Installing Garmin 546 on a Sea Ray 215

[Irie308]

Any thoughts on installing a Garmin 546 on a Sea Ray 215. I'm thinking about wiring the unit to plug directly into a 12v outlet rather than connecting it to the fuse bank behind the steering wheel since i rather not punch a bunch of holes in the fiberglass. However i'm not sure if this is the best method. Any recommendations on installation on a boat of this size which i do plan to keep for a few years as its our first boat. I would also like to install a transducer down the road however i rather not get into trouble my first season out as a newbie. Any thoughts?

 

[MonacoMike]

I would ask for recommendations of someone in your area that can work with you to do a professional job and suggestions here on location.

MM

 

[Lazy Daze]

12v outlet? Sure, easy enough to do as it only involves a "make-your-own" plug and the black & red wires from the cord. Don't skimp on the plug - spend a few bucks more and get a nice one with some type of cord strain relief. Good split loom (again, not the cheap stuff - use a brand such as Shields) will make for a nicer looking install and also protect the wiring. Another option (a nicer looking option) is "braided" loom.

If you don't want to use the included bracket, RAM mounts are very nice.

Since you sound a little uncomfortable with doing a direct install of the radio, I would definitely suggest hiring someone to do the transducer since this involves not only "punching" holes, but also that they will be below the waterline.

FYI, including the transducer, a knowledgeable person/shop would likely charge about 2 hours to install (direct) the GPS and the transducer. Not a whole lot of money when you consider it will done ("should be done") correctly - especially if you're a little apprehensive.

 

[Irie308]

Thank you both for the insight. Lazy Daze, any recommendations as to where i would find such a plug? I'll give this a go this season and look to have pros help in hardwiring for next season.

 

[JimFromMD]

Any thoughts on installing a Garmin 546 on a Sea Ray 215. I'm thinking about wiring the unit to plug directly into a 12v outlet rather than connecting it to the fuse bank behind the steering wheel since i rather not punch a bunch of holes in the fiberglass. However i'm not sure if this is the best method. Any recommendations on installation on a boat of this size which i do plan to keep for a few years as its our first boat. I would also like to install a transducer down the road however i rather not get into trouble my first season out as a newbie. Any thoughts?

Depending on what you want to accomplish (depth, water temp, etc) there are different types of transducers... Thru-hull (actually cut through the hull to get to the water) and in-hull (epoxied or connected to a mount that's epoxied to the inside of your hull). If you dont care about the water temperature, in many cases the in-hull type will do just fine if you have a flat surface in the bilge to glue it to. There are ways to test for good locations etc. Just a thought, and a lot less danger for messing up. That said, I let Vance (from BOE Marine who hosts this website) do my install because I was doing an entire suite including the head unit, radar, and depth etc. Jim and the BOE crew can give you good advice, and also usually pretty good prices if not better than most! You are out of town, so it'd be tax free (at least until that bill makes it through congress mandating tax collection!)