Installing a GPS
 

Ok, I finally broke down and bought the Garmin 172c. I was looking at the 182c but don't think it would work for my needs. I basically want to pull the speedo off the helm and replace it with the 172c. I want a finished look. I also have the external antenna and have no idea where to mount it since there is not a flat surface on my 302 Boss.

Any help, recommendations, lessons learned, etc. would be appreciated.

Re: Installing a GPS
 

Flush mount the antena next to the compass on top of the helm. I am looking at doing the same thing and I think that is what I am going to do. Hope this helps.

Re: Installing a GPS
 

My only concern with that would the winshield affect the signal strength.

Re: Installing a GPS
 

I doubt it. I have a handheld now and I have it directly below the windshield and it still reads quite well even though the gps itself is a POS. On my other boat I have it on the inside direcly under the windshield and it doesn't seem to affect the siganal.

Re: Installing a GPS
 

I promise you it will "NOT" effect it.

In fact I have learned from friends that you can but it inside the fiberglass and it will pick up fine. If I had know that I would not have drilled a hole and mounted it on top.

I hope that makes sense. In other words pull the gauge panel and mount it under the dash out of sight!

Re: Installing a GPS
 

Doc,
I tried and tried everywhere under the dash on my 33. Did not work at all, but it will go through a windscreen. Even my Sirris antenna failed to work in behind the glovebox. That fiberglass is tough to shoot through

Re: Installing a GPS
 

Surprised to hear that. My XM is hidden under the glove box area and works GREAT!. The guy that installed told be the GPS would work also, and did that on his boat.

I have a Garmin 176C that I use on the dash of my truck & car and it works great. You will definately not have a problem from the windshield on a boat!

Thanks

Re: Installing a GPS
 

Where is everyone mounting the GPS's on a 33' Outlaw? I can't find a good area.

Re: Installing a GPS
 

I mounted a GPS antenna under the dash of my last boat and it worked GREAT!! You just have to make sure you get it fixed securely to the underside of the dash.

I have been looking at the 172c and 182c for a while now, I think the 172 is just about the right size to replace the old Ratheon that came in my boat in 1993. Plus isn't it the one that can go back and forth from car to boat. I may never take it out of the boat once I get it mounted like I want, because I also want a finished look. But, it is nice to have the option to use it during the off months.

Where did everyone find the best prices on them?? EBay, BoaterWorld, Overtons, Cabelas, Etc.????

Re: Installing a GPS
 

Re: Installing a GPS
 

Here's where I put mine. I'll probably clean up and re-route the cables this spring.

Re: Installing a GPS
 

Here's how I mounted my Standard Hoerizon 150C and it'santenna next to the compass.

Re: Installing a GPS
 

Geez Randy, we coulda helped :D

What you can do is set the thing up in the boat and then move the puck antenna around under the windscreen to get best signal on the sat status screen. Be careful mounting if you don't do this-a change of about 2" on Mike's boat changed signal strength by half.

BTW, change you location-it's the Dena baby :drink:

Re: Installing a GPS
 

I used the Ram Mount for the Garmin 2006C in my 36 Outlaw.

http://www.ram-mount.com/products/library.htm

These are really slick and work very well.

We all know that Baja does not give you any dash space for GPS, and I wanted a large easy to see unit also.

I mounted the ball under the dash on the left side. It holds the GPS very secure, and it is fully adjustable from left to right, and up & down.

The best part is that the GPS is right at my finger tips, and whne the day is over I can remove it with the turn of one wing nut and lock it in a secure place. If I'm riding shotgun I can turn it toward the passenger seat and navagate from there.

You can buy these ram mounts at West Marine and many other places.

I wish I had a better picture, but maybe you can see what I mean from these.

Doc

Re: Installing a GPS
 

Okay, here is the exact one, model RAM111.

http://www.ram-mount.com/products/marineelectronics.htm