NavPod GP1201 SailPod f/Garmin 1020/1040xs Review

The NavPod GP1201 SailPod Pre-Cut f/Garmin 1020 / 1020xs / 1040xs f/9.5″ Wide Guard: A Review After Real Use

The NavPod GP1201 SailPod Pre-Cut f/Garmin 1020 / 1020xs / 1040xs f/9.5″ Wide Guard is a rugged enclosure designed to protect and mount your Garmin chartplotter at the helm of your sailboat. Made by NavPod, this SailPod offers a secure and weatherproof solution, ensuring your valuable electronics are safe from the harsh marine environment. Its pre-cut design allows for a seamless fit with specific Garmin models, making installation straightforward.

My sailing adventures often took me through unpredictable weather, and my previous setup offered little protection for my chartplotter. I was specifically seeking a robust, weatherproof enclosure that would provide a clear view of my Garmin unit while keeping it safe from spray, rain, and the occasional rogue wave. The NavPod promised exactly that.

Unboxing the NavPod GP1201 SailPod, I was immediately impressed by the robust feel of the acrylic capped ABS plastic. The unit felt solid and well-built, and the pre-cut opening for my Garmin 1040xs looked precise. The included stainless steel hardware added to the overall impression of quality.

I considered other options, including building a custom enclosure, and using a generic bracket mount. Ultimately, I chose the NavPod for its combination of weather protection, ease of installation, and professional appearance. Building a custom enclosure would have been time-consuming, and off-the-shelf brackets lacked the integrated protection I was after.

My initial reaction was excitement tempered with relief; I was excited to finally have a proper mounting solution, and relieved that the installation process seemed relatively simple. I had visions of clear navigation even in the worst conditions. This was the solution I had been searching for.

Real-World Testing: Putting NavPod GP1201 SailPod Pre-Cut f/Garmin 1020 / 1020xs / 1040xs f/9.5″ Wide Guard to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the NavPod GP1201 SailPod on my 38-foot sailboat in preparation for a coastal cruise. The installation took place at the marina, and I had the opportunity to test it during a multi-day voyage along the New England coastline. I faced everything from calm sunny days to gusty conditions with moderate spray.

The NavPod performed admirably in all conditions, providing a clear view of the chartplotter screen even when drenched with saltwater. The viewing angle remained consistent and unobstructed. I was especially impressed with the watertight seal, which kept the electronics dry even during periods of heavy spray.

Installation was straightforward, thanks to the pre-cut design, although routing the cables through the NavPod and into the pedestal required some patience. I needed to purchase an additional cable clam to ensure a watertight seal where the wires exited the bottom of the pod.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much the NavPod improved the overall aesthetics of the helm. It gave a clean, professional look. I did initially worry about glare on the screen in direct sunlight, but the tinted acrylic helped to minimize this.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full sailing season, including approximately 500 nautical miles of coastal cruising, the NavPod GP1201 SailPod has held up extremely well. There are no signs of cracking or fading in the plastic. The stainless-steel hardware remains corrosion-free.

The NavPod still looks as good as new, requiring only occasional cleaning with mild soap and water. I make sure to inspect the seals annually, but so far, they show no signs of wear or degradation. The unit has proven to be extremely durable and reliable.

Maintenance is simple; I wipe it down after each trip to remove salt residue and inspect the hardware for any signs of loosening. This is all that is required to keep the NavPod in top condition. This is much simpler than having to clean and dry a chartplotter screen after every trip because it’s been exposed to the elements.

Compared to my previous setup, which involved a ram mount and a flimsy plastic cover, the NavPod is a massive improvement. It offers far superior protection, a cleaner look, and improved visibility. The NavPod exceeded my expectations for both durability and functionality.

