353 Dash upgrade w/ GPS
 

Hello,
I have just purchased a 353 and I was curious if anyone knows where to get new Dash Panels? Also how does Formula mount the GPS in the Center of the guages on the dash panel and where do they put the antenna? I would like to add the GPS in the new Dash instead of sitting on top by the compass. Any input would be GREATLY appreciated.

Axa and I were just having this discussion weren't we Dave?

This is what I have done previously, though a new plan is in the works.

I put the antenna up on the dash under the w/s, you can see it if you look for it in these pics...
but I understand they'll receive thru 'glass just fine, as in up under the gunnel or dash.

I took the compass out and made a piece of starboard to mount the GPS to right in the spot the compass was.

Does anyone know where Formula puts the antenna on their Dash mount GPS when they do it? I haven't seen an antenna on the newer 353's in any pictures but I could be missing it. Also what is the GPS unit used on the newer Boats and do they come with a flush type mounting kit?

Try calling Kevin at Team Marine they do most of the dashes for these boats. If you want something set up different he can re set the dashes.
608-525-5005
These guys can already have the gauges put in and wired also. Much much easier.
Jeff

usually surface mounted out on the nose either side of the anchor locker. you'll often see the sat. radio antenna there opposite too.

Formula vends out the assembly of their dashes to TeamMarine?

I'd be interested to know that also. Might go all Red on the panels with chrome bezels and some sick chrome shifters :D

The new boats mount the gps antenna under the dash,out of sight.Works well and installtion is easy.They use a 172c Garmin head unit .

That is what I was wondering, so do they appoxy inside the dash? I would think you would want it stationary versus just laying in there. Also if I bought the 172C does it come with a flush mounting kit or just a bracket mount? I am curious if Formula makes a special mounting bracket for in dash assembly?

I believe it is just screwed to a bracket but it is too cold to look right now:D and I believe the 172C is set up to mount in a panel and it may stick out about an inch. I don't think you have to buy anything else. Come on Spring,and I can answer these questions much better. :D Right now I have to go to my boathouse and re-winterized the 370,thought i was done with that but it's going to 23 tonite and I'm afraid to risk it.

Bling-master "MC"...

The garmin 172c is NLA Use a garmin 440(4inch) or 540(5inch). There are diff model numbers for the area you boat. They also have a built in ant in the unit. I have installed them and have not had any problem with gps signal. They also make an antena that plugs in the back if it does not work on your boat.. The gps comes with screws and a digram for flush mount.
Thanks
Oceanperformance.
Michael

This is what we did with ours though it sold last week gonna miss it. I will look for something next year. I have 4 lifeline pokerrun jackets and a set of 27 P5X Hydros if anyone is interested.

Donzilla,

Congrats on the sale. PM me info on the hydros, I'm running 500efis with XRs on my '02. Currently running stock Bravo 1 30s. Thanks

5200 it in and zip tie the antenna to one of the harness under the dash

Im actually getting ready to install a Garmin 430 $549.00, the flush mount kit is $24 the antena is completly internal now, some of the higher end models have fuel rate, and can even be hooked into the smart craft system.

I actually prefer the GPS Mounted on the Right Side. However I'm a bit Partial. :D

means ya need more guages

That would be what I am talking about, my dash is laid out exactly the same. I think I will go with one of the new 400 Series Garmins since the Antenna is internal and it sounds like it comes with a mounting kit. Did you just cut out the hole, were there any tricks to that?

More gauges.. like this? my buddy made his own dash to add alll the gauges he wanted to fit, it was tight!

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e4...g/116_3132.jpg

My boat came with a 162 I think so I bought a 172c and had to enlarge the carbon fiber hole taped off area and used a jigsaw with a super fine metal blade.

Or go right between the gauges like I did. This picture looks like the GPS is blocking the speedo and tachs...but it is not.

Raymarine RC435i (internal antenna). Work Great!

Dave

Nice setup axapowell!!!
Donzilla, thanks for the input. My boat doesnt have anything in the middle but the decal FasTech so i think someone here said the new 400 series comes with a template. I think i will tape it off and cut just like you said. That is unless I call Team Marine and just order a new dash with the opening already there!!! Are Guages easy to take out and put in new dashes??? First boat, lots of dumb questions, Sorry!!!

Under your Helm is acess door with a cable release for the dash it is on a hinge open it up and there is alot of wiring I would say take a few pictures of it because you would have remove all that to put the gauges in a new dash plate.