Heading sensor location

[yarrawonga]

We have a Bavaria 37 yacht 2016 model. We seem to have had a lightning strike which damaged the navigation system.Our electrician is trying to locate the GPS heading sensor.
Any ideas?

[Salty]

On a 2016 boat, the chances are that it was installed prior to delivery, so contact the importer and ask them for the name and contact details of the firm employed to fit the autopilot.
I fitted my own autopilot system on my boat, and if I remember correctly the recommendations for the heading sensor were for it to be located somewhere near to the middle of the vessel away from the extremes of motion such as pitching or rolling, away from concentrations of metals, so the engine compartment was out, and I also considered placing it away from electrical or radio interference, away from anything that might have a magnetic influence upon it and away from anywhere where somebody might place something near enough to it by mistake which might upset the operation of the sensor. In a previous posting elsewhere on the forum, there was for example mention of someone's under wired supporting garment being placed too close to the sensor and causing deviation, so that should help to rule out some locations.

[Club 56]

On our 2013 Vision 42 the sensor/GPS compass is installed in the aft cabin(Port side) locker. Factory fitted. Well away from anything metal. Also convenient as the NMEA cabling runs down that side of the boat.
Try trace the cable run, if you can't find the sensor look for T piece plugs in the NMEA cables. These may lead you to what your looking for.

[tiger79]

On my 2014 Cruiser 37, the heading sensor is located in the wardrobe of the aft cabin (starboard as mine's a 2-cabin version).