Breaking Down the Features of NavPod GP1201 SailPod Pre-Cut f/Garmin 1020 / 1020xs / 1040xs f/9.5″ Wide Guard

Specifications

• The NavPod GP1201 SailPod is specifically pre-cut for Garmin 1020 / 1020xs / 1040xs chartplotters. This ensures a precise fit and minimizes the need for custom modifications.
• It is designed for use with a 9.5″ wide guard, commonly found on sailboat steering pedestals. The guard provides additional protection for the SailPod and its contents.
• The overall size of the NavPod is 11.3″H x 16.5″W x 5.55″D. This provides ample space for the chartplotter while maintaining a relatively compact footprint.
• The usable face dimensions are 9.85″H x 15.18″W x 4.25″D. This is the area of the NavPod that the chartplotter screen will occupy.
• The maximum cutout dimensions are 9″H x 14.25″W. This specification is crucial when confirming compatibility with other electronic devices, though it’s designed specifically for the listed Garmin models.
• The NavPod GP1201 is constructed from acrylic capped ABS plastic. This material provides excellent UV resistance, impact strength, and dimensional stability in marine environments.
• It features chromed stainless steel tamper-proof fasteners and a wrench for secure closure. These fasteners prevent unauthorized access and ensure the watertight integrity of the SailPod.
• A double seal ensures watertight integrity. The double seal provides an extra layer of protection against water intrusion, keeping your electronics safe and dry.
• Stainless steel mounting hardware and mounting gaskets are included. This hardware is designed to withstand the corrosive marine environment and ensures a secure and watertight mounting.
• The color of the NavPod is black. The black color blends well with most sailboat interiors and exteriors.

These specifications are crucial because they dictate the compatibility, durability, and weather resistance of the NavPod. The pre-cut design and robust materials ensure that your chartplotter is securely mounted and protected from the elements, providing a reliable navigation solution.

Performance & Functionality

The NavPod GP1201 SailPod excels at its primary function: protecting and displaying your chartplotter. The enclosure is robust and watertight, providing excellent protection from rain, spray, and UV damage. Visibility is excellent in most conditions.

The NavPod’s strengths lie in its rugged construction, precise fit, and ease of installation. A potential weakness is limited internal space for cable management; however, with careful planning, this can be overcome. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The NavPod’s design is clean and functional. The black acrylic capped ABS plastic gives it a professional appearance, and the viewing angle is optimized for use at the helm. Build quality is top-notch.

The NavPod is user-friendly. There is minimal learning curve once installed. The location of the chartplotter is now very accessible at the helm, and the screen is easy to read.

Durability & Maintenance

The NavPod is built to last. The robust materials and watertight construction ensure that it can withstand the harsh marine environment for many years. Minimal maintenance is required.

Cleaning with soap and water and occasional inspection of the seals are all that is needed to keep the NavPod in top condition. The stainless steel hardware is corrosion-resistant and should provide years of trouble-free service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The NavPod GP1201 SailPod comes with all the necessary mounting hardware and gaskets for installation. While there are limited customization options directly related to the NavPod itself, the pre-cut design ensures compatibility with the specified Garmin chartplotter models.

Users can also add accessories such as sunshades or external speakers, which can be mounted to the steering pedestal. The NavPod’s universal design makes it compatible with a wide range of marine accessories from other brands.

Pros and Cons of NavPod GP1201 SailPod Pre-Cut f/Garmin 1020 / 1020xs / 1040xs f/9.5″ Wide Guard

Who Should Buy NavPod GP1201 SailPod Pre-Cut f/Garmin 1020 / 1020xs / 1040xs f/9.5″ Wide Guard?

The NavPod GP1201 SailPod is perfect for sailors who want to protect their valuable Garmin chartplotters from the elements and improve the aesthetics of their helm. It is ideal for coastal cruisers, offshore sailors, and anyone who values a reliable and weatherproof navigation solution.

This product might not be necessary for casual day sailors who only venture out in fair weather or for those on a tight budget who are willing to compromise on protection. A simpler mounting solution might suffice in those cases.

A must-have accessory is a cable clam to ensure a watertight seal where the wires exit the bottom of the NavPod.

Conclusion on NavPod GP1201 SailPod Pre-Cut f/Garmin 1020 / 1020xs / 1040xs f/9.5″ Wide Guard

The NavPod GP1201 SailPod Pre-Cut f/Garmin 1020 / 1020xs / 1040xs f/9.5″ Wide Guard is a worthwhile investment for any serious sailor. Its robust construction, precise fit, and excellent weather protection make it a top-tier choice for mounting and protecting your Garmin chartplotter. The price is justified by the quality and performance of the product.

I would highly recommend the NavPod to anyone looking for a reliable and professional mounting solution for their marine electronics. It’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind knowing that your valuable equipment is safe and protected. Don’t let another season go by with your chartplotter exposed to the elements; invest in a NavPod and enjoy worry-free navigation.