Simrad GO7 Mount (or generic RAM mount)

[Bluewater272]

Got my chartplotter installed today, thought I'd share some details on the mount as I've seen lots of questions about mounting GPS devices to the 242s. Haven't decided whether or not to install the transducer. That helm is TIGHT, Amp install should be fun.

Mounted the RAM Mount to a piece of aluminum plate (2x6, 0.5" thick). I had started down the road of 3D printing something with the intention of having it machined, but that was getting unnecessarily complicated (and expensive). This worked out quite well.

Started by drilling the ram mount holes through the plate. Fit nearly perfect except for a couple sharp edges

rounded them off pretty easily with a file

On the flip side, mounting hole with countersunk holes

VHB tape to help as a vibration damper (and keep it in place during install

All mocked up, ready to disassemble and paint

Light coats of self-etching primer

Hit it with a couple coats of flat black, let it dry and reassembled.

 

[Benny Sibbitt]

looks good

 

[jeff_s]

Nice install!

 

[weaselman]

Beautiful job.

 

[BBottoms]

Just curious, could it of been mounted lower and closer to the side with a shorter RAM arm and a shorter aluminum mount or would there be clearance issues? It seems like it sticks out there quite a bit but it may just be hard to tell from the pictures. I just ordered a similar Raymarine Axiom 7 so will be looking at mounting options soon.

 

[Bluewater272]

Just curious, could it of been mounted lower and closer to the side with a shorter RAM arm and a shorter aluminum mount or would there be clearance issues? It seems like it sticks out there quite a bit but it may just be hard to tell from the pictures. I just ordered a similar Raymarine Axiom 7 so will be looking at mounting options soon.

I considered both ideas. I'm wasn't sure if I could have used a shorter length RAM clamp as I think it might have made the screen/mount touch the gunnel. Looking at the pictures now, I could probably get away with a shorter one, and may order one to try. Looks good in person though, its right at eye-level when you're seated, and there's plenty of maneuverability (can bend it back flat if I'm standing for awhile).

I could probably have made the aluminum mount about an inch shorter (bringing the ram mount a little closer to the starboard side), but then the screen would be quite close to the windshield. It doesn't feel like its in the way at all, throttle manipulation is fine, can touch the screen/buttons without bumping the mount. I suppose if you had some speed control or trim tabs installed up ahead of the throttles, that might make it a bit more difficult - but for a fairly stock configuration, I like it.

 

[Neutron]

I did a similar setup with starboard
Close to the edge.