GPS Puck mounting question

[wjsizemore77]

Does an external GPS reciever puck HAVE to be mounted level with the boat, or is being on an angle accptable? Would mounting it at an angle cause poor reception? The model is a Humminbird 595c w/ GPS.

Thanks,
Bill.

[JEVSkeeter]

The antenna needs a clear view of the sky. If it's a slight angle it probably would not be an issue unless you turned to boat in such a manner as to "blank" the antenna. Level is best however most boats do not have a "level" spot on them.......

What type of boat, what location?

[wjsizemore77]

Its a Sea Ark 18' mod v jon boat. I have the head unit on the side console & wanted to mount the puck there just for simplicity in wiring. The problem is there is not a level spot on the console. It is plain, bent aluminum. If you are sitting in the driver seat, the dash slopes up away from the seat, then back down towards the front. The side profile of it would look like a triangle. I would say my proposed mounting surface would be about 25 - 30 degrees above level. My next question if I have to mount is somewhere else, what other things should it avoid being near?

[JEVSkeeter]

Sounds like a RAM mount with the GPS antenna attachment might just be the deal for you.

check out bass pro's link here. http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchResults?searchOption=products&hvarSearchString=RAM+Mount&storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&CMID=TOP_SEARCH_GO&x=10&y=15

Good luck!

[wjsizemore77]

Sounds like a RAM mount with the GPS antenna attachment might just be the deal for you.

check out bass pro's link here. http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchResults?searchOption=products&hvarSearchString=RAM+Mount&storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&CMID=TOP_SEARCH_GO&x=10&y=15

Good luck!

Thanks JEVSkeeter.

[RatherBFishing]

You absolutely don't have to have the puck level.  Here is a picture of my set up.  I obtains my position in a few seconds and works like a champ.  It is as close to the main unit as you should go, but again, it works like a champ.  I hope this helps.

[wjsizemore77]

Thanks RBF.

[JEVSkeeter]

You absolutely don't have to have the puck level.  Here is a picture of my set up.  I obtains my position in a few seconds and works like a champ.  It is as close to the main unit as you should go, but again, it works like a champ.  I hope this helps.

That is probably the best location you could find however, it is not the optimum location. Your console, a bluff, and you're blanked out. As close to level as possible with clear 360 degree line of sight is best.

Good looking rig, what is it?

[RatherBFishing]

Skeeter,
Thanks.  It is, as you said, the best place I could find.  I didn't want to tap into my gunnel, and I wasn't crazy about the rear casting deck, as it can get a bit wet.  The console was perfect for me.  So far so good.  I fish some lakes and the Potomac river and haven't lost signal yet.  This dang thing actually picks up signal INSIDE my garage.  No kidding.  I have been very impressed with Lowrance.

My boat is a 2007 Tracker 175.  I really love it.  Has a 40 hp on it (29-30 mph) and just about everything I need.  It's not a ranger or a bass cat, but it's paid for, and it gets my son and me on the water!!!!

[JEVSkeeter]

I'm just outside Springfield MO home of the Tracker!

Your son looks to be a much better fisherman than you do............. !