Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: In console VHF radio install
Posted by arthureld on 04/03/08 - 6:14 AM
#1
I got my
Standard Horizon Eclipse DSC marine radio and plan to install it in the console because I want it out of the way.
Does anyone have mounting suggestions? Pics would be very helpful.
It comes with the plastic mount as shown in this pic -
[img]http://www.standardhorizon.com/ProductImages/GX1000S_thumb.jpg[/img]
Edited by arthureld on 04/03/08 - 7:33 AM
Posted by MW on 04/03/08 - 9:12 AM
#2
Don't forget to leave no less than 3' of ant. cable between the radio and the ant..
I used plastic hose to route the wires through, easier mounting, and added protection, I soldered all connections (no crimp connects) and made proper marine connections with heat shrink tubing, I prefer a direct connection to the battery with a waterproof in line fuse, an external speaker is a "must" as you can't hear the little speaker on the radio over the engine noise when you're on the throttle.
mw
Posted by Grady95 on 04/03/08 - 9:35 AM
#3
On my boats, if possible the radios get mounted under the consoles and the microphone threads out through somehow, as discreetly as possible and just that mounts on a small holder. I don't like to cut a big hole if it can be avoided. Once the radio is on, it doesn't need that much fooling with so constant access is not that critical. That's my personal preference. The flushmount kits they supply do a nice job if you have no choice but to cut it in.
Grady
Posted by Phil T on 04/03/08 - 11:24 AM
#4
Arthur -
I am not a fan of installing a vhf on the top of the console.
In looking at your Outrage 20 in your PP, I see a 2 blank covers below and to the side of the steering wheel. Will either of these holes fit the VHF? I had a old VHF hole and made it bigger on my Montauk and it worked well. I say this since you already have holes cut. If you do a flush mount, just add a small remote speaker to the dash.
Another option for install I have seen is on the inside of the console door (at your knees). While it looked funky to me at first, it actually worked well. The member added a strap (with snapped ends) to the door and frame. When you opened the door, it only dropped down enough to work the radio. To fully open, unsnap the strap on the frame. You could route the mic up to and through one of those blanks.
Hope this helps.
Posted by arthureld on 04/03/08 - 6:10 PM
#5
Maybe I'm ignorant, but when people said I should install the radio under the console, I assumed they meant I'd have to open the door to get to it. :(
Now that you mention it CBO, the
flush mount sounds like a good idea to me.
[img]http://images.westmarine.com/full/stdmmb84.jpg[/img]
Edited by arthureld on 04/03/08 - 6:14 PM
Posted by Jeff on 04/03/08 - 7:32 PM
#6
Flush mount it.
My Outrage.
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/Memorial%20Weekend%2006/MemorialWeekend2006071.jpg[/img]
Our Montauk. We added an extra speaker for the Montauk. I wish I had one on the outrage.
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/dads%20whaler/DSCN0059low.jpg[/img]
Edited by Jeff on 04/03/08 - 7:36 PM
Posted by Phil T on 04/03/08 - 8:22 PM
#7
I only suggested it since it appears you have two cut outs.
If the console was virgin, I would consider the inside of the console door or mount a unit that has a remote/command mic similar to the PS 1000 /2000.
Even with a flush mount, add the remote speaker. I hid my remote speaker behind the GPS.
Edited by Phil T on 04/03/08 - 8:24 PM
Posted by arthureld on 04/03/08 - 10:09 PM
#8
That big cover on the right of my console is just to cover up the original key hole.
I paid someone to make that mess. :o
It looks like Jeff used that spot for the VHF on his Outrage. I'll probably do mine like that and repair the screw holes from the plate.
Now I just have to find a speaker and decide where to mount it.
And figure out how to wire the VHF to my GPS.
Thanks guys. It is great to have advise to plan this stuff out ahead of time.
Edited by arthureld on 04/03/08 - 10:12 PM
Posted by Phil T on 04/04/08 - 11:19 AM
#9
Arthur -
For the speaker, here is what I have:
[img]http://store.hamiltonmarine.com/prodimg/PYP-MB21W.JPG[/img]
Bought it here
Posted by MW on 04/08/08 - 3:26 PM
#10
I have that speaker too, small yet powerful. What's important is that you can get to your radio quickly if needed. The "best" I could do was mount my radio on the back of the seat, it's a bit tough because, I have to turn around to adjust it, or even use it but, it's alway's "ON" (ch.16) when the boat is in use, it is under the seat cover protected from the rain, so it stay's on the boat at all times, it's an older radio but, in good working order (I have a brand new one in the box too), so if it get's stolen, no biggie. I got caught out there once, and needed a radio for someone else's distress/emergency and did'nt have it on board. I used my cell phone to call the coast guard, the call dropped twice, battery got low and shut off but, I got the call in to the station with enough info. (position, nature of distress, etc), and help soon got there... a lesson "HARD" learned about using a cell phone as a substitute for a VHF radio. PFD's are the most important thing on a boat, the next most important thing is dependable communications.
mw
Edited by MW on 04/08/08 - 3:47 PM
Posted by arthureld on 04/09/08 - 6:15 AM
#11
Thanks for the speaker advice guys. I will be ordering soon. I would prefer black though. Damn I'm picky. :D
Posted by arthureld on 04/09/08 - 11:51 AM
#13
Woohoo, thank CBO. B)
Posted by Phil T on 04/09/08 - 4:47 PM
#14
Arthur -
If you have problems with the install, I can't help you. :D
Posted by arthureld on 04/09/08 - 5:19 PM
#15
:(
Posted by duf on 04/11/08 - 4:06 AM
#16
Speaking of gents, when Bob was down last week we couldn't communicate as my new boats radio bit the bullet the first time i put power to it. I'm going to purchase another, like real soon before the memorial day outing :D, and would like some suggestions on a good model to go with the additional speaker CBO recommended. I've seen numerous posts about radios tying into the GPS, so i definately want a model that does that as well if that in fact is the way to go.
Duf B)
Posted by Jeff on 04/11/08 - 7:02 AM
#17
Duf,
I just purchased a Uniden UM525 in Black and am VERY pleased with it. The unit has a large display that is very readable from a far. It can be connected to a GPS to display your Lat Long numbers and send a distress signal. Finally it has a built in large and loud speaker so there is no need for an external one.
[img]http://www.defender.com/large/255614_l.jpg[/img]
I bought the unit from Defender Marine Warehouse. I have bought many products before and they are a Great Company and have service. The unit is listed at $199 however they have their Warehouse Sale going on right now you once you add it to your cart it is only $159.
Unit
Sale Price
Edited by Jeff on 04/11/08 - 7:03 AM
Posted by duf on 04/11/08 - 3:31 PM
#18
Done deal Jeff, was $170.34 with shipping. Looks like it will do everything i will need and appreciate the tip. Next is my GPS/Fishfinder, plan on going with the lowrance 27C which is a nice combo with about a 7 inch screen so hopefully i won't need my granny glasses. Any comments before i make the purchase?
Duf B)
Posted by pglein on 04/15/08 - 12:55 PM
#19
The radio on my Outrage is mounted to the inside of the console door. I recommend against it. First off, it it constantly falling open and banging me in the shins. Secondly, the door is not made to withstand the weight of the radio on it, so it is coming apart. Lastly, it makes access to the inside of the console through the door difficult. I plan to replace the radio, and when I do, I will be flush mounting it.