296TF fishfinder mount?

[dustlane]

I have a 2001 296TF and I’ve been running a Ballzout mount for a few years with a 9” fishfinder and it has been fine. However, I recently upgraded to a 12” Lowrance unit and the vibration is terrible. I have it mounted next to the dash on the gunwhale and I used a metal backing plate under the gunwhale for extra support. Under idle that thing almost makes you sick trying to read it unless I hold it with my hand. Do any of y’all know of a dash mount that will work with my boat? I haven’t been able to find anything online. I was thinking of trying a Ram mount but I don’t want to spend the money and end up with same result.

[wishitwasbigger]

8A964544-62BD-4E44-BF42-7497D992DC4D.jpeg

I have a 2001 296TF and I’ve been running a Ballzout mount for a few years with a 9” fishfinder and it has been fine. However, I recently upgraded to a 12” Lowrance unit and the vibration is terrible. I have it mounted next to the dash on the gunwhale and I used a metal backing plate under the gunwhale for extra support. Under idle that thing almost makes you sick trying to read it unless I hold it with my hand. Do any of y’all know of a dash mount that will work with my boat? I haven’t been able to find anything online. I was thinking of trying a Ram mount but I don’t want to spend the money and end up with same result.

ballzout makes a great mount, but I did like my Ram mount with a 12 inch on it.

[wishitwasbigger]

Terrible picture-sorry!

[dustlane]

That’s exactly where mine is mounted but the vibration almost makes me sick trying to read it. I may try to find a buddy that has a ram mount to borrow to see if that helps.

[wishitwasbigger]

The ram does a great job there. TOC has the same set up

[dustlane]

Is that the swing arm type ram mount or the big ball mount?

[TOUCH OF CLASS]

My ram mount is rock steady ,but if you have a unbalanced prop or bent shaft it will shake the boat at idle speed .Could be another problem.

[dustlane]

I just had it in the shop for lower unit service. The boat runs smooth. Not four stroke smooth but still dang smooth. That HDS 12 is just so heavy. I did have a Ram mount on my old HB 1198 and it didn’t vibrate like this. But that was so long ago I can’t remember if I had the ball mount or the swing arm style. I am also using the top plate that is for 7-9” units rather the wider base plate for the 12-16” units. I just don’t see how that could make that much difference but I could be wrong.

[wishitwasbigger]

Mine was the swing arm.

[TOUCH OF CLASS]

Swing are is better

[martyd]

I have a 16 Live mounted there and it's rock solid..

[Toad_Wrangler]

I have a 12” Lowrance Live mounted on a BalZOut mount at the console on the flat spot before the gunnel... I only notice vibration at higher speeds (50 mph) or in rough water. I have a 296 new Merc ProXS 4 Stroke...

[dustlane]

Pretty sure it’s my ol Yamaha OX66 that’s causing the issue. Great engine but not as smooth as the new ones.