On my boat, yes. It is visible.
Here are the positives of this type of setup:
1) Good, protected housing for instruments.
2) Pretty visible from the wheels.
3) The bar under the nav table makes a great foot rest when heeled.
4) Really awesome cockpit table.
5) Storage.
Negatives:
1) If you sit on the high side all the way against the rail, you will not see it the CP. No way around that one unless you put it on a swivel. Look at my autopilot (made by Navpod), it swivels so you can point it to the high side.
2) Takes up a lot of room in the cockpit making singlehanding more difficult.
3) You CANNOT see the radar/CP when sitting forward of the wheels. This will be an issue for long watches at sea because no one ever sits back there. You sit with your back against the cabin top (at least we do) for protection from elements, etc. It forces you to get up to check the radar.
Do all of these positives outweigh the negatives? I don't know. That is up to you.
Here is how Pop's boat is done:
The Radar swings out to the cockpit so it is visble from about everywhere. Much nicer for long runs. Here are the positives and negatives:
Positives:
1) Visible from all angles.
2) Can be moved to be seen from inside the cabin (a real plus on a passage if you do not have two CP's/radars).
3) Can be swung out of the way when not in use.
Negatives:
1) Not as finished looking.
2) Takes up the companionway when underway and being used (an obstacle to go around or smack your shins on... how do I know????)
3) More difficult to see from the wheel because it is further away. Less of an issue at night than daytime when the sun makes things harder to see.
Just another option for you to consider.
- CD
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