Garmin 160 mounted!!!

[Bruce Yeaton]

I just finished, though it is not complete. I'm waiting for non-skid pad from Cabelas to arrive.



Installed with cover

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

Wires running from the old 'Brid mount

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

More wire install pics



How do I add more than one picture at a time?

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

One without the cover on

 

[Mark Hofman]

That looks GREAT Bruce!



Did you through-bolt the mini-RAM base, or simply use self-tapping machine screws?



I may end up ditching the 'bird and putting a 168 Sounder at the console.

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

Garmin removed, just the ball mount.



Once my other mat comes in I'll clean up the appearance of where the wires exit. Anyone have any ideas on how to keep the water from running down the wires...kinda waterprrof it?

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

Mo, I just used stainless steel round head screws, drilled out the two locations a little smaller than the screw and tightened em up. Instructions call for 4 screws, I used 2 to see if it would work / if I liked it where it is. With just the 2 screws it holds down pretty well and if I decide to move it I only have 2 screws to undo

 

[Mark Hofman]

To waterproof the wires, think about getting a role of 3M mastic tape. From below, wrap the wires several times to make a plug that won't pass through the hole. Pull the wires up through the hole until the plug is exposed. Then, using a bit more mastic tape around the wires from the top (make sure it touches the stuff coming from the bottom) so that the wires don't fall back down.



You have to stretch the tape out so that it activates and "melts" together, but the tape won't damage the sheathing on the wires. My father-in-law uses this stuff at Boeing whenever they need to water- and weather-proof an electrical connection outdoors.



Wow, that installation job is first-rate!

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

I actually made a mistake. Following Marke's install I said I would install the grommets first.... no chance. Since the wires have to be pulled from the back, there is no way to do it. I do have grommets on there now, but have to cut the to slip them around the wires. And since Garmin only used one plug for power/sonar, the two seperate wires make it hard to keep moisture out.

I'll take a look at that mastic tape MO. I'm going to scour HD and Lowes as well, looking for grommets that will work. Maybe just fill the hole with black silicone for looks....

 

[Mark Hofman]

The mastic tape is a nice, flat black. If I can remember to take the digital camera home, I'll snap and post a couple of pictures of the stuff holding my transducer cable to the shaft of the TM.

 

[Mark Hofman]

Bruce:



Here are three shots of the mastic tape holding my transducer cable to the shaft of the trolling motor:



<img src="http://www.stlhofman.com/mastic1.jpg">



<img src="http://www.stlhofman.com/mastic2.jpg">



<img src="http://www.stlhofman.com/mastic3.jpg">



<img src="http://www.stlhofman.com/mastic4.jpg">

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

I see you still have your Nebraska Plate. So Do I.





TOXIC

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

Thanks MO.



I travelled to Lowes and HD today and came up with another solution. I bought a desk grommet, 1 3/4" that has a sealable cap. The grommet is wide enough to fit over the plug and has a seperate cap for the wires. This will fit nice and clean up the appearance 100%.



I looked at the mastic tape, just couldn't justify $5 for 4ft of tape



After some more thought, I realized that I can't keep 100% of the water out and still be able to move the wires around for storing purposes. It's a boat and it's meant to get wet, I guess that's why the cupholder has holes drilled in the bottom for drainage. LOL!



Once the mat comes in I'll finish up and take some more pics.

 

[Mark Hofman]

Yeah, Tox - it's hard to let go of (mostly) good memories.



Bruce - I didn't realize it was that expensive. I got my roll from my father-in-law. Be sure to post pictures (closeups) when you get finished. I'm really interested in repeating what you've done on our boat.

 

[TrepMan]

MO - That tape looks cool, i've just used the plastic cable ties, I like the look of that tape. On my 175 $5/4ft is pricy but on a bigger boat it would be worth it if it the stuff stays tight when wet.

 

[Marke Cicero]

Lookn' Good Bruce.



Did you add the 2nd cup holder in front of the console or did the 01's come like that??

 

[Andrew Zuber]

Hey Marke!

My '00 has the second cup holder...

only bummer is that it only holds a can or something with the same diameter...won't hold my plastic bottle of diet coke!!!



az

 

[Mark Hofman]

My '01 didn't come with a second cup holder. I think Bruce has a 2000 model boat, from the look of his gunwale rails. Mine or more rounded than that. I feel gipped.



I was thinking about adding a cup holder up by the bow light plug. Now THAT would be the place to have it!



Trep, the stuff not only stays tight when it gets wet, it actually gets harder the longer it's on there. It's designed specifically to weatherproof electrical connections and splices. I also used some when we had to splice one set of trailer brake light wires to a new capsule.

 

[Mark Hofman]

You mean you can't just reach over from that fancy rear-deck chaise lounge and pick up your drink from the floor?

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

HAHA, nope that second one is on the front part of the console

 

[Marke Cicero]

Duh!!! My boat IS on 01'....LOL



Andy, I'll call you tonight. I want to catch a 6.5 lb bass this weekend.



Marke