Ram Mount Installation?

[Dave A]

So I am installing a GPS unit and I am going to utilize a RAM mount. Is there anything that I should be aware of prior to drilling holes in my boat? What type of screws? Do I use a marine grade sealant when I install the screws? Any advice would help.

Thanks

[eagle123777]

dave, i have never had a problem with the stainless steel screws from either orchard or west marine...sealant probably not required but i always use it anyway, and make sure u have a good grip on the drill so the bit doesnt slip around on ya, i always use a nail punch and put a lil ding that way the bit doesnt slip.....jack

[Dave A]

Thanks Jack

[mark poulson]

If you're nervous about the bit slipping, make a 1/4 plywood template with the hole layout drilled in it, clamp it to where you want the mount, and drill the holes through the holes in the template. That way, the bit won't wander. Just be careful when you clamp that you don't stress the fiberglass and crack it. You can also use hot glue, as long as it's under the part that's going to be covered by the Ram mount. That way, no clamp. Just go slow, and be sure to use a bit that's for plastic. They typically have a much steeper angle of attack (pointier). That seems to cut down on binding when you're drilling.

[Otay Michael]

I usually start with a smaller drill bit, and start slowly to make sure the hole has started where I'd like it to. Holding a piece of wood with a small hole already drilled in it would help. You would just need to hold the wood too, why clamp it?

[Smile_n_Jax]

What Michael said. Fiberglass isn't so hard to drill, but if you start with too big a bit at too high a speed you'll crack the gel coat. I use a Makita 9.6V drill with a smaller bit and real slow. Then open up the hole to what you want in three or four steps. And also use new sharp bits. Don't know that bits for plastics make that big a difference as long as you're slow and careful.

And a big thanx for your post. I'd been looking/thinking for a way to mount my Eagle 2000C at the console so I could see it while driving and then turn it around to see while fishing. Ram Mount has just what I need and it's priced right.

Damn, I love this forum.

[Otay Michael]

Smile_n_Jax, I needed to solve that problem too and thought about a ram on the console, but it's too uncomfortable to fish the front and turn around all the time to see what's going on. I'm not into looks so much as my boats old, so I just move the finder to the front, wires connected still. I can't afford two great finders, yet, so that's how I solved having a great one in two places. The down side is have to move it by unscrewing it and screwing it to the other plate.

Nothing is perfect until you get to heaven!

[Smile_n_Jax]

Yeah Michael, I'm in kinda the same situation. With the unit mounted on the bow I can't see it while driving. So I'm looking to get either the Ram-109H or the Ram-109V. I'm going up tomorrow to see which will mount the best on my boat. With either one I'll be able to swing it around to see while I'm driving and then swing it back toward the front to see while fishing. Granted, I have the Seachamp 2000C with the 7" screen, so it's easier to see in either position. I'll post some pics once I get it mounted.

[Smile_n_Jax]

Just to keep things updated, I checked out my boat and decided the Ram-109V is the way to go. I just ordered it from Walleye.com and it cost me just under $60 shipped. Pics will be coming.

[markscolwell]

I just bought a LCX-104 and a ram mount from cabelas last week. I too plan on spinning it around to see it from the front of the boat and only having one fish finder. I saw another guy with a similar set up and it worked just fine. I should have it on by Tuesday and I'll post some pic's.

[Gator]

When I fished the Rally@Texas in 04, one of my boaters had a similar setup. He would run with the graph facing the drivers seat, then when he got to an area spin it around and look back at it while fishing. Seemed to work well for him but removes your co-angler from having access to a graph.

[Smile_n_Jax]

Point well taken, Gator, but think I'll be a lone boater for a while. Been fishin' since August and ain't caught nothin' yet. Still got a lot to learn.

[markscolwell]

Alright so I got my unit installed with the ram mount. It came out better than I expected. It is very easy to move and change the viewing angle and the view from the front deck is awesome. I posted some pic's on the none fishin link which is attached below;

http://www.westernbass.com/dotcom/photo ... index.html

[Smile_n_Jax]

Look'n good, Mark. I'm sure it will work out very well for ya.

Still wait'n on mine. Ordered it over a week ago from Walleyes.Inc because they had a good price and shipping rate. They didn't charge my credit card until last Saturday. Now they e-mail me to say the unit's backordered and they've cancelled my order and will be refunding my money. So I ordered it from CustomMounts.com with 3 day UPS shipping. Hopefully I'll get it before the weeks out. Want to get it installed before the Winter Nutcase Classic which I'm hopeing to attend.

[Smile_n_Jax]

The saga continues, but getting better. CustomMounts called me early this morning, they also sent an e-mail, to verify my zip code. Seems it didn't match my address because the postal service changed it back in July. Anyway,we cleared that up and I got an e-mail this afternoon stating they'd shipped the unit and it would arrive Firday. Now, that's pretty good service. Hopefully I'll have it installed and pics up by this weekend.

[markscolwell]

I'd like to see how it turns out, are you installing yourself or lettin the pros do it??

[mark poulson]

Hey guys,
I have an X15 on a Ram mount on my console. Be sure to crank it down tight before you motor. At the end of that long mount, the fish finder has a lot of leverage.

Mark, those pictures are great. Your screen is huge. Is it plasma?

[markscolwell]

O'yea, when its not on the boat its hangin on the wall in my living room!! Football looks great!!
I originally didn't want a screen that big but westmarine had the LCX-110 on sale for $999.00. That's cheaper than I could get the LCX-25 from a dealer, so why not? Now that I have it I'm glad I got "The Big One".

[markscolwell]

O'yea, when its not on the boat its hangin on the wall in my living room!! Football looks great!!
I originally didn't want a screen that big but westmarine had the LCX-110 on sale for $999.00. That's cheaper than I could get the LCX-25 from a dealer, so why not? Now that I have it I'm glad I got "The Big One".

[Smile_n_Jax]

I'd like to see how it turns out, are you installing yourself or lettin the pros do it??

I'm a DIY'er Mark. Have a stereo system to install also. Next project I'm looking into is rod storage.