Adding a GPS unit to a bowrider

[SkaterRace]

I am considering adding a GPS unit to my 2018 Glastron GT 185. Currently, I use my phone with the Navionics app however it's in a phone mount on the side window and I have had the phone fall a few times from different mounts I have tried. I am worried about my phone going overboard. Would also be really nice to be able to turn the phone off while on the water unless I need to make an emergency call.

I am wondering if anyone here has added one to their bowrider and how they mounted it. I talked to a guy local to me and he said he has installed them for clients but it required custom fiberglass work. I really don't want to go that crazy with things. I did find a mount at Cabelas and it looks like it might work if I screw into the side of the dash.

The unit I am currently considering is the Humminbird Helix 78 CHIRP SI GPS G2N Sonar since it is on sale and looks like it might work though I am still in the idea phase of this so I know little about these units and what exactly I need. I want to figure out if I can even mount one before I spend a week diving into the different features.

 

[Scott Danforth]

over the past 20 years, I have added a GPS/sonar unit to many boats.

some times on the windshield in the center, sometimes to the right of the steering wheel on the dash, sometimes to the left of the steering wheel on the dash, twice in the dash (center console boats with new custom dashes)

my current Garmin 7" unit is mounted on its own mount, left of the steering wheel, almost center of the dash and the mount pivots.

if you can read instructions, operate a drill motor and make a few holes, you can install it your self. you do not need a "guy local to you"

 

[SkaterRace]

over the past 20 years, I have added a GPS/sonar unit to many boats.

some times on the windshield in the center, sometimes to the right of the steering wheel on the dash, sometimes to the left of the steering wheel on the dash, twice in the dash (center console boats with new custom dashes)

my current Garmin 7" unit is mounted on its own mount, left of the steering wheel, almost center of the dash and the mount pivots.

if you can read instructions, operate a drill motor and make a few holes, you can install it your self. you do not need a "guy local to you"

With my bowrider I don't have much space next to the steering wheel on the dash that I could drill into. As for having someone install it for me, I was just talking to him about what options I have since he does work on my boat for me and he brought up the fiberglass option to make it look factory and did mention a mount though I initally didn't like the idea it has grown on me

 

[Alumarine]

Ram make a variety of mounts which might work for you.

RAM Mounts | iBoats

RAM Mounts - Since 1998, iboats is the most trusted water lifestyle online store for boat parts and accessories, boats for sale, and forums. Enjoy great priced products with fast shipping. | Brand: RAM Mounts

www.iboats.com

 

[Scott Danforth]

With my bowrider I don't have much space next to the steering wheel on the dash that I could drill into. As for having someone install it for me, I was just talking to him about what options I have since he does work on my boat for me and he brought up the fiberglass option to make it look factory and did mention a mount though I initally didn't like the idea it has grown on me

without a picture of your dash, teh best we can do are general comments.

 

[SkaterRace]

without a picture of your dash, teh best we can do are general comments.

I have no pictures of my dash and can't get them as it's still shrink-wrapped until May. I'm looking for more general and how others have done yeah. Fully aware specific advice is out of the question but general should give me an idea of how I can do it to look into parts and other options.

EDIT** actually I just looked up a picture of my dash and this one is super close to mine just different colours and I think mine has an additional switch on the port side.

https://www.boatingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/BW_11-2013_Glastron_01.jpg

 

[PC on the Bayou]

I simply screwed a RAM mount ball on my dash (to the right of the steering and out of the way of most gauges) and use the RAM system to hold and adjust my Helix 5.

If you aren't set on getting a fishfinder GPS combo, you may consider a RAM mount or iBolt (RAM clone) mount for a tablet. I'm thinking of using a Galaxy Tab on the dash and moving my Helix up to the front by the trolling motor.

 

[SkaterRace]

I simply screwed a RAM mount ball on my dash (to the right of the steering and out of the way of most gauges) and use the RAM system to hold and adjust my Helix 5.

If you aren't set on getting a fishfinder GPS combo, you may consider a RAM mount or iBolt (RAM clone) mount for a tablet. I'm thinking of using a Galaxy Tab on the dash and moving my Helix up to the front by the trolling motor.

Interesting option of using a tablet, I think I would rather avoid them mainly because I can see the same issues as my phone happening, ie chance of it going overboard.

For me I don't care about the fish finder part of things since this boat is the sport/fun boat and the other is fishing. Not sure how that will impact by search for a GPS unit but will see.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I installed a Humminbird Helix 5 G2 Chirp GPS Combo in my boat. There was just enough room on the dash to squeeze in the base of the unit. It's behind the steering wheel, but still visible. We don't fish either, but it's great for accurate GPS-measured speed, it shows the water temperature, and the chart function is sufficient for our needs. (I boat on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, so I bought the LakeMaster Plus maps to get high-res charts.)

I don't have a pic of the installation here, but I'll try to get one when I get home.

​

 

[southkogs]

I've got the same unit as JAS ^^^ but I have mine mounted on a RAM mount just under the dash. The screen peeks out to the lower left of the wheel - easier to see than it sounds.

 

[PC on the Bayou]

Interesting option of using a tablet, I think I would rather avoid them mainly because I can see the same issues as my phone happening, ie chance of it going overboard.

For me I don't care about the fish finder part of things since this boat is the sport/fun boat and the other is fishing. Not sure how that will impact by search for a GPS unit but will see.

Just throwing that out there in case you had an older tablet (or phone) laying around. You could ger a good mount like RAM or iBolt to attach it firmly. Overall cheaper than a gps sonar.

A helix 5 or helix 7 with GPS is a good option. If you dont fish, you can go with one without all the sonar options but with gps.

 

[emilime75]

I've also got a Helix 5 on my Sea ray 185 Sport. I'm a tinkerer, so I went with a custom mount setup that attaches to the windshield support strut. It allows me to swing the unit out and tilt it up for better visibility when I'm standing at the helm, something I prefer to do at slow speeds at night. If I was to do it again, I'd probably just go with the RAM mount. I'll add that I don't fish, either, but having a device like this Helix has been a huge stress reliever as the lake I boat on changes depths quickly and in areas you'd never expect. Having a map of the lake showing those depths, without having to rely on the sonar that can warn you too late, and the ability to adjust the scale up/down according to daily pool depths...I love it.

 

[cristifor]

I still haven't tried this GPS system, but I would like to try it on my bike. At the moment I'm using GPS on the TomTom Motorcycle GPS platform and I've been very happy for a while, but recently there have been some technical issues that need to be fixed urgently, I'm getting ready for a ride and I need a good GPS. I don't know much about GPS, but I've tried a few. maybe someone knows a good GPS and can help me, I wouldn't mind a little help. I would like to know more ideas so that I can choose the best one. I will be very grateful for your help.