Best place to mount a Furuno SC 50 Sat Compass on a Sailboat?

[tritchey]

We have a new complete Furuno Nav Suite of products. The installer wants to mount the SC 50 GPS Sat Compass aft behind a couple of solar panels and antennas. We think it should be aloft - at the top of the mast (65"), where it will get a clear picture of the sky. (it would lose its heading mounted above the radar dome 2/3 up the mast - from reflections. This unit has pitch and roll compensation. Has anyone seen or have experience with a SC 50 aloft? Our mast is no taller than big fishing boats and has a slow motion.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Best place to mount a Furuno SC 50 Sat Compass on a Sailboat?

I would assume anywhere there is a clear unobstructed view of the sky should be OK. I'd probably prefer it lower, less cable, less chance of error from swinging around and easier to diagnose problems when they arise 100 miles from nowhere.

40 feet closer to the satellite isn't going to make any difference. Away from the radome is always recommended.

 

[tritchey]

Re: Best place to mount a Furuno SC 50 Sat Compass on a Sailboat?

Thanks - Our aft location downside on the aft antenna farm is that it already has a wind gen, 2 -135 watt sollar panels, 3 GPSs, AIS, Fax 5, WiFi, and XM radio - it is crowded back there and only about 10' off the water. Big waves pooping us in bad weather are a concern - that is why we like the masthead. We can put it in front of the Tri-light, Airmar weather station,VHF and still be inside the lightning protector. Thoughts?