I've got a new sonar unit for the bow of my boat, and I'm trying to decide how I want to mount it.
Should I just use the provided tilt/swivel base and mount it to the bow shelf directly, or get a Ram mount to raise it a little higher, say 4"–6"? This would also have more flexibility, I imagine…
Also, I can either power it from the trolling battery using a fuse (easy, close to the mounting position but using trolling capacity), or to the cranking battery through the console fusebox (farther away, potential ignition noise and alternator-induced overvoltages?)
Thoughts?
"hemichemi" said:
I've got a new sonar unit for the bow of my boat, and I'm trying to decide how I want to mount it.Should I just use the provided tilt/swivel base and mount it to the bow shelf directly, or get a Ram mount to raise it a little higher, say 4"–6"? This would also have more flexibility, I imagine…
Also, I can either power it from the trolling battery using a fuse (easy, close to the mounting position but using trolling capacity), or to the cranking battery through the console fusebox (farther away, potential ignition noise and alternator-induced overvoltages?)
Thoughts?
Have you been under the front access panel? There's usually wiring there for accessories.
If you remove your graphs when you trailer a ram mount would be easier.
"Will Schultz" said:
Have you been under the front access panel? There's usually wiring there for accessories.
If you remove your graphs when you trailer a ram mount would be easier.
Yeah; I had to replace the trolling motor power connector last Spring, and don't remember seeing an extra power tap under there… but then I wasn't looking for one, either.
Also, the unit has a quick-disconnect head, so that's not an issue. A ram mount will allow greater adjustment tilting/swiveling, though. How did you mount yours?
"Jim tenHaaf" said:
I think you should mount it more towards the rear of the boat. Or maybe just ALL the way in the back. Makes it easier for me to see it then! 😀
Yeah I could do that, but then the price of a ride in my boat would go WAY up! 
Besides, you can use that fine unit mounted on the console… 😈
"hemichemi" said:
Also, the unit has a quick-disconnect head, so that's not an issue. A ram mount will allow greater adjustment tilting/swiveling, though. How did you mount yours?
I would skip the RAM (just my pref) unless you can't tilt the graph enough to view easily.
If there isn't additional open power there you could tap into the bow light, or 12v power outlet w/o putting strain on the fuse panel. BUT… if you want to do it right there's probably open power at the fuse panel.
DO NOT go to the trolling motor batteries because you'll likely get interference.
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