VHF Radio Wiring Questions...

Lured In · 07-03-2006, 09:08 AM

My loving wife got me a Raymarine VHF radio for my birthday and now I am stuck as to how to mount it.

I have a 19' NR Sportster with forward helm and there is literally no place other than on top of the dash to mount it. (Due to space for the bracket). My only problem with this, is that means punching a hole in the flat dash over the wiring panel. Potentially resulting in water penatration and not exactly the mostly sightly installation, as well. I am considering punching the hole, inserting a rubber grommet and then filling the hole with silicone around the cables/wires.

So my question is...what ideas have you come up with to seal a hole on a flat service around wires and/or cable?

I am open to any other suggestions as well.

Thanks in advance for the feedback!

Pirate · 07-03-2006, 03:33 PM

How bout this install method?
http://www.northriverboats.com/galle..._cd_player.jpg

SMACKDOWN · 07-03-2006, 04:01 PM

I have the same boat as you and I put mine on the dash next to my fish finder, and ran the wire through the existing hole. The hole has a gromet but nothing else and is not directly above the main wiring. I haven't had any problems.

Tinman · 07-03-2006, 04:52 PM

Don't forget you can mount it vertically instead of horizontally. I did that on my dory to save space.

Orca · 07-03-2006, 05:08 PM

It's called a "cable outlet". Your local marine dealer can order one from their catalog if they don't have it in stock.

Looks like this: http://www.shakespeare-marine.com/an...s/acc-4184.htm .

Lured In · 07-04-2006, 09:54 AM

Thanks for the great feedback.

That cable guide looks interesting. I will have to check that out, but since I am running the power, antenna, NEMA cable and external mic cables through the same hole, it may not work.

I guess I could call NR and see if they can fab me a bracket for another option.

Coastalfisherman · 07-06-2006, 10:06 AM

Send a pm to Stickfish. He is the resident radio man.

StickFish · 07-07-2006, 07:08 AM

Have you looked at RAM mounts - I used one on mine to mount it under the dash but bolted to the side wall. On top works well. I'm not sure what the raymarine flush mount looks like, but the Icom radios do not have a gasket so I doubt the raymarine radios do either.

Another option is use a piece of a joist hanger bolted under the dash and bent to mount the radio bracket to it

Lured In · 07-10-2006, 10:01 AM

Stickfish...I hadn't considered the RAM mount. I know they have been around, but I am leary of how well they hold.

Anybody using a RAM mount for a radio or large sonar? Do the ball joints really hold that well?

Tinman · 07-10-2006, 06:52 PM

I've used a RAM mount for a handheld VHF for five years, and love it. It is rugged, easy to use, and plenty rigid.

No Bail · 07-10-2006, 07:50 PM

I use a large Ram mount for a radar display. It happens that I ordered an extra mount by mistake. PM me if you want details.

StickFish · 07-11-2006, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Stickfish...I hadn't considered the RAM mount. I know they have been around, but I am leary of how well they hold.

Anybody using a RAM mount for a radio or large sonar? Do the ball joints really hold that well?

I use one on my Icom 402 and it is rock solid very easy to clamp down very firmly and still be able to remove. Get the large on and it won't move. Fishitis uses one on his GPS.

I used to use a simular mount for a radio tower in my truck - I had three heavy radios stacked and bolted to that mount. That one wasn't as easy to change positions and had teeth on the movable joints and required tools

Lured In · 07-11-2006, 08:22 AM

Checked my Cabela's last night and saw both the Standard RAM mount (7.5" length with large ball joint) and the Micro RAM (4.5" length with smaller ball joint).

If I understand folks' feedback are you using the Standard RAM for the bigger electronics?

StickFish · 07-11-2006, 09:18 AM

Yeppers

Mr. Carp · 07-15-2006, 08:21 AM

Correct.