Garmin 545s GPS Install....done

[Nehalennia]

Well I bought a Garmin 545s from BOEMarine.com + a Vision G2 Card.

I fiddled around this last weekend for a couple of hours trying to make a nice Mahogany base for it to rest in on the dash. I started with these two prototypes. One of them is nice, but the complexity of the curves, dash and windshield became a challenge I don’t have time for.

So…………I decided to bite the bullet and mount it to the dash. 15 minutes and I was done. I just need to get a clamshell and cover the wiring.

 

[First Born]

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[tawcat]

Great job!!!!

 

[RiverRat]

Looks great Todd!! My only concern would be the kids running back and forth in and out of the cabin, possibly damaging the GPS or themselves.

 

[gerryb]

Looks great Todd!! My only concern would be the kids running back and forth in and out of the cabin, possibly damaging the GPS or themselves.

I think that since the cabin doesn't really open all the way, it should be OK. The door probably sticks-out 4 inches from the end of the dash; looks like the garmin unit only sticks out 2".

I mounted mine up on top of the dash because I wanted an easier view of the screen. Haven't drilled the holes into the dash yet - just put on some heavy duty industrial doublse-sided tape for now but I know that won't last all season long...

 

[Nehalennia]

Thanks Guys

Looks great Todd!! My only concern would be the kids running back and forth in and out of the cabin, possibly damaging the GPS or themselves.

I thought of that but it's not too bad. I must have held it there for 10 minutes before I drilled. I may move the knob you see on the left to the other side.

 

[boltman]

Great Install withte Garmin, don't ya just Love getting that drill out and blasting a hole through the Fiberglass, oh it's so exhilerating...

 

[tdappleman]

The install looks nice - out of curiosity - where were you going to install if you used the original plan with the wooden surround?

 

[Nehalennia]

The install looks nice - out of curiosity - where were you going to install if you used the original plan with the wooden surround?

That wood base you see on the left is the best fitting one. It was perfect. I realized after making the first one(the one with more shape on the right) that to shape, plane sand and fit it will be way to much work. I had planned it to be in between the dashes on the starboard side above the multi switch panel.

If anyone needs a nice piece of mahogany cut out for a Garmin 500 series let me know.

 

[douglee25]

Do you sit when you drive? Looks good but I couldn't see the screen when standing.

Doug

 

[Nehalennia]

Do you sit when you drive? Looks good but I couldn't see the screen when standing.

Doug

I'll use the bolster in the chair and stand at times. I can tilt the screen up if needed

 

[Bottom Line]

Todd...looks great!! You are getting to be a pro at cutting holes in your boat....:lol::lol:

 

[Nehalennia]

Todd...looks great!! You are getting to be a pro at cutting holes in your boat....:lol::lol:

Being a locksmith, I'm not scared of cutting holes:grin:
I just want them above the waterline.:thumbsup:

 

[DCarl320]

Nice work Todd, what made you choose this model?

 

[Nehalennia]

Nice work Todd, what made you choose this model?

The screen is very bright, I've had good luck with my old Handheld Garmin and the screen detail seems very good for it's size.
Also, the Vision G2 Card I also purchased for it is very impressive.

 

[First Born]

The screen is very bright, I've had good luck with my old Handheld Garmin and the screen detail seems very good for it's size.
Also, the Vision G2 Card I also purchased for it is very impressive.

And here I thought it had something to do with the knowledge. service, and price of BOEMarine staff :huh:

 

[Nehalennia]

And here I thought it had something to do with the knowledge. service, and price of BOEMarine staff :huh:

Oh yeah, and there's that. I did buy it here at BOE from Jim and his crew. Great price over the local boys including WM. I also have a Garmin rebate to send it for buying the G2Vision card at the same time I bought the 545s.

Thanks again for a great Price Jim.

 

[chuck1]

Looks good. Another job well done.:thumbsup:

 

[tphinney]

I'm looking at the 545s with the G2 chip as well, so I have to ask. Did you connect the transducer that was already on the boat to the Garmin or are you going with a second unit?

 

[Nehalennia]

Looks good. Another job well done.:thumbsup:

Thanks Chuck

I'm looking at the 545s with the G2 chip as well, so I have to ask. Did you connect the transducer that was already on the boat to the Garmin or are you going with a second unit?

I installed the transducer about a month ago. I installed it when I was installing the heater. That way I didn't have to pull panels again. It turns out I wouldn't have, but I had some foresight, for once, to get it in while I was down there.

Use a forstner bit drilling through fiberglass. It's a very very clean hole.

Before

I had a little 5200 run on me, but with a hole in the transom....I wanted plenty there.
After