Where to mount GPS?

[n4wwl]

I have a Garmin GPSMAP 492 which has a large display screen and stands about 6" tall (with internal antenna and mounting bracket). It is a fairly large unit. Unfortunately, the helm of my boat has an instrument panel with less than 4" of clearance on top because of the slope of the windshield. Therefore, I can't mount the GPS at the helm directly above the gauges (see photo below).

On the port side of the helm is a flat area with just enough clearance below the windshield to mount the GPS. However, if I mount it there I wonder how visible it will be from the helm chair. Moreover, I wouldn't be able to adjust the map scale or push any of the buttons on the unit without physically getting up from the chair (my arms aren't THAT long).

Has anyone else faced a similar dilemma? If so, I'm wondering what you did to resolve it.

I have seen pictures of boats with the GPS mounted on the port side of the helm, and a boater colleague of mine says that is an acceptable solution.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[JB]

Re: Where to mount GPS?

Put it on one of those mount extenders with the ball joints so it can be swiveled about.

 

[QC]

Re: Where to mount GPS?

1) No way on the port side of the boat. You must be able to reach it without getting out of your seat..

2) Just above the key there is a glossy black curved area. Could you make something that you could epoxy to that area? You know a small piece of wood that you could file and sand to mirror match that shape; flat on top to mount the GPS mount to. Would that solve the vertical clearance issue?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Where to mount GPS?

What about making a bracket and mounting it so the top edge comes just below where your ignition switch is.That way you could use the functions without getting up.
Just an idea...8)

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Where to mount GPS?

What about getting a smaller unit? That solved my space problem.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Where to mount GPS?

I have a similar situation. I bought the RAM mount that JB mentioned.

It also allows you to more easily remove the GPS from the boat since you only have to loosen one knob.


Here is a side picture of it...

Next time I am in my boat, I will take another photo.

 

[Plainsman]

Re: Where to mount GPS?

I have a similar situation. I bought the RAM mount that JB mentioned.

It also allows you to more easily remove the GPS from the boat since you only have to loosen one knob.


Here is a side picture of it...

Next time I am in my boat, I will take another photo.

I just want to know who the "real" captian is? My vote is the dog, he's looking at the GPS!8)

 

[QC]

Re: Where to mount GPS?

BTW, with a built in Antenna you want to mount it as high as possible.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Where to mount GPS?

I think she thought it was a TV. She likes watching the TV too!

 

[roscoe]

Re: Where to mount GPS?

A Ram Mount like this one, will bring the unit up and out, fully adjustable, has a ball joint on each end.
Use the bottom ball to bring the bottom of the unit toward you, and the top ball to tilt the display back toward the windshield.

These things are tough. I use one for my fish finder, and one for my chartplotter.

 

[n4wwl]

Re: Where to mount GPS?

Thanks, all. I purchased one of the Ram mounts shown above. Now all I have to do is see how to locate it in the available space and whether it fits.

Appreciate all the good advice!

 

[QC]

Re: Where to mount GPS?

roscoe and bruceb,

How much do those vibrate underway? I have a fixed mount 176C and if the mount is at all loose it wiggles a little. Cranking it down helps of course, but I am curious with the length of those mounts if they wobble or wiggle out on the end.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Where to mount GPS?

It doesn't move one bit. The balls have a thick rubber coating which secures the joint firmly.

Mine is on a 24' cuddy cabin boat so might be different on a smaller boat.

 

[johnbo]

Re: Where to mount GPS?

QC: I use a RAM ball mount for my 176C as well, and use it both on the boat (see below) and my off-road dual sport motorcycle. It never ever moves, and its not tightened that hard. The bike is a LOT harder on the mount than the boat.

I use both the short arm (about 3") and the longer one (about 6"), I think that its the 3/4" ball. Amazing stuff.

I was visiting Dallas Tx last year and wandered into a Bass Pro Shop, they had a really nice collection of RAM mounts and a special 176 cradle. I want to say it was about $20, but I don't really remember.

Hope that this helps,

johnbo

 

[QC]

Re: Where to mount GPS?

I don't really need it, but was curious for future reference. Thanks.

 

[tommays]

Re: Where to mount GPS?

I really did not want to make extra holes to remote the external GPS receiver and it works great there even with full canvas


But you may want to think about and internal receiver as it is a PITA to install the extra stuff in a small boat

Tommays