Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by wtdoggett on 04/07/09 - 12:41 PM

Any suggestions on the ideal location/set-up for installing a GPS/Fish Finder on a 1978 13ft Sport. There is not enough room to install on the top side of the console due to the wheel. I was thinking about mounting on the side of the console coming up to the left of the wheel. Any thoughts? Also, what brand/model would you recommend that has built in antenna, and a transducer that can do depth/fish, temp, and speed.
Thanks, TD

Posted by CES on 04/07/09 - 12:44 PM

I heard the Hummingbird 788ci is pretty good setup. Troy from this website said it was an easy install. I'm looking for a GPS/fishfinder too.

Posted by jquigley on 04/07/09 - 2:49 PM

Ditto. Love that side imaging, but its gotta be the NVB, gotta have that Navionics Platinum package. Mine will be here slightly after the tax return check...:D:D

But seriously, depending on your setup, I would think about modifying, rebuilding your console if you have no space. You don't want it on the side where you'll be leaning to see it, and bumping your shins on it. Ideally, stretch the console a bit, all you would need is a new top piece that is a bit longer, and then just move the foot out a bit more towards port. get a 798c SI NVB, heck, maybe two so you can mount one on the console and one up on the bow like the pros. B):DB)

Edited by jquigley on 04/07/09 - 3:45 PM

Posted by ioptfm on 04/07/09 - 5:38 PM

How difficult would it be to extend the width of you console? Look at mine and you'll see that it extends to about the center of the boat. I know that would be major, but I think that you will regret a side mount in that it will constantly be in the way and awkward to use. Another alternative would be a hand held unit and dash mount dept gauge.

Posted by wtdoggett on 04/07/09 - 8:25 PM

Thanks for the feedback. Am I worrying to much about keeping this boat in a time capsule? My goal was to restore it to the exact way it left the factory. Extending the console would be very practical - but I can't bring myself to alter the boats set-up! If I wanted to completely customize the boat, I would make the console bigger to accommodate stereo, power outlet, gauges, etc...

Posted by jquigley on 04/08/09 - 5:11 AM

What good is a perfect resto that you enjoy looking at but don't like to use because it is impractical?

Posted by CES on 04/08/09 - 5:53 AM

If you want to keep the console pristine and original, take it out of your boat and store it in your attic or something. Then either buy a newer and larger console or make one. Take a look at my project page, I took a tore up console and turned it into something nice and practical. You cannot have a showroom mint boat and expect to use it all the time and it stay in it's pristine condition.

Posted by wtdoggett on 04/08/09 - 1:47 PM

Check out the following link for marine electronic mounting systems... They have some nice low-profiles that I might even be able to fasten to the top of the console going out and away from the wheel...

http://www.ram-mount.com/Products/MarineElectronicMounts/tabid/141/Default.aspx

Posted by wtdoggett on 04/08/09 - 1:49 PM

#10

Posted by ioptfm on 04/08/09 - 3:57 PM

#11

wtdoggett wrote:
Check out the following link for marine electronic mounting systems... They have some nice low-profiles that I might even be able to fasten to the top of the console going out and away from the wheel...

http://www.ram-mount.com/Products/MarineElectronicMounts/tabid/141/Default.aspx

Looks like you've solved your problem and you won't have to modify that beautiful consol you've created.