Electronics Rigging Help

[Rhinofish]

I picked up the new boat last Saturday and hope to have some electronics rigged by the weekend to see how she fishes!

I have a few questions on rigging three items that I hope you guys can help me with.
1) Where did you mount your radio antenna and how did you route the cable to the console?
2) Same for the GPS antenna...
3) Transom mounted transducer.. Port or starboard side? Are there any spots on the transom to avoid on the 215's that might create a problem? How did you route the cable to the console?

I figured you guys can help me eliminate any headaches. I'm laminating the electronics console tonight and will post pics, if it turns out ok...

Thanks!!!

[OspreyVic]

Rhinofish, just a suggestion that I wish someone had given me.

Slow Down. The faster you go the easier it is to make mistakes.

If it takes you a month or three months and it is done right the first time, you will save yourself lots of headaches and an ulcer.

Go for a boat ride, enjoy the water and the fresh air. You have a new boat to enjoy, so enjoy it.

Additions or modifications can wait.

[OspreyVic]

Found some pictures that might help - but might not. Just trying to help.

The first picture shows the center console reclined to show how we ran the cables from the equipment. This was later covered with a clamshell to help prevent water from getting into the center console.

In the center console is a plastic boot. All wires going to the rear of the boat go thru this boot.

The place for these cables to come out is under the starboard rear seat. This is also where my fuel water seperator is located.

Unfortunately, for me, we had to remove the rear floor to get some of our cables run correctly without kinks. Not a problem, just some extra work.

Hope this helps. If you are ever close to Sarasota, you are welcome to stop and see first hand what we have done.

[Rhinofish]

These help A bunch! I'm also taking your advice and will take some time to get this done right. I passed on trying to hit some wrecks this weekend but the weather is perfect right now and I'd love to be out there fishing!!!

Thanks!!!!

[Rhinofish]

I bolted on some adjustable pole mounted brackets for my gps and antenna on the lower t-top bar but the gps hits the upper bar and has to be angles out a little to fit. will this effect accuracy anddoes anyone else use a bolt on type mount on the t-top bars?

Thanks

[Codfish]

Rhino,

Here are some pics of my solutions to the mounting problems you have mentioned. The VHF antennae is mounted on the starboard side on one of the vertical supports between the upper canvas bar and the lower grab rail. It is slightly canted due to the cant of the bar but it does not seem to effect the performance of the radio. I would believe the same of a GPS antennae if you mounted it similarly. I ran the coax to the nearest down leg, drilled a hole to insert it. I then drilled an exit hole in the horizontal brace near the corner of the console. I sucked a thread down the leg with a vacumm to create the fish line needed to pull the coax through. If you do this, be sure to use some rubber grommets at the entry and exit holes to avoid chaffing.

I mounted my GPS antennae as a button on the console top cover. I know all about the arguements that it has to be mounted in a clear place, above all overhead cover. I tested it before the permanent placement and found no degradation of the antennae performance. It eliminated the routing of the coax up the ttop leg and any issues so associated. I am not telling you to do it, but it works for me. Simple, clean and easy.

Having problems, again, resizing the pics so they will upload. Bear with me, I don't do this very often. If you need the pics, give me an email and I will send them seperate. Sorry.

Codfish

[Codfish]

Rhinofish,

Here are the photos.

[Mike in Maine]

Codfish,
Just what I've been looking for as far as mounting the VHF antenna. I like the way the coax wire went down through the TT tube. The snow is starting to melt!

Thanks,

M I M

[Rhinofish]

Codfish,
Thanks for the pics!! Does your gps get good signal where the antenna is located? I believe I have the same eagle unit.

Thanks

[Codfish]

Rhinofish,

I tested the antennae placement out on the ocean before permanently mounting it on the shelf/lid. It has never lost signal in over 250 hours of use. It even works inside my garage, where the photos were taken. Maybe if you had a boat with lots of other wires and coax above the antennae you would have to be more cautious. In the case of some aluminum framing and canvas, I do not think there is a reasonable/provable issue with mounting where I did.

I will definitely do it again on any new boat with a similar t-top setup.

Codfish