Mounting a HDS7

DannyP · Post by **DannyP** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 5:05 pm

I have a question guys. I am putting a HDS7 on my console. I'm looking to mount it to the side of my fiberglass console via a Ram Mount. How have you all attached your Ram mount to the fiberglass to both protect the unit and the fiberglass? I know with a smaller unit on my old boat I put screws through the fishfinder bracket into the fiberglass but I'm thinking with the Ram Mount and a larger unit thru blots with washers and nuts would be the way to go.

Any suggestions and what has worked for you????

Thanks

blkdog812 · Post by **blkdog812** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 5:20 pm

use all stainless fender washers, philip head bolts w/ nylock's (locking nut)
start with small drill size and work up. start the drill in reverse to prevent chipping then go in forward. lube the bolts to prevent galling.

go luck and enjoy

bump · Post by **bump** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 6:04 pm

Use stainless steel hardware as mentioned before. I would apply painters masking tape to the fiberglass where the ram mount is going to be installed. You will find out that if you use a regular drill bit that the bit will not get you very far. Go down to home depot or a hardware store and get a masonary bit, This type of bit will cut through the fiberglass alot easier than any other bit. Make sure you run your drill wide open to prevent bit stall because this will cause a possible fracture. I have done several and they all turned out fine
Good luck

Bump

Eric Ocampo · Post by **Eric Ocampo** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 8:05 am

RAM also makes a half inch rubber cushion to mounts under the gimbal. go with the larger dia. ball with the 7. I got the standard size and my hds7 moves a little in rough water.