Installing GPS on 260 Sundancer

[estebanj]

I'm installing a Northstart this week on the designated space to left of the wheel. The antenna will go on top of the spoiler and I can easily route the cable to the port base of the spoiler. I can also see where the cable will come in into the helm area. What I need help with is how to run the cable from the base of the spoiler to the inlet for the helm. Anyone done this on a 05-07 260 Sundancer?

One idea is to disconnect the VHF antenna from the radio and use that pull the GPS cable and then back. Is this the easist or is there a better solution?

Thanks,

Esteban

 

[Dave S]

Just a thought, but if I were doing it I would remove the storage bin next to the Captain's chair as well as the A/C outlet box. When you drop the wire down the side of the arch you should be able to reach it thru one of these openings and that ought to allow you to fish it from the arch and also get it up to the opening under the helm. If you do remove the storage bin, you will have to recaulk the edges when you put it back in to keep it water tight.

 

[estebanj]

Good idea! I'll remove the glove box first and see if I can reach that way.

Thanks,

Esteban

 

[MLauman]

Whatever you decide, pull an extra piece of string and leave it there for the next project. :thumbsup:
I've probably got 8-10 segments of 'pull strings' scattered around my boat and they have saved me tons of time.

 

[estebanj]

Good idea on the string as well!

I just got the unit today and now need to decide on pole or surface mount for the antenna.

I think the pole "looks" nicer, but with some of the bridges in the area, I guess you can make the argument to save every inch you can and go with surface.

Any pros/cons on one vs. the other?

Esteban

 

[Sea Ray 300]

With a radar arch, mount the antenna on top.
Without an arch, mount the antenna on a 4' pole, with a SS ratchet mount.

 

[shoelessben]

I pulled my storage bin a couple weeks ago to run the transducer cable from my transom to my sounder mounted under the dash. Definitely alot of room to work in there.
Dave - On a side note, I noticed that you said to recaulk the storage bin on reinstall.... did yours come caulked from the factory? Mine definitely wasn't. Now I am thinking about pulling it again, just to caulk it. Sorry about the hijack :smt018

 

[Dave S]

Dave - On a side note, I noticed that you said to recaulk the storage bin on reinstall.... did yours come caulked from the factory? Mine definitely wasn't. Now I am thinking about pulling it again, just to caulk it. Sorry about the hijack :smt018

Yes........mine is caulked externally on the edges. Without the caulk, I would think you are at a bit of risk of water leaking into the area where the A/C is located (or into the mid cabin) especially if you like to hose out your cockpit.

 

[estebanj]

Steve... the location is on top of the spoiler/radar arch. The question is whether to flush mount on top (similar to the Sirius antenna in front of the windshield), or put a 1-2 inch pole with it.

Thanks,

Esteban

 

[Sea Ray 300]

Steve... the location is on top of the spoiler/radar arch. The question is whether to flush mount on top (similar to the Sirius antenna in front of the windshield), or put a 1-2 inch pole with it.Thanks, Esteban

Esteban,
Depending on the configuration of the antenna, there is no need to install it on a pole on top of the arch, as all it needs is a clear shot at the sky.
My Northstar 6000i antenna has to be mounted on a 1 inch threaded pole, and it is, although it is a 2 inch pole. I had no choice, as it had to be mounted this way. As a side note, I do remove it for hauling the boat on land. A pain, but safer.
On my Whaler, I have a Raymarine A65, which offered me the option. I mounted that antenna flush with the top of the dash, as it is an open boat, and this afforded a clear shot to the sky, and is not in the way.
It sounds like yours also offers you the option. Just a matter of personal preference.

 

[estebanj]

Installed my 557 yesterday. Here's a summary for others and future reference:

* Installed the antenna flush on radar arch on port round base built into arch/spoiler. Was a pain to put the nuts on the bolts from underneath via the port light access hole. In restrospect, put the nut on the bolt first, and then feed them upwards and screw them into the antenna.

* Running cable to base of arch very easy. Running cable from base of arch into sboard channel towards console not so easy. Had to remove speaker and break some of the filler material they use for the big holes. Also removed the 2 round and 1 rectangular panels on arch, and the glove box.

* Cutting the f/glass where the 557 goes was easy, but one of those things where you need to measure and remeasure to be sure, and also think twice before drilling to be certain you're doing it in the right place. I wonder... say someday there's a need to replace the GPS with a different unit, what can be done to re-f/glass this section? Or is the answer to order a whole new console from SR?

* Connecting the power cable took me a while. First I wanted to try the auto-power option mentioned in the manual, but I couldn't get the unit to stay on with the ignition off. I tried multiple combinations, but none worked. I simply ran red to an empty location in the fuse box, and black with yellow to the common negative.

* I also added a Merc J-Box for SmartCraft and the NorthStar Single Engine SmartCraft Gateway. I wish there was an easier way to bundle all these wires! I need one more cable, which is a Y splitter for the 557. This cable splits the yellow connector in the 557 between white for the gateway and yellow for the antenna cables. I'll do that next weekend.

The unit looks nice and I like the features of the 557.

Thanks to Dave and others who provided assistance pre-install.

Esteban