Any suggestions???

[Skeeter Man]

I have a 2004 ZX225 and have a HDS-5 mounted on the bow console. I'm thinking as I get older and my eye site gets worse, I would like to mount a HDS-8 there. I called Skeeter and they don't have a bigger bow console for that year boat. The 5 barely fit the vinyl/plastic cut out, so, any suggestions on how I could a HDS-8 mounted there? I don't care to mount a graph on the deck, that would be something else for me to trip on. I've attached a picture. If you have any suggestions and can post a picture, that would be great.
Thanks guys.

[skeetzx225]

I have a 2003 ZX225 and have a Lowrance GPS finder on a Ram mount drilled into the bow between the light socket and the non-slip pad. I have a carbon fiber insert plate in the bow console area.

[Skeeter Man]

Can you post or email me a pic? ericsbutler@insightbb.com

Thanks.

[Neilslure]

I have been thinking about RAM mounting my bow unit next to the reccess on the trolling motor side. Thats out of the way. I had the unit on my last boat there and it was never in the way.

[skeetzx225]

the only time i have issues is when i need to put my bow light in, then i just have to tilt my finder to the side while traveling.

[Rich Z]

Is that panel off center? You have at least another 10 years to go before you go blind so for now I wouldn’t worry about it. Looks good to me. But if you change it out I’d like to buy the one you have.

[Bassbait]

Put it on a Ram mount

[Skeeter Man]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Neilslure &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I have been thinking about RAM mounting my bow unit next to the reccess on the trolling motor side. Thats out of the way. I had the unit on my last boat there and it was never in the way.</td></tr></table>


I agree with you that it probably wouldn't be in the way but I like the way it's currently mounted in the console area. If I could get a console made that would fit an 8 and contain the plug and trim switch, that's what Im looking for.

Thanks for the suggestion.

[SkeeterBob]

My 09 has a larger front console than yours and an 8 still won't fit without building a larger console. I'm fixing to pull out my 520 and put the cover plate back in. Then install a RAM with a big screen HB Si unit.

[Skeeter Man]

It's looking like that's going to be my only option. Shoot, I like the flush mount. I can't trip on it with my size 13 getting in and out of the boat.

[BrianMcCarty]

I have seen some mount a bracket or ram mount to a cover plate where your HDS currently is located..Looks pretty good, raises the graph, and you won"t trip on it. I will try to locate a pic of one.

[BrianMcCarty]

Here you go...

[BrianMcCarty]

Here is one more example...

[Jigsisme]

I have seen and plan on doing one this way (don't have a pic):
-utilizing the same area you have it mountied now
-take the "console" off and pre-mount a small piece of sheet metal under that mounting area (going to pait it black).
-there is a cap you can get to fill it in so you don't have a "hole" graph area.
-then pre-drill/fit a normal Lowrance mount (backwards so it will raise it more), this is where the small sheet metal under the console comes in cuz it will make it more stable.

Hope you can invision this as I've seen it before and it looks professional and is completely out of the way! If I can find a pic I'll be sure to post.

[pbmang]

If your worried about being able to see it, then you should 100% do a ram mount. It will amaze you how much better you can see the graph by raising it up off the deck. Honestly, you would probably be able to see your HDS 5 just as good on a ram mount as you could see an HDS 8 flush mounted.

[Skeeter Man]

Looks good Brian. I like that idea. Thanks...

Jigsisme, sounds like Brian's picture is the same as what you had in mind only painted black???

Chris, I can still see the 5 ok, it's just an idea I'm floating around for winter project. The 8 is so much bigger and better (4 way split screen) I'd like to work out it to have one on the bow too, if I can keep it simple. It's so much easier to follows the drop off contours on the 8 mapping.

Thanks guys.....

[Skeeter Man]

The suggestions have given me an idea. Why couldn't I remove the 5 and get a ss plate or some kind of a piece of metal and cover that 6" cutout? That way I could keep my vinyl/plastic console and use the 4 holes already drilled in to it to bolt the plate down.

Would that be strong enough to hold an 8 and can you paint ss because I'd prefer it to be matte black so that it wouldn't reflect the sunlight.

Thanks guys.

[Chief Paduke]

No line bifocals. $200 to $400. You're welcome.

[pbmang]

I bet you could get the plate to work. Then you could get some carbon fiber sticker and put on. That way it would match the rest of your dash. That would probably look pretty sweet.

Those HDS 8's are baaaaaaad machines. It is next on my list.

[Skeeter Man]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Chief Paduke &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">No line bifocals. $200 to $400. You're welcome.</td></tr></table>

There's always one in a crowd!!!