Installing a Raymarine SeaTalkNG (NMEA2000) network with speed and depth transducer pods.
WhOpening up the main DC breaker panel looking for power for the instruments.
The main DC breaker panel backplane, mounted in a box. This seems to be the current Hunter method on its larger vessels. Very nicely done, but a royal pain to add to. I much prefer a standard open backplane, with a separate breaker panel harness. Much easier to add to. Have a look here http://www.wewireboats.com for some excellent examples of how it should be done.
The current Hunter method for headliners is an improvement. It is possible with care to remove the headliner from its plastic mold, to gain access to the hidden runs. It's still a pretty risky undertaking, and needs care. Way better than pulling rusty staples.
Putting the headliner back in place requires the careful use of a smooth rounded putty knife. Getting an even tension with no puckers takes time and practice.
Typical overhead wiring run. Everything is well secured with cable ties and split loom protection. Routing new wires almost always requires headliner removal.
Raymarine E-series SeaTalkhs networked display and NMEA0183 connected ICOM VHF
Nice clean layout of the heavy current panel on the H45. This is under the chart table.
Mounting electronic upgrades so that they remain secure, often requires the fabrication of an epoxy coated plywood backplane, secured to the hull in this case, with epoxy and small aluminum brackets.
SeaTalkhs networked satellite weather unit, interfaced with two audio systems.
One pretty cool side note to networked displays, is that there is often video out - ideal for large LCD flat panel TV's
This one is bulkhead mounted in the main salon.
Raymarine SeaTalkNG spur (white cable) and terminator (blue nipple -index finger) mounted to a 'T". Note the use of split loom for chafe protection. This SeaTalkNG is a type of NMEA2000 network, but with proprietary terminations. It's wonderful to troubleshoot if you have the tool. It's fast, stable, robust, and easy to route. There are a few gotcha's though. Mixing up spurs and backbone cables is a no-no. A terminator at each end of the backbone is required. It's important that the power "T" is balanced along the backbone. There is more technical planning required than most other network installs.
Once installed the SeaTalkNG can talk to an very large range of hardware, from engines to computers, to man overboard devices, including generic products. Have a look at Maretron if you are interested. Adapter cables are fairly inexpensive to make them all talk.
Scanstrut backstay mounted Garmin Networked HD radar.
Note the limited clearance between boom and backstay. In many ways this is a superior option to mounting on the mast, especially in the case of a cutter rig. There is come point loading of the backstay at the radar dome, which needs to be looked over from time to time. The plastic insert bushing, serves to distribute any load, so there should not be issues longterm.
The cradle has plenty of adjustment for pitch fore and aft. It has damped compensation for heeling. The pole is long enough, that there is no risk of microwaving your cranium, standing in the cockpit. This is a networked HD radar so there is a power and a network cable. Actually the cables are much easier to route than regular radar cables, because of the diminutive dimensions.
Custom mounting plate made by Mike Ward at Schooner Creek Boat Works, Portland (my previous employer).