GPS antenna

[Butt Ugly]

Where on the boat is the best place to put it? Front or back? I have an 18.5' I/O boat. Manual says anywhere it has a clear view all the way around. If I go up front I guess I'm worried about the windshield and cockpit area. Lots of room on the back transom area, but is that a good spot when all the action of fishing etc takes place with chance of tangling with it

Then, I suppose I could also ask where is the best spot for the 8' VHF antenna? The manual for the radio talks about RF signals and should be kept as far away from people as possible with a minimum of about 2-3'. I would guess about as far forwad as I can and still be able to fold it down along the gunnel.

Such a beautiful day and I should be out fishing rather than installing all these electronics. GRRRR!

 

[PinchMe]

Ugly - Mount at the bow, front of the windshield, but better pole mounted off to either side.
Not sure what kind of boat, but ideally you want it mounted as high as possible, clear of any rigging. If you have a bimini, on top would be ideal.
You're right about the whip antennae for VHF, forward but able to fold down nicely along the gunnel. Again high as possible for best results.
Good Luck
PinchMe

 

[Kisinana]

I have 18 1/2 Campion my GPS receiver is dead centre at top edge of windshield and my VHF 8ft whip is mounted on the deck about 1 foot forward of my control console and at the base of the windshield so that it folds down the side of the boat for storage.

 

[Last Chance]

No hardtop, put it wherever you like. Radar is the only thing that can interfere with it.

 

[Butt Ugly]

Awesome, I'm getting great replies. The boat is '78 K&C soft top. I'll mount the VHF whip right where I thought it would go and as you guys figure.

GPS I'll figure out yet. Might just try a temporary mount to see how it goes. Don't really want to pole mount it in the center of the windshield if I can avoid it, I was hoping for a flush mount, but maybe if it can be over by the whip a pole would be ok, and that is if there is no chance of any interference problems. I still have to mount a horn for the loudhailer up there somewhere too.

All this marine electronics stuff is new to me, so if I sound like a total noobie, I am! This stuff cost more than I paid for the boat, but I like toys. The unit is a Standard Horizon CPV350, the one with integrated VHF, and it takes up alot of real estate on top of the dash in the windshield.

If I can finish getting this stuff installed in the morning, I'm going fishing! And I don't care if it's supposed to rain.

 

[1stLite]

I mounted mine inside the windshield right on the dash.Works great gets a fix in the garage right through the roof of the house

 

[salmonkiller01]

my garmin anttenna is built in to the unit and works great on the dash. Only loose signal when I park under the boathouse. My freinds lowrance antenna is also on the dash and works.