GPS Mounting Solutions for Cockpit & Cabin

I looked at using a bracket like those in your link but found then unsuitable for a boat as you cannot lock it in any position so it would move wildly in any choppy conditions
 
Why?

Zagato said:
Thought I would give a link to these as an idea if it helps anyone (not my idea but a good one ;))

Scroll down for smaller ones!

http://www.123brackets.co.uk/cart.php?m=product_list&pageNumber=1&c=1145&v=&sortBy=PriceLoHi&search=
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I have fited a few boats with instruments and I have never found the need to use other than the brackets supplied, once with a second mount to fit a plotter in a second location. The TV type brackets look what they would be, a lash up.The RAM mounts are better but I would try to avoid fitting one. I know mounting a plotter on a smallish tiller steered yacht presents issues but a swinging bracket seems too vulnerable.
 
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Hi

I fitted a 19" Tesco TV mount a couple of years ago. Apart from replacing the 6mm bolts that were fitted (allen key) with hex headed bolts, it has been fine. The arms do need tightening up now and again but hold the SH CP180 and a Target echo sounder without flapping about. The arm is removable and the whole thing come home each weekend.

Regards

Ian & Jo
 
Is this to be a dual purpose arrangement - either cockpit or cabin - to pivot from one to the other? I bought a Centaur which had such an arrangement and removed it eventually as I had such problems with the wiring. On my present boat we have a Tacktick setup with cockpit displays which give GPS info. plus other data - works very well and displays can be unclipped and stored below when moored.
 
johnphilip said:
The TV type brackets look what they would be, a lash up.
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+1 this is the sort of thing that makes me want to cry when looking at second hand boats. Mount it properly outside and use your smartphone when inside or buy a second unit.
 
Not all Chart-plotters permit a second unit, if it is integrated into the rest of the instruments. The Raymarine C series don't, for one (you have to have the much more expensive E series, or whatever the latest equivalent is). And I don't see much point in them if they aren't connected to the rest of the equipment.

lustyd said:
+1 this is the sort of thing that makes me want to cry when looking at second hand boats. Mount it properly outside and use your smartphone when inside or buy a second unit.
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AntarcticPilot said:
Not all Chart-plotters permit a second unit, if it is integrated into the rest of the instruments. The Raymarine C series don't, for one (you have to have the much more expensive E series, or whatever the latest equivalent is). And I don't see much point in them if they aren't connected to the rest of the equipment.
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There is not a single chart plotter on the market which would prevent a second unit. You don't have to hook up absolutely every device to the network for in and out. As long as the second unit doesn't have a live connection to put position data onto the NMEA then two can happily be wired up on the same boat. Incoming data will happily connect to two plotters (possibly not with Raymarine but frankly that serves you right for picking the proprietary one!) with the exception of route and waypoint information. The vast majority of plotter use is purely for location, speed and map info which any useful plotter will show without external inputs.
 
Originally Posted by johnphilip
The TV type brackets look what they would be, a lash up.


lustyd said:
+1 this is the sort of thing that makes me want to cry when looking at second hand boats. Mount it properly outside and use your smartphone when inside or buy a second unit.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your opinions but there are obviously reasons why people have GPS units screwed to the steps or on fold out washboards, or tied to the tiller or on fold brackets. It's just trying to make as good a job as you can that is most practical for you.... OK it could be a lash up, we'll see!

My reasons are that I don't want to start cutting holes in my bulkhead to flush mount a unit, It can't go on the coach-roof and it will be in the way anywhere in the cockpit. I would want to keep the unit if I sold the boat (until I sail her this year, I'm not sure how long I am going to keep her!) so wouldn't want to make a mess of the boat (Apart from not being able to dry out I feel she is for keeps though :D). If I sold all that would be left would be four small screw holes. I would also never leave a GPS fixed to my boat where it is visible (our yard is VERY public!). Like others I would like to plan my routes and mark in my way-points on the GPS at home and learn how to use the thing in the first palce, I have a motorbike battery.

The bracket in question is small and you would only see 2cm of it from the cockpit. The colour of the bracket matches the Garmin bracket also. The 2.4" x 5" bracket folds up on itself inside and will not get in the way of anythng. If you tie the wiring up to a swinging bracket it will obviously break the wire inside, you need to run it through flexible conduit similar but smaller to the type you get running to the rear door or boot of your car. The only catch, excuse the pun is that ropes may catch on it but this is less of a problem for me than mounting it anywhere else outside. For £20 it also a cheap solution ;)

I still havn't got the GPS yet and will wait until that comes through before I make a decision. I want to size it up against the bracket in the shop. I have since straightened the battery monitor above the steps....can't have anything out of line!!
IMG_2939.jpg
 
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