Console unit placement opinions

I have a new unit for the console. I don't want to put it "in" the console. If I did it has the steering wheel right through the middle of the screen, useless for the most part. I've built a nice looking blank to cover that hole out of 1/4" black plastic and used auto body speed juts and machine screws (imagine auto body parts) to hold it in place. It is very sturdy. Here are my thoughts.

1. Attach a ram mount to the blank then to the ram attach the unit, this would raise it over the steering wheel, but would put it right in the middle of my line of sight for driving the boat. It would extend over the wind screen by about the top 1-2" of the unit with the bottom/ram plate being right at the dash. Easy to operate when underway and clear of the wheel for steering.

2. Mount to the right of the wind screen. There is a nice flat spot there, but it is about 7" behind the line created by the front of the dash. I could mount it to the softer plastic that the dash is made of, but I don't feel that is substantial enough. I would have to buy a different ram arm for this approach. One about 6" long would be ideal and I could use one of the same holes created by the previous owners mounting of the Hummingbird puck.

I'm probably going to need pictures for this pole.

Attachment 150662

Ok, I will post pictures of the options tonight. Thanks.

as close to in front of you as possible without blocking your view

Gee Gordon spill the beans whatchya get :scratchhead:woohoo

On that flat spot to the right. With the right Ram you can adjust it to where you can see it without it being in the way. I have ran a friends boat with one mounted in front of steering wheel like that and it's dangerous.

Found a good deal on a 597 di... first Bird I've ever had.

Nice you'll like the down image , you'll definitely want it close to view it easily and make adjustments

I have a Lowrance DI on the bow.

Gordon, I put mine(using a Ram mount) on the left side of my console. This keeps it below my sight line for driving the boat, but puts the screen up about even with steering wheel

Doing that would not last. That is in the isle between the consoles, no room to walk. I'd like that, but not possible. Thanks

Look at the Balzout mounts. That's what I am going with for my new hummingbird units. They have a 6" arm and a 12" arm model.

Too much $$$$$

Not much more than the Ram mounts. I think they are well worth it knowing the graph will stay where it is suppose to with no slippage in rough water. Have to shop around because everywhere I looked for them had a different price on them. Ended up getting mine from a small tackle shop/wholesaler in Illinois for a great price.

Attachment 150822 Here is mine with a regular ram mount. Had to put a balzout mount because the rubber mount gave away.