RT 25-SC, 2011 Changes to the helm for improved visibility

[tkaustin]

After years of frustration viewing the upper portion of the Garmin Chart Plotter, as the shelf above obscures much of the top of the screen, I finally committed myself to changing the shape of the top shelf. Pictures, and creeping elegance pictures follow. First picture is the original view for the captain. Note how for someone of not-extraordinary height (I'm not quite 6-1) has an occluded view of the upper region of the chart plotter. Second pic is after I removed and modified the top shelf so it no longer covered the top part of the screen. After this change, the difficulty of reading the autopilot panel and the engine operation panel became a new sore point. Third pic is after building an angled offset for them, so they are better directed to the captain. There are two more pictures showing the completed project from different angles.

 

[4umfreak]

That looks great! How difficult was it to remove the cabinet top? Did you need to buy additional teak, or were you able to relocate & repurpose what was already there?
As a person of not-extraordinary height myself, the visibility of the chart plotter and panel gauges has always been a pita.
For me, the bigger gripe was the radio, which I've already moved to the top. If I can shift the plotter forward (but not up), I might be able to preserve what's left of the shelf space.

 

[tkaustin]

That looks great! How difficult was it to remove the cabinet top? Did you need to buy additional teak, or were you able to relocate & repurpose what was already there?
As a person of not-extraordinary height myself, the visibility of the chart plotter and panel gauges has always been a pita.
For me, the bigger gripe was the radio, which I've already moved to the top. If I can shift the plotter forward (but not up), I might be able to preserve what's left of the shelf space.

The cabinet top is held by about 6 wood screws which can be removed with lots of patience and flexibility. (As I age, the contortions get tricky). I happen to have some mahogany which I used for the new parts. It blends nicely with the teak.
I agree about the radio. Next task will probably be to mount a new radio overhead. Good luck; send pix.