Building a new boat. In the bow, I will be mounting a 55lb 54" Minn Kota PowerDrive V2 and 2 Garmin 93SV units. These will all be on the little bow plate triangle thing of my 14' Smoker Craft Big Fisherman. The platform I am talking about will look like this: https://www.correllconcepts.com/Boat_Images1/F24_front_section.JPG

 

Because I have yet to start my build, I don't know how big I will make that piece. It will depend on how much space I need. I was thinking of getting ram mounts but they are $110 each, that is too much money at this time. Should I mount them side to side or front and back?

I spent the $100 to have my Helix 8 mounted at the console (not many other choices) with a RAM mount but had them mount my other Helix 8 on the gimbal bracket screwed to the floor at the bow. After one trip with my boat I ordered another RAM for the bow unit. So much easier to adjust if needed and take on and off if needed. It also raised it another 7 or 8 inches which made it easier to see. I would spend the money now and mount it on a RAM, I think you would be happier in the long run.

40 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said:

I spent the $100 to have my Helix 8 mounted at the console (not many other choices) with a RAM mount but had them mount my other Helix 8 on the gimbal bracket screwed to the floor at the bow. After one trip with my boat I ordered another RAM for the bow unit. So much easier to adjust if needed and take on and off if needed. It also raised it another 7 or 8 inches which made it easier to see. I would spend the money now and mount it on a RAM, I think you would be happier in the long run.

I will consider that. It will save space on the bow too