I am trying to come up with some ideas on building a helm for a utility boat. Is there anything to consider with aluminum - thickness, type, etc? A long time ago my dad did some upgrades to our old boat trailer with diamond plate aluminum. From what I recall it was about 1/8" thick and was pretty hard/stiff stuff. I am thinking something like that would work, just smooth and maybe even thinner? I'd like to be able to bend it easily but I also want it rigid enough that the steering wheel is solid and the electronics don't "pulse" going over waves.
My idea is to build in a plotter (flush mount) behind the steering wheel then install a flush mount compass on top (something like a ritchie helmsman or navigator combidial). I have heard of people having good luck with the garmin 740 series and it not causing any ill affects on compass headings. What about bigger units like the 820xs/840xs? I would assume any higher current electrical devices would be touchy - such as a 2 way radio on transmit (electrical current and RF at that point). Without having much space to work with it looks like the plotter and compass would be about 4-6" apart. I may be able to stretch that, though, as I am still in the design phases. Thoughts?
My idea is to build in a plotter (flush mount) behind the steering wheel then install a flush mount compass on top (something like a ritchie helmsman or navigator combidial). I have heard of people having good luck with the garmin 740 series and it not causing any ill affects on compass headings. What about bigger units like the 820xs/840xs? I would assume any higher current electrical devices would be touchy - such as a 2 way radio on transmit (electrical current and RF at that point). Without having much space to work with it looks like the plotter and compass would be about 4-6" apart. I may be able to stretch that, though, as I am still in the design phases. Thoughts?
