External GPS antenna, where did you mount?
 

Just bought a new fixed mount GPS for the Sonic and am trying to decide where to mount the antenna. I have a spot on the dash or right next to the GPS mounted above the dash. I thought of mounting on the outside on the driver's side just behind the running light, but I am concerned about it getting broken when walking around the deck.

Where have you mounted yours? I know it needs to have a clear view of the sky.

Thanks

Into any flat surface that sees the sky (for instance, surface in front of dash) drill (or saw) a hole large enough to take the foot of the GPS antenna. Sink foot of GPS antenna into hole, glue with 5200. Presto, antenna & cables out of the way.

please consider this

I mounted my antenna on its base at the port gunwhale top surface. probably 1 foot from the stern, tucked next to the rail that surrounds my sun deck. right near a side engine compartment vent.

I USED VELCRO to attach the base (2" diameter) to the hull. and then ran the antennae wire through the vent. only see about 4 or 5" of the white wire tucking into the vent.

then i installed the unit on it's base on my helm with velcro too.
DRILLED ZERO HOLES anywhere. and if the antenna ever get's bumped, it just topples over, and i stick it back in place. makes it easy if the future owner wants the gps or not some day down the road too.
the stern location also lets me use the bimini and full camper top. you want GPS and a top up both in a storm !!!

good luck

if i remember, i'll take two pics in the morning before heading to work.

Mounted mine under the dash and have had no problems with it picking up a signal.

here's the pics

well sorry, guess i cannot post attachments as i don't have a paid membership
pm me your email if you would like to see them
jsut three pics, two of the antenna, and one of the display module all using velcro

good luck

The easiest place possible! Right on top of the dash.

I have seen them work under the dash and front deck.

membership = pics = good information :D :D

Thanks, I think I will mount on the dash with velcro, for now.

I have a 42 sonic and put it next to the compass.

no problems under the dash
 

What do you got to lose. Try putting it under

This works as well...pretty easy install.

Believe it or not, I had them install it under the dash (hidden with all the wires etc) and it has worked perfect 100% of the time. Even checked it against the hand held.

I tried mine under the dash and it wouldn't pick up the signal. Does the thickness of the fiberglass come into play?

I thought they worked through the fiberglass as well.
I was on the phone with Pure Energy the other night and told him to try it. The signal dropped completely.
What kind of units are you guy's putting under the dash that is working?


Last I heard Ken was trying to find the house from the back yard :p

I have the garmin unit that came with my nordskog gps, no signal under the dash. In havasu it took almost a minute for the thing to aquire a signal witht the unit mounted on top of the dash.

Last I heard Ken was trying to find the house from the back yard :p [/B][/QUOTE]


HEY!!! It's a looong walk back to the house!! Especially after working on the boat all night:crazy:

I added a new Garmin GPS to my 24 Baja Outlaw. It came with an antenna that I chose not to use, and bought a flush mounted antenna directly from Garmin to use instead. I moved my light pole on my Outlaw from the center of the back of the boat to the port side corner in the back, and mounted the antenna in its place, reusing the existing hole to pass wires through. It's a great setup. I just have to remind folks not to use it as a handle when they're climbing back up onto the sundeck from the swim platform.