Anyone know if a magnet will mess with a FF?

Howdy all,

I was thinking about all of the ways that I could mount my FF.  My original plan is to mount it to the mast hole that Hobie graciously provides, but until I get my hands on a RAM mount, that may have to wait a little while.

I then realized that I have a bunch of rare earth magnets lying around, and that I could goop some to the inside of the hull where I want to mount the FF, bolt a steel plate or big washers to the bottom of the FF, and voila, easily removed but sturdy mount.  The problem that I foresee with that would be magnetic interference with the electronics in the FF as well as messing with the signal coming up the transducer cable.

Anyone have an idea if putting really strong magnets near an FF will mess with it?

On a related note, I was thinking that a couple of strategically placed REMs gooped inside the hull would be great for controlling things like pliers, hemostats and other ferrous bits.

The electron beam in the old cathode ray display tubes could be deflected by a magnet.  If you still have a picture tube based color TV, slowly bring the magnet toward the picture.  You will see weird color and photo bending effects.  DO NOT overdo it or get the magnet too close to the tube or you could make permanent changes.

LED panels are impervious to magnetic interference, but as you guessed the transducer cable may not be.  I would suggest you try it out of the water.  Turn it on and watch the view as you move the magnet around the transducer, cable, and FF.  Start with distance and move closer if you see no effects. 

Anyone have an idea if putting really strong magnets near an FF will mess with it?

Hmmmm, that sounds interesting. Try it, see what happens! 

On a related note, I was thinking that a couple of strategically placed REMs gooped inside the hull would be great for controlling things like pliers, hemostats and other ferrous bits.

That would be really slick, but does not do much for you when you drop them overboard (and you really don't have to ask how I know about that one)

Anyone have an idea if putting really strong magnets near an FF will mess with it?

Hmmmm, that sounds interesting. Try it, see what happens! 

On a related note, I was thinking that a couple of strategically placed REMs gooped inside the hull would be great for controlling things like pliers, hemostats and other ferrous bits.

That would be really slick, but does not do much for you when you drop them overboard (and you really don't have to ask how I know about that one)

Saw enough folks chatting about losing gear to the depths or corrosion, that I've resorted to tools non deck that float, and or made with materials that don't rust or corrode very easy.