210 Garmin mounted on factory bail. I recessed the bail back into the dash. As far as the 3' from compass, have not had any problems,its almost 3'., and it is the fourth back up compass. I think 3' away from compass on a boat is hard find. Good luck