Pedestal Guard Questions

[Mike McDonald]

I am in the process of installing a new Raymarine chart plotter, with a new downvision transducer as well.  My problem is running the transducer cable to the helm.  The pedestal guard is the 1" version, and the cable end fitting (7/8" dia.) will not fit through the stainless pipe due to slight dimpleing where the top bracket is attached.  Raymarine recommends against cutting and splicing the transducer cable.  I've looked through most of the postings, but haven't come across anything helpful so far.  I hate to go to the expense and added work of changing to the 1-1/4" pedestal guard if there is an good alternative way to get the wiring to the helm. 

If the larger pedestal guard is the only good way to do it, I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has done this.  Would I need to change the guard bracket on the binnacle as well, or can it be drilled out to fit the large diameter pipes?  If I drill a 1" hole in the pipe to fit the cable fitting through, will it weaken the pipe too much?  I would appreciate any thoughts/idea's.  Thanks.
Mike...... 

[Clay Greene]

We replaced the pedestal guard twice on our C34 - first to 1 1/8 and then to 1 1/4 because we needed more room for wires as we added additional instruments at the helm.  We got the new binnacle bracket each time.  It is stainless so I think it would be hard to drill out.  Maybe you could use a Dremel to grind it out but stainless is pretty tough stuff.  I suggest cobalt bits and a cobalt hole saw for drilling the new holes in the guard. 

One thing I would caution you on is the interference with the transmission and throttle handles as you move to a larger diameter guard.  The transmission would not go into forward when we moved from 1 inch to 1 1/8th - thank goodness we checked that at the slip before we backed out the first time.  We were able to adjust the transmission cable at the engine to make it work but it was not easy, as I remember. 

[Mike and Joanne Stimmler]

Mike,
I had my electronics done by a Ray Marine certified electrician and he was able to drill out the binnacle bracket by using a
1 1/4" hole saw with a 1" hole saw mounted inside as the pilot. Worked out great and I'm not sure if it was stainless or not. Could have been aluminum though. Hope this helps.

Another Mike

[Mike McDonald]

Thanks for the feedback.  I believe my bracket is aluminum (appears to be original). The replacement ones appear to be stainless.  The hole saw with a 1" hole saw blade as a guide is a great idea. If I decide to replace the pedestal guard, I'll try that.  It would make sense to go to 1-1/4" if I do it.  Thanks for the heads up on the transmission shifter travel as well.  Mine (I do have the stainless shifter handles) goes all the way to the guard pipe.  I'll definitely test it at the dock before taking it out, if I make the switch.  Funny how these seemingly simple projects have a way of getting complicated real fast!! Oh well.
Thanks again.
Mike.....

[Ken Juul]

Plenty of room inside the pedestal.  I drilled a hole about half way up the pedestal and ran all my chart plotter wires up and out the pedestal.  Did have to enlarge the holes in the base plate for the radar cable.  I have a full enclosure so not worried about water intrusion.  Without the enclosure I would use silicone to seal the hole after installation.  Not as pretty as hiding the wires in the guard, but fully functional and costs nothing.

[Mike McDonald]

Ken,
Thanks for another good idea.  I considered that option, but wasn't sure if it would be ok to drill a 1" hole in the bottom plate and the pedestal.  That would certainly be a cheaper option.  The new guards are expensive, and the Navpods are ridiculous.  I'll have to think about it.  May just bite the bullet and get a new pedestal guard.  Thanks for the additional option.
Mike.....

[britinusa]

When I (recently) installed a Garmin Wireless wind transducer and instrument, some of the cables going to the helm for the GPS, Radar, and the new VHF remote, were larger than the pedestal guard tubes.
The PO had run some cables up the outside of the guard tubes and taped them to the tubes.

I improved (IMHO) on that, installed Blue Sky wire blocks on the cockpit deck in place of the previous copious amounts of silicone caulk and tie wrapped the cables to the guard.

Here's a link to some pics and details

Paul

[Mike McDonald]

Paul,
Thanks for the info, unfortunately, I was unable to connect to the link you provided. I tried on my pic and also on my iPad.
Mike.....

[Mike and Joanne Stimmler]

I was not able to connect to that link either.

[britinusa]

I fixed the link.
Didn't realize that the forum software added http:// to the url (which already had that)

Works now,

Sorry folks.

Paul

[Mike McDonald]

Thanks for the fix.
Mike.....