Bow Depth Finder Upgrade Ideas

[Dunbar]

So I'm in the process of upgrading the front depth finder on my 203 from an old Humminbird in the stock hole to a newer HB 899. Think I'm leaning more towards a bracket like deck-it or precision-sonar mount around the recessed trolling tray vs a ram mount on the deck. Anybody have this setup already and have any recommendations. Also what to fill the old hole with. Anybody made a tool holder that sits in the old hole or a drop in storage box? Or maybe bolt gimble bracket to a cover plate.

[cstechmann]

storage box is a good idea, keep a few of the baits you plan to use most durring the day or your sunglasses

[Pearlizer]

I had a bow-mounted 998C on a RAM mount and did not care for it; especially in rough water. This winter, I made the move to Precision Sonar mounts at the bow (double mount w/ 2 998Cs), and cockpit (1198C), and love both of them- solid as a rock. I also ordered the replacement plate for the bow from Precision Sonar, and it looks sharp!
Overall, very pleased with PS equipment.

I would also like to have some way to hold pliers or line conditioner, etc. in the PS plate at the bow. If anyone has any ideas, I would really appreciate them!

-Rich

[TX Strampion]

Bass Boat Technologies made a plate to cover the cutout at the bow. I mounted a Balzout to the plate and it turned out great.

[STLBassBuster]

plates can be fabricated pretty easy if you are handy. I think C&O marine also sells them. Ram style or dek it is just personal preference both work well.

[Dunbar]

Can you post some pics of your setups too please.

[TX Strampion]

[1bluemcm]

I'm going to a Dek-It on mine, the angled version. Perfect fit in a spot I'd never walk or need the space anyway. Not installed yet, like a whole bunch of other stuff that isn't installed yet.....carpet.....seats.....switches.....lights.. ...wiring....gauges.....trolling motor......rub rail......sheesh.....

[druthomas]

I went with the comfort-troll version with the tool holder option and so far I really like it.

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Comfo...ge-COMFOD.html

[Dan21XRS]

I did what TX Strampion did... Went to a local fabricator and bought a piece of aluminum and sprayed it with Rust-Oleum bed liner. I used the 2.5" Ram Mount and haven't looked back... Been to Erie, St. Clair, Sam Rayburm and fish the Ohio River quite often and have never had a problem with Ram Mounts not holding... I run a Humminbird Helix 10 on the bow and have a 998 mounted at the console... Dan

[Dunbar]

This looks pretty cool for a tool/cup holder. Troll n tray caddie.

http://r.ebay.com/9RcnDS

[Pearlizer]

Dunbar- Thank you for the link! I may have to get one of those!

[Dunbar]

I just ordered one the cast brackets as well. Hope it's here by the weekend. Now to make me a cover plate for the old hole

[8upwithfishin']

Has anybodymade or bought a carbon fiber panel to cover up the hole? Thx

[Fidgetcranker]

I use a ram mount off to the side. No problems at all. Just loosen and lay down for cover to go on.
Make sure cover will go over it if it's up on a bracket.
Having a day box made to fit in hole of old unit.

[Charlie206]

Has anybodymade or bought a carbon fiber panel to cover up the hole? Thx

Cut and sand a piece of aluminum and send it for carbon fiber hydro dipping. I had some depth finder covers dipped, they looked fantastic.