N2K instruments, install details

My obsession with NMEA 2000 instruments continues. To better test and photograph them in real light conditions, I installed the array in a single, more serious panel. The weapon of choice was that 3 5/8″ hole saw above, which is a little bigger than needed but gave me wiggle room for final alignment. It would have worked for surface mounting the Maretron DSM 250 too, but I decided to flush mount it so it didn’t overwhelm the others. The ST70 can also be flush mounted, while the others are all surface only (correction: Furuno will offer a flush mount kit). Note that I did the layout on a template (which, in my case, also became a backing piece), which I then used to make neater and surer cutouts in the white finish panel. A good idea if you are actually cutting holes in your helm or cockpit!

In the image below, I’m applying a foam gasket to a Furuno FI-50 prior to screwing it down. It’s the only model that gives you a choice of surface fasteners or studs with nuts tightened from behind. Simrad and Garmin are surface fastened only, Raymarine and Maretron stud and nut only. The latter makes for a somewhat cleaner install—i.e. no bezel or screw covers to get damaged or lost someday—but also means you have to have good access to the back of the panel. The bottom line, though, is that they are all easy to install, and interchangable, especially given that they’re all getting data and power from the same cable (Garmin power excepted). At any rate, the finished install looks pretty good, I think, and is ready for an outdoor workout once I get back to HQ.