VHF/GPS Combo

[Yamaha212limiteds]

Best VHF/GPS Need Help, Planning to make the bimini run with a group. but want to get a good VHF/GPS combo.

 

[Dan_NC]

I have the simrad GO 7 as well, but did not mount it to my dash, just used the RAM mount. As for VHF, I recommend getting a handheld for while you are on the island, as this is about the only means of communication. If you are looking for fixed mount, I like standard horizon. You will want the GX1700 or above for GPS/DSC. Personally, I am getting a GX 2200 this year to have AIS. The GX 2200 will communicate with your GO7 and provide AIS overlay of other boats. Sadly, this is the closest I am going to get to a radar this year. I have found Hodges Marine to have the best pricing, so add them to your favorites tab. Other than that, I am watching a WM-3 Sirius XM weather module to have a little more situational awareness while in the deep blue water this year.

 

[Yamaha212limiteds]

I have the simrad GO 7 as well, but did not mount it to my dash, just used the RAM mount. As for VHF, I recommend getting a handheld for while you are on the island, as this is about the only means of communication. If you are looking for fixed mount, I like standard horizon. You will want the GX1700 or above for GPS/DSC. Personally, I am getting a GX 2200 this year to have AIS. The GX 2200 will communicate with your GO7 and provide AIS overlay of other boats. Sadly, this is the closest I am going to get to a radar this year. I have found Hodges Marine to have the best pricing, so add them to your favorites tab. Other than that, I am watching a WM-3 Sirius XM weather module to have a little more situational awareness while in the deep blue water this year.

Thanks, Really Helpful. Getting standard horizon gx 2200. with vhf antenna and mount.

 

[Dan_NC]

good choice, if I do say so myself

 

[Dan_NC]

Thanks, Really Helpful. Getting standard horizon gx 2200. with vhf antenna and mount.

What is your antenna mounting plan? Are you going to wire it up through the tower?

 

[Yamaha212limiteds]

Dan Still thinking about it, haven't even mounted the transducer, dont want to make any holes.

 

[Dan_NC]

@Yamaha212limiteds I recommend mounting your transducer under the ride plate. I originally mounted mine with the transom mount but @rsrlegends has me convinced that mounting to the ride plate is the best location. Transom mounting works well in functionality of the transducer, but creates a little drag on the boat and it is in my way for adding trim tabs. Rick, (@rsrlegends ) do you have any pics of your install location?

 

[Yamaha212limiteds]

What is your antenna mounting plan? Are you going to wire it up through the tower?

Got Everything is my cart, Im looking for 2.5' plate, to mount it to my tower. Drilling the hole for the wire is what has me stop.

 

[Dan_NC]

Got Everything is my cart, Im looking for 2.5' plate, to mount it to my tower. Drilling the hole for the wire is what has me stop.

It always hurts, but just about anything can be fixed if you don't like it after install.

 

[Bluewater272]

What is your antenna mounting plan? Are you going to wire it up through the tower?

If you haven't seen it already, this is the best guide you'll find on it.
https://jetboaters.net/threads/my-trip-down-the-vhf-antenna-rabbit-hole.16678/

 

[Yamaha212limiteds]

@Yamaha212limiteds I recommend mounting your transducer under the ride plate. I originally mounted mine with the transom mount but @rsrlegends has me convinced that mounting to the ride plate is the best location. Transom mounting works well in functionality of the transducer, but creates a little drag on the boat and it is in my way for adding trim tabs. Rick, (@rsrlegends ) do you have any pics of your install location?

What bracket is needed to mount it to the rite plate, My is a total scan transducer. the one that comes with it is plastic.

 

[Dean P]

Can anyone comment on the digital antennas? Are they any better? Worth the price?

 

[cbpagent72]

Are you going to have an AIS capable vhf?

 

[Dean P]

Are you going to have an AIS capable vhf?

Yes, Looking at the Standard Horizon GX1600.

 

[cbpagent72]

This is the antenna I got for my AIS receiver.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01DUSN5DM/ref=ppx_yo_mob_b_inactive_ship_o0_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Dan_NC]

What bracket is needed to mount it to the rite plate, My is a total scan transducer. the one that comes with it is plastic.

This is what I am going with StructureScan 3D & Totalscan Skimmer Flush Mount | Accessory | Simrad USA

 

[Yamaha212limiteds]

This is what I am going with StructureScan 3D & Totalscan Skimmer Flush Mount | Accessory | Simrad USA

Thanks, Hey if you're still around the NC area I have a place to get the windows tinted.

 

[rsrlegends]

@Yamaha212limiteds I recommend mounting your transducer under the ride plate. I originally mounted mine with the transom mount but @rsrlegends has me convinced that mounting to the ride plate is the best location. Transom mounting works well in functionality of the transducer, but creates a little drag on the boat and it is in my way for adding trim tabs. Rick, (@rsrlegends ) do you have any pics of your install location?

Yeah, this is how I mounted my transducer. Solid mount and seems to out of the turbulence. Have not had any issues.

 

[Honey Badger]

Yeah, this is how I mounted my transducer. Solid mount and seems to out of the turbulence. Have not had any issues.

I think I'm going to have to copy you as well @rsrlegends. Seems like the only spot that will work for me. Doesn't look like you needed to remove the ride plate. Any issues with the install? I'm assuming you had to get some longer bolts. Any pro tips? Are you still able to get readings on plane?

 

[rsrlegends]

I think I'm going to have to copy you as well @rsrlegends. Seems like the only spot that will work for me. Doesn't look like you needed to remove the ride plate. Any issues with the install? I'm assuming you had to get some longer bolts. Any pro tips? Are you still able to get readings on plane?

I actually did remove the plate to drill and mount the transducer. Not that big of a deal but you need the right hex tool to remove it. No problems with readings at any speed/ condition.