Horse before the cart or Air Cond wont fit in the window

[JGrider]

I have been asking all of my newbie questions to Thataway. I dont want him to get tired of my questions before I even get the chance to say Hi in person. I have a lot of questions. So I need to bother the rest of you guys out here too.
I bought the Air conditioner from Home Depot just like Comfy Dory but I did not see that the Compass was to high to let is slide into the front window. I'm new at this and I do not want to start putting holes in my boat before I look at all of my options. If I move the compass is the hole easily filled as good as new? The only place I see to put it back would be next to the drivers window and to put it there I would have to move the chart plotter a little to port, left I think. Any suggestions floating around out here?
Thanks
John

[jennykatz]

We had the same problem with our cd-22 .We ended up moving the gps plotter closer to the starboard window and moved compass make sure you have some space between compass and gps or windshield wipers Look at my Duck album picture 26 shows the compass on port side I eventually put the compass on starboard and moved gps

You can fill holes in with epoxy or just put in S/S skrews in holes . and wait for one of your friends to fix the small holes

The A/C is worth a few small holes for sure .

[Tad and Toby Jackson]

John,

On the Comfy Dory, we have a Garmin 498 that is mounted on the dash above the steering wheel. Our compass sits to the right of that nearer to the window and the dash under the front window is clear. Repair small holes with white Marine Tex...very easy and you only have to make up small amounts at one time. Buy yourself a square drive screwdriver for removing the bottom of the window braces where they attach to the inside of the window frame...that allows you to open the widow far enough for the AC to slide through.
What kind of generator are you going to use for the AC?

Tad

[Aurelia]

Remove the compass and keep a good handheld available if one is needed. There has been some discussions lately on the usefulness of this classic device and with your chartplotter already in place. I would call it a backup and keep it handy but tucked away. We have a huge impressive compass mounted in the position you speak of and I would have no qualms ripping it off it there was a conflict. Heck, I may take it off regardless. And just for a point of reference, I have taught regional classes on wilderness navagation for the last 10 years to first responders and recreationalists so I do know the value of the device. But I also have two chartplotters active on my boat at all times and would carry and nice handheld or something like the one below if I were to remove the mounted version we have now.

http://www.thecompassstore.com/rx11y.html

Or a dash mount could be used?

http://www.thecompassstore.com/v572.html

[Tug]

I wish i had your problems,that is needing an air conditioner on my boat.It must really get hot there, i seldom if ever have the need to use an air conditioner even in my truck.Good luck fixing your air conditioner. Tug

[smittypaddler]

I have a Ritchie Explorer compass mounted on the flat surface just aft of the front window. It sits on a pedestal, and is removable with a click of a button. I remove it, and also my radar screen, when I want to put in my air conditioner. Here are some photos when the a/c is installed:

http://smittypaddler.com/cds/cdc/fl11/d110318.htm

This has been edited. The original post had a bad link above.

[JGrider]

Everyone agrees, so the compass will get moved today. I did not buy a generater. My brother-in-law is giving me one but It looks and appears to be like the Honda 2000. I do not know the brand but I know it is about $300.00. I have a great brother-in-law.
Although the weather here has really been great lately I know what is coming in a month or so. If I expect my Jeannie to spend much time with me I know it has to be comfortable, atleast to sleep. I will keep everyone updated on the cheap generater.
Thanks

[JGrider]

Thanks Smitty for the repaired link. I need to look at my compass better and see what model I have before I move it to another location,

[patrick and linda]

my first time drilling into fiberglass really concerned me. now i cut, saw and drill with no problems. actually fiberglass is very forgiving. matching up gel coat can be a little challenging but like everything else, take your time and you should have no problems.
recently i removed fishing rode holders that were attached by screws, to the sides of the cockpit in the boston whaler i recently purchased. there were 18 screw holes which needed filling. i bought marine tex (white) followed directions and started filling in the holes. keeping the filler inside the holes was challenging but after a while i managed to get enough to stay in each hole. after the compound dried i sanded with 180 and then 220 grit, then touched up with gelcoat, polished and the result looks good, not perfect but ok. i am approaching the age that ok is acceptable! i must be maturing.
post pictures of your completed project when finished.
best regards
pat

[hardee]

Whoa, hey wait a minute, You don't have to remove the compass and move the plotter screen. Shucks, you don't even need to mount the AC, just move to the PNW and enjoy the greatest natural air conditioning in the country

Hey, we are having our first 4 day stretch of sunny in 180 days and should be over 70 today. Spring is here.

Harvey
SleepyC

[starcrafttom]

Damm it Harvey!! they are going to hear you and it will start raining again. SHHHHHHHHH.

[hardee]

Sorry Tom, it's been saving me from watering my rhubarb

Harvey
SleepyC

[thataway]

I would keep the compass. There are times when it is necessary, and a good back up. Also compensate it after it is moved, so it is accurate. The proximity of the chart plotter and radios etc may cause some deviation.

I do occasionally use marine tex--but gelcoat is better. After applying marine tex--it is harder to get a good gel coat repair.

[DaveS]

[hardee]