Where's a good place to install VHF in 185 sport?

[cdefreit]

I got tired of the hand held and got a decent VHF radio and antenna to install in my '07 185 Sport, but the only problem is where it install it. The dash isn't exactly made for things like this. Has anyone done this before? any location suggestions? pics?

 

[Lazy Daze]

You're right, there really isn't a good place in a small boat. How about below the dash, against the starboard side freeboard? Mount it vertically. You could still mount the mic up on the dash.

Another thought, depending on the model VHF you have, some will support a "remote second station". This basically turns the VHF into a "black box" which can be mounted anywhere you want as you don't have to actually see it or access it. The "second station" remote will serve all functions - power, channel, volume, distress, even an LCD display. This new remote can be mounted on the dash, side panel, etc.

 

[rktktpaul]

Another thought, depending on the model VHF you have, some will support a "remote second station". This basically turns the VHF into a "black box" which can be mounted anywhere you want as you don't have to actually see it or access it. The "second station" remote will serve all functions - power, channel, volume, distress, even an LCD display. This new remote can be mounted on the dash, side panel, etc.

I had the same issue and Jim here recommended using this unit as the "black box" with a RAM+ handset:

http://www.boemarine.com/Products/GX1500SW/Default.aspx

 

[Lazy Daze]

Yup. The Quest is about the least expensive unit you'll find that supports the second station.

 

[MarkD]

where will you place the antenna? There isnt much room for that either?

 

[midway]

I put one in my 2004 185, it is slightly different to yours but here are some photos of my installation. It will at least give you some ideas, I made wood mount that is sitting in the shelf and hanging from above.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Sort of a mute point for CDEFREIT, but if you can find it (may be obsolete), Standard made another model called the Phantom. It is an actual black box (no display on the main unit). It's less expensive because you don't have to also purchase the remote mic.

Oh, remember not to "neatly coil" the extra cable, as you would with your dock lines. Just put it in a "rat's nest". Otherwise you may get interference - it'll end up being a electric magnet.

 

[rktktpaul]

Sort of a mute point for CDEFREIT, but if you can find it (may be obsolete), Standard made another model called the Phantom. It is an actual black box (no display on the main unit). It's less expensive because you don't have to also purchase the remote mic.

I actually ended up finding someone last year on an obscure upstate New York boating forum that had an extra SH Phantom 2000 with RAM+ mike that he sold me; if I didn't find that one, I was definitely going to go the Quest-X route. Actually ended up costing a bit more than the Quest-X with a RAM+ mike, but I don't feel so bad about hiding it inside the console.

where will you place the antenna? There isnt much room for that either?

I purchased a Shakespear 3dB whip antenna with a racheting rail mount and am putting it high on the main bimini top support.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I actually ended up finding someone last year on an obscure upstate New York boating forum that had an extra SH Phantom 2000 with RAM+ mike that he sold me; if I didn't find that one, I was definitely going to go the Quest-X route. Actually ended up costing a bit more than the Quest-X with a RAM+ mike, but I don't feel so bad about hiding it inside the console.

Sorry, should've been more specific. They make/made a 1000 model, as well, that was less expensive.

 

[rktktpaul]

Sorry, should've been more specific. They make/made a 1000 model, as well, that was less expensive.

I had also come across a few Phantom 1000 models that were relatively cheap and available, but didn't like that it did not have DSC.

 

[Morpheus]

I had the same issue and Jim here recommended using this unit as the "black box" with a RAM+ handset:

http://www.boemarine.com/Products/GX1500SW/Default.aspx

I will second that. That is my plan for my 240SD

Sort of a mute point for CDEFREIT, but if you can find it (may be obsolete), Standard made another model called the Phantom. It is an actual black box (no display on the main unit). It's less expensive because you don't have to also purchase the remote mic.

Oh, remember not to "neatly coil" the extra cable, as you would with your dock lines. Just put it in a "rat's nest". Otherwise you may get interference - it'll end up being a electric magnet.

I was going to get this model but I do not believe it is available anymore.