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TMH · 05-01-2006, 06:47 PM

I have done several computers in boats, Custom cases, laptops, & shuttle's. They are great. I typically install one pc with dual monitor capability. One goes to small touchscreen for control and one to a lcd tv. For navigation I have been using Navsim (navsim.com), it has autopilot add on software. I use western digital drives. Most installs are usually in offshore race/poker run boats. Two have been around florida for while.

For navigation reliability, I dont think it is much different then a installed gps. The gps has just as good of a chance of failing. Also most still have a good ole fashion compass for backup. Basically if you lose all electronics your not moving anyway.

As far as corrosion, I don't really think there are issues. Although if you mount the pc out in the cockpit and mount the monitor on a un-protected dash you would be asking for trouble. The only time you may see this is with direct salt water spray. I have yet to see any corrosion problems with smart installs.

Vibration, has not been much of an issue either. My boat is a 30' offshore 97mph and run in lake MI (ruff) the first pc was a viewsonic tablet pc built into a wall in the cabin. The latest that survived last years beating is a epox motherboard from a shuttle pc. It has the audio and nvidia dual monitor video built in. It is in a custom aluminum case mounted in the cabin. I have a 10.4 ts mounted in the cabin door.

Biggest problem is seeing the monitor if mounted on or in the dash is readability. Most people don't want to spend the money a nice monitor so we put them in the cabin. Some have a second on the dash but are only used at night. Although one of my installs has the monitor on the dash and always defaults to a music control scene after a few minutes. It has the screen divided in 4, volume up down & next and previous song. That way you dont have to see the screen when in the cockpit.

I have been following the panel upgrade thread and will try that solution if the screen shots look good.

Todd

05-01-2006, 06:47 PM	#40
TMH Newbie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 8	I have done several computers in boats, Custom cases, laptops, & shuttle's. They are great. I typically install one pc with dual monitor capability. One goes to small touchscreen for control and one to a lcd tv. For navigation I have been using Navsim (navsim.com), it has autopilot add on software. I use western digital drives. Most installs are usually in offshore race/poker run boats. Two have been around florida for while. For navigation reliability, I dont think it is much different then a installed gps. The gps has just as good of a chance of failing. Also most still have a good ole fashion compass for backup. Basically if you lose all electronics your not moving anyway. As far as corrosion, I don't really think there are issues. Although if you mount the pc out in the cockpit and mount the monitor on a un-protected dash you would be asking for trouble. The only time you may see this is with direct salt water spray. I have yet to see any corrosion problems with smart installs. Vibration, has not been much of an issue either. My boat is a 30' offshore 97mph and run in lake MI (ruff) the first pc was a viewsonic tablet pc built into a wall in the cabin. The latest that survived last years beating is a epox motherboard from a shuttle pc. It has the audio and nvidia dual monitor video built in. It is in a custom aluminum case mounted in the cabin. I have a 10.4 ts mounted in the cabin door. Biggest problem is seeing the monitor if mounted on or in the dash is readability. Most people don't want to spend the money a nice monitor so we put them in the cabin. Some have a second on the dash but are only used at night. Although one of my installs has the monitor on the dash and always defaults to a music control scene after a few minutes. It has the screen divided in 4, volume up down & next and previous song. That way you dont have to see the screen when in the cockpit. I have been following the panel upgrade thread and will try that solution if the screen shots look good. Todd Last edited by TMH; 05-01-2006 at 06:51 PM.