So I had to have a new Helix. Lol. Anyways, the Plan was to buy a helix 9 or 10 SI G2N MEGA. I already had an 858DI at the bow and an 898SI at the console. I wanted to swap those 2 units, but have the Helix in front of the steering wheel and the 858 to the side. The 858 to be used as GPS only. Also so i could mark structure etc on the new helix and see it on all 3 units i needed to buy the network switch, cables, and adaptors. When I realized all the 9-12" Helix units are the same physical size, the screen size is different but not the head unit, i ordered the 10". By the way i got a great deal from RMP! I even ordered the RAM mount just in case I needed it.
Installation, I used the mount I had for the 898 at the console for the new Helix. In the test fitting process I noticed that the unit had too much up ward angle for my liking and I couldn't turn it left or right at all. The fix? A 1" thick piece of maple sealed and painted gloss black. I also realized I didn't want any holes in the outside of the console for the 858. That new RAM mount is around 10lbs too. I thought , "hey I can build a mount to go on the hand rail!" Instead I found a railmount made by Folbe. Without thinking or hesitating I ordered the 1 that fits 1" to 1.35" railing. The rails on a 1999 cobra 201DC are only 3/4". I bought clear tubing and sliced it on 1 side. Put it over the rail and the mount works perfect. It didn't line up perfectly with the gimbal on the 858 and looked liked to get it back far enough, I'd need another riser. So 1 more piece of maple sealed and painted gloss black. Here are the end results. Took it out Monday and couldn't be happier. http://imgur.com/gallery/LQ6uVtL