Why the overhead mount?

Fairbro · Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 10:37 pm Post subject: Why the overhead mount?

I have always been fasinated by the almost unanimous choice of mounting of VHF radios in an overhead position. It seems to me that reaching and looking up is awkward especially if it is an emergency situation. The mike cord often dangles in front of the helmsman and seems to be as distracting as a pair of fuzzy dice. The same rule seems to apply to truck drivers. What's up with that?

journey on · Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 11:10 pm Post subject:

All the electronics I could get overhead are overhead. The choice is between instruments/equipment I need to see frequently and those I can do without. In the former category are the depth sounder, in the latter, the gas gauge.

It's a lot easier for me to glance up to get information, and still keep my eyes on where we're going than trying to glance down at the dash. It also keeps the dash (if you will) clear and the instruments out of the way when we're anchored or in port. We are cruisers, and it's more convenient to have a shelf on which to put marina guides, the camera, binocs, the fan, etc. Note the AM/FM radio is above the overhead panel, because it's off when we're underway. Also the autopilot control is below, because I only set the course, not read it.

As for the radio, Judy runs the communications dept: VHF radio and cell phone. Having the radio overhead was her idea, and seems to allow her to have her reference material in front on the dash and work the radio at the same time. By the way, Judy's the radio operator for the local emergency team (CERT) since she practiced on the marine bands.

Boris

hardee · Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 11:35 pm Post subject: built in speakers

This may be too simple of an answer, and it is relatively easily circumnavigated by adding another accessory (an external speaker), but most of the radios have the built in speakers grilled (facing) out of the bottom of the radio. Not all, but many, (and that was true of the CB's used in trucks too).

Harvey
SleepyC

GOYO · Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 7:29 am Post subject:

My thought is electronics should be mounted in what ever position is most convenient for the operator. All my electronics are mounted down. GPS, chartplotter, fishfinder directly in front on top of dash (speedometer position) Radar right of GPS on dash. Radio right side just forward of throttle lever (radio has controls on hand mic). I think the majority of the time the location up/down is dictated by the unit size and sight lines. I bought electronics based on where i wanted them mounted and available space, probably a different approach than most.

Valkyrie · Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 7:58 am Post subject:

Our radar is the only electronic gear mounted overhead on Valkyrie. Our radio is also mounted just forward of the throttle and the remainder are on the dash. I know of many boats with a non-overhead radio mount, but they are obviously not evident (or easily seen) in our albums.

Nick
"Valkyrie"

matt_unique · Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:30 am Post subject: Operator

Sneaks · Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 9:02 am Post subject:

Initially I mounted the VHF just forward of the throttle, facing up and the radar hanging from the overhead mount like Boris's photo. I found I needed an external speaker up on the mount just to hear the VHF at reasonable volume level all the way to the stern and grabbing the mike was OK if I was sitting at the helm but it was much less convenient if I stood up or was moving around the cabin. When I switched to the C-80 system everything but the VHF was directly ahead of me on the dash and the VHF was moved to an overhead location. Overall it was much more convenient and very easy to use, especially if the boat was doing angles and dangles. I did put both VHF pucks up there and would likely put a stereo system there, otherwise dash height is best.

Don

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 12:30 pm Post subject:

In an emergency, haiving the radio up means a person can run it from the middle of the boat while staning- either if the helmsman was otherwise occupied, or if someone is standing up in the center of the boat to better see out.

Otherwise, put it where it works best for you and your set up. This is another of those things where there is no "right" answer.

dotnmarty · Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 12:36 pm Post subject:

It would be nice to be able to read the channel numbers. My radio is on the the helm about knee high and I can see the numbers, but can't make them out. Someday I'm gonna get a shelf and move that radio up there.

20dauntless · Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 5:14 pm Post subject:

I like having the radio on the shelf because it's easier for people other than the person who is driving to operate it. It doesn't interfere with the sight lines and I have no problem with the cord hanging down.

mmitchell · Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 5:43 pm Post subject:

Personal preference. We have nothing obstructing the windows. We have the radio mounted on the self below the steering. Less is better M2C.

thataway · Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 7:25 pm Post subject:

I have the ham radio (SSB, 6 meter, 2 meter, 440) mounted on the "shelf" along with Sirius and the audio sterio. There is an external speaker. The VHF radios are mounted below the dash--one is a "black box, with remote mike--which has all of the information, including Lat Long, and this is also connected with DSC to the Standard Horizon chart plotter for location. The second radio is in the open, below the helm. The first radio can be utalized anywhere in the boat, but I don't assign communication to my wife. I moniter the radios; if we are in a critical situation visiability, there is one set of eyes on the water, the other on the various chart plotters and radar. My radar is overhead, but the chart plotters are just below my line of sight. The reason to put the chart plotters below the line of sight, is that it is easier to see, especially if you wear bi or tri focals!