Pictures of Garmin 540 GPS on 240

[SearayPaul]

Several people have asked me to post pictures of my 540 GPS. the GPS is a perfect fit for a 240 select or the 240 sundeck. The unit is mounted to the windshield support bracket with 1 inch mounting componets from Ram Mount.

You should get the stainless steel u bolt instead of the plated bolt when you order the mount . There are 4 parts for this mount they are B231, B201,B202, AND RAP319. The only other thing you need is 3 SS screws AND LOCK NUTS to mount your GPS BRACKET TO the Ram Mount. Cost is about 50 dollars

As an added bonus the Icom 302 was mounted below the dash panel using two blocks of wood that were shaped to fit the dash panel curvature. The 3 foot whip antenna is mounted to the bimini and is removed when it is not beibg used. To keep the bracket from scratching up the aluminum frame wrap a couple of layers of painters tape around the support pole. Painters tape is easy to remove at the end of the day.

 

[Morpheus]

Thanks for the pictures, I will be putting a Garmin 3205 on my 240 Sundeck this weekend using a ram mount (RAM-111U) which will be mounted in the windshield area but more of a direct right in front of you approach.

 

[charlg]

Paul,
Great job! :thumbsup:

Thanks for posting the pics and part numbers.

 

[Morpheus]

I know this thread was mostly about your Garmin install but I'd be interested to see how you ran the attenna wiring for the removable VHF attenna on the bimini if you could either post that here or in another thread that would be great.

 

[SearayPaul]

Morpheus

I will post pictures for you of the antennae installation in awhile. I broke my wrist and hand Monday ( my wife is typing this) and probably will have to have surgery on it.

The basics of the installation is to get a Shakspeare ratchet mount
style#4188-S This mount allows rotation of the antennae in all possible planes and should allow you to mount the antennae on any pole. You also will need a 6 inch extension to clear the height of the bimini.

I used a GAM VHF antennae. The advantage of the GAM antennae is the small loading coil diameter. Other brands of VHF antennaes use a loading coil that are two to three times larger in diameter than the GAM coil which can lead to clearance issues. You still have the 3DB gain and a low SWR with this coil.

As far as running the coax just use a tie wrap and run it up the support for the bimini. Alot of people worry about the length of the coax for this application, it makes no difference as they use a good quality coax. If you need to worry about something worry about making a good connection with your PL-259.

This installation works just fine for most peoples needs with VHF transmissions height is extremely important and mounting the antennae on the bimini gives you a clear location and more height.

Good luck!!

 

[Morpheus]

Morpheus

I will post pictures for you of the antennae installation in awhile. I broke my wrist and hand Monday ( my wife is typing this) and probably will have to have surgery on it.

The basics of the installation is to get a Shakspeare ratchet mount
style#4188-S This mount allows rotation of the antennae in all possible planes and should allow you to mount the antennae on any pole. You also will need a 6 inch extension to clear the height of the bimini.

I used a GAM VHF antennae. The advantage of the GAM antennae is the small loading coil diameter. Other brands of VHF antennaes use a loading coil that are two to three times larger in diameter than the GAM coil which can lead to clearance issues. You still have the 3DB gain and a low SWR with this coil.

As far as running the coax just use a tie wrap and run it up the support for the bimini. Alot of people worry about the length of the coax for this application, it makes no difference as they use a good quality coax. If you need to worry about something worry about making a good connection with your PL-259.

This installation works just fine for most peoples needs with VHF transmissions height is extremely important and mounting the antennae on the bimini gives you a clear location and more height.

Good luck!!

Sorry to hear about your hand, and thank you to your wife for typing for you. I knew the higher the attenna the better but never thought of connecting it to the bimini so thanks for that tip.

 

[chuck1]

Paul - Great pics, sorry to hear about the hand and wrist.

Morpheus - Not sure if the wiring is going to work on your SunDeck. Paul has a bowrider and if I remember correctly the bimini attaches to the windshield frame. On the SunDeck it does not mount to the windshield.

 

[SearayPaul]

Run the wire outside of the last rear verticle tube of the bimini.

 

[Morpheus]

Run the wire outside of the last rear verticle tube of the bimini.

That's what I was kinda thinking I'll have to figure it all out but that's for another project got to many others to do first.

 

[azson15]

can you take a photo of the entire helm area?

Thanks,

 

[SearayPaul]

Here are a couple of pictures of the helm. Hope that helps. I did not put the bimini up or mount the antenna today as that is not a one hand job.

Surgery is Tuesday. Can't wait

 

[chuck1]

Hope all goes well on Tuesday :thumbsup: Thanks Jane for keeping them keys typing :smt038

 

[comsnark]

I just got a 545s on my 280SS. . . . the previous owner had some previous holes in the dash for a previous GPS mount, which I utilized for the new unit (I put in a mounting plate in the old holes, and attached the Garmin mount to the mounting plate)

The only concern is that the 545S is a good bit heavier than the old unit (a useless handheld)

My biggest problem is that I had to significantly enlarge the hole for the data/power cable :smt009 -> Scary doing the work. . .but the unit looks ok.

 

[SearayPaul]

If the fiberglass is flexing place a small backing plate under the mount. A couple of washers would work if you do not have any flat stock.

You will love the 545. THere are two software updates on garmin's site. They will fix some software problems.

 

[azson15]

Thanks for the pictures. The installation looks great. I think I will use the same mounting for my 240 Sundancer...

 

[Morpheus]

Would anyone happen to know if the diameter of the winshield support on the 240 select is the same on the 240 sundeck?

 

[SearayPaul]

The diameter of the 240 select is 5/8. The ubolt will fit 7/8 to a little over an inch in diameter. There is a small black spacer that serves several purposes that you need to get for tubing less than 7/8. The spacer makes up the diameter, keeps from scratching and colapsing your support. It is only a buck or two so get it if your not 100 percent sure that you do not need it. From memory I believe it is the RAP part number.

Good luck

 

[Morpheus]

I called SeaRay directly they are wonderful people.

Although they don't make that part they get it from Taylor Made Products the tech person was able to tell me it is 5/8" on a 240 Sundeck and it's called 304 Tube.

So I called up e-mount.com where I got my RAM parts and they are exchanging out what I got with what I want now which is similar to what Paul has done but I went with 1.5" rubber balls as it was suggested by them for the weight of the 3205 I am mounting.

 

[charlg]

Paul,

What is the distance from the window support to the end of the 540? The positioning on your GPS is perfect, and I want to make sure the same ram parts will work for me.

Thanks.

 

[SearayPaul]

I do not know the distance. It is variable depending on how the arm is articulated. I got the shortest arm they make. As the arm is moved up and down and over on the ball that also influences where the ubolt is mounted and therefore the distance from the windshield.

The worst thing that can happen is that you have to get a longer arm if the 540 is not close enough. This is doubtful. A couple of trial and error tests will solve the mounting distance problem.

By the way you do not have to be rambo on the ubolt or you will crush the windshield tube.