Helm getting some attention
Moderators: Redneck_Randy, badmoonrising, lakerunner
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- Posts: 253
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Helm getting some attention
So my pontoon was previously enjoyed by an older couple and when I got it I was able to have a guy replace the floor and get all new furniture. The helm is pretty simple and all he added for me was a tach, a horrible switch for the trim motor, and a switch panel for the lights that he must have had left over from the 70's. The holes for these pieces were cut out by a beaver or someone using a hammer and chisel only.
So anyway.... I purchased a switch panel w/ switches and breakers, got a couple more gauges (fuel and water pressure (the water line was already there so why not)), a radio, a dual battery voltage gauge (i have 2 batteries), and a dual USB charger. The helm isn't too big so once i received the switch panel I was worried. After making the required cuts, moving some things around, I ended up with something that actually works for me: (I haven't done any cleaning yet so please don't blast me for it, I was just happy things fit where I wanted them to and snapped the picture)
I have some wiring to do but I'm getting ever so closer to getting her out on the river.
So anyway.... I purchased a switch panel w/ switches and breakers, got a couple more gauges (fuel and water pressure (the water line was already there so why not)), a radio, a dual battery voltage gauge (i have 2 batteries), and a dual USB charger. The helm isn't too big so once i received the switch panel I was worried. After making the required cuts, moving some things around, I ended up with something that actually works for me: (I haven't done any cleaning yet so please don't blast me for it, I was just happy things fit where I wanted them to and snapped the picture)
I have some wiring to do but I'm getting ever so closer to getting her out on the river.
1995 Sun Tracker 21 Party Barge
60HP Mercury 2 stroke
It's new! to me
Loving the life here in Deland, Fla.
60HP Mercury 2 stroke
It's new! to me
Loving the life here in Deland, Fla.
Re: Helm getting some attention
The dbl arrow switch behind wheel is trim? What a pain, most of those panels you can move switches around
Check out "Dudes" site www.whereisdude.com
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- Posts: 253
- Joined: Tue May 14, 2019 6:41 am
Re: Helm getting some attention
Yes, the double arrow one is the trim switch. Each switch can come out and move around...I haven't decided where all them are going yet, just trying to get the panel in then worry about the switch placement.
1995 Sun Tracker 21 Party Barge
60HP Mercury 2 stroke
It's new! to me
Loving the life here in Deland, Fla.
60HP Mercury 2 stroke
It's new! to me
Loving the life here in Deland, Fla.
Re: Helm getting some attention
Side of the throttle would be nice, pontoons tend change speed more and need more adjustment than say a CC going 25 off or further
Check out "Dudes" site www.whereisdude.com
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- Posts: 253
- Joined: Tue May 14, 2019 6:41 am
Re: Helm getting some attention
i wish my throttle had the built in trim switch...that's the way to go. Just something to think about when I get my next pontoon...making a wish list of things.
1995 Sun Tracker 21 Party Barge
60HP Mercury 2 stroke
It's new! to me
Loving the life here in Deland, Fla.
60HP Mercury 2 stroke
It's new! to me
Loving the life here in Deland, Fla.
Re: Helm getting some attention
Nice upgrades! I have the same Rockford head unit and have been happy with it. It's about the most full featured one I could find that was that small.
Steve
"Serendipity" - 2017 Sweetwater 2286 WB Tritoon w/ 150HP Yamaha
Slipped at Lake Anna, Virginia
Primary Residence: Richmond, Virgina
Lake House: Lake Anna, Virginia
"Serendipity" - 2017 Sweetwater 2286 WB Tritoon w/ 150HP Yamaha
Slipped at Lake Anna, Virginia
Primary Residence: Richmond, Virgina
Lake House: Lake Anna, Virginia
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- Posts: 253
- Joined: Tue May 14, 2019 6:41 am
Re: Helm getting some attention
I was looking at all the different "marine" radios w/ BT and this one just looked better, had the features I wanted, and had sub control for when/if I install the sub on the pontoon.
1995 Sun Tracker 21 Party Barge
60HP Mercury 2 stroke
It's new! to me
Loving the life here in Deland, Fla.
60HP Mercury 2 stroke
It's new! to me
Loving the life here in Deland, Fla.
Re: Helm getting some attention
How many of you actually find a marine radio useful on inland lakes? How do you find it useful in everyday use?
2015 SouthBay 522FRC w/ F150 Yamaha
1983 Conroy X18 w/ Volvo 125 I/O
1983 Conroy X18 w/ Volvo 125 I/O
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- Posts: 253
- Joined: Tue May 14, 2019 6:41 am
Re: Helm getting some attention
by "Marine" i was more meaning a radio designed for the environment of a boat than one that has a marine band for open waters.
1995 Sun Tracker 21 Party Barge
60HP Mercury 2 stroke
It's new! to me
Loving the life here in Deland, Fla.
60HP Mercury 2 stroke
It's new! to me
Loving the life here in Deland, Fla.
Re: Helm getting some attention
We always monitor 16 and so do the marinas, not as effective as at beach, we have lots of fingers,so it stays on 25 watts, if it is needed it is probably life/death. I take it serious.
We don't have CG on this lake, next over does, we have reserves, waiting on clearance to return
TWRA uses 17 and monitors 16, I always do a radio check and answe them on 16, i know....I know...we dont have the traffic.
It is good as back up, it is a tool, let me give you a list we have on board in 2 ditch boxes ( yes, on a lake w/pontoon.
CHART PLOTTER W/MMSI number active (about worthless a safety device on our lake)
Vhf radio with 2 antennas normally, mounted on top of hard top for ht with line of sight.
2 fire extinguishers
Tossable float
2 Air horns mounted, plus 2 hand held backup type
Flares, good dates, vacumm sealed
Large Distress flag
Diver down down flag, and yes it is mounted up top when people are in water, yes I hailed twra one day to slow down in a cove because of the flag and folks in water, they actually appoligized, they are cool
Extra led flashlights, and a couple glow sticks,
Manual compass (our lake is too small)
1 large and small USA flag, at night it is illuminated by mooring light
That may be it, yes over kill to some, not a lot of money to have peace of mind, Someone pm me friday/sat or start a thread, I will empty my crap for a picture
There are other items also
Check out "Dudes" site www.whereisdude.com