Ram Mount Question

[bluewingjb]

I am going to be getting an HDS 7 or 8 and plan on using a Ram mount. What size should I go with and can anybody suggest where to get them? I know Air Ride in Collegdale has them. I was figuring a 1.5 inch ball would be ok but would like to be sure. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Mike Hernandez]

Check out this link... http://www.ram-mount.com/Products/MarineElectronicMounts/tabid/141/Default.aspx

You may want to check with the guys at Island Cove Outdoors. They sell and install them.

Good luck.

 

[bluewingjb]

Thanks.. It seems Ram mounts would come in more ball sizes, so far all I have seen is 1, 1.5 and 2.25 The 2.25 is a bit over kill for a 7 and maybe a 8 too.. Seems to me a 1.75 or 2 would be perfect.. As for installation I will do that myself.. I will check with Island too..

 

[captain kirk]

I have a HDS- 7 mounted on a RAM MOUNT model RAM-111 U. I tried the larger mount with the 2.25 inch ball and found it was much too large for a HDS-7. I bought mine fron Anchor Express, they suggested the larger mount would be the correct mount but the RAM-111 U with the 1.5 inch ball has done fine for the past two years.

 

[bluewingjb]

I am going with the HDS 8 but still think the mount you got would be sufficient. How much did you get yours for if I may ask? Thanks for the info

 

[sdfd504]

You want the largest ball size for the HDS-8. Trust me in rough water you will need it.

 

[Rangerman]

sdfd504 - 2/23/2012 11:46 PM

You want the largest ball size for the HDS-8. Trust me in rough water you will need it.

sdfd is correct, a 1.5 is fine for an HDS 7 but once you go to an HDS 8 you need to go to the larger size.
Also after you get home you need to either loosen the mount from the ball because if you don't over time they will not hold as good.

 

[bluewingjb]

I plan on removing the unit anytime the boat is home. I would hate to have it turn up missing... Nope it will be removed anytime the boat is not in the water.. Is the 8 that much heavier than the 7??

 

[duckhunter4hire]

I have the larger one on my 8 too and it will move if you dont dog it diwn tight. They that smaller will work, but you need the larger one. Fish n fun is were i got mine.

 

[bluewingjb]

Where is fish n fun and how much did you pay??

 

[Mike Hernandez]

FnF is close to Chester Frost Park. When you turn off Hixson Pike to go to the park, they're on the right hand side. Can't miss 'em. Here's a link...

http://www.chattanoogafishnfun.com/map_hours.asp

 

[bluewingjb]

What was the price???

 

[heydaddy]

Larger mount is about $110. Got mine at BPS in Atlanta. I have an HDS 10 and plan on replacing my 5 with an 8 and will use the larger mount. Also allows for just about any angle of viewing

 

[captain kirk]

If you will go to Anchor Express on the web, you can find the weight of the HDS-7&8 .

 

[bluewingjb]

I am at the site now, do they have a special section for it? To me the unit feels like its about 5-7 lbs.. The 1.5 inch RAM mount is rated for 10lbs.

 

[bluewingjb]

Found the physical specs and get this the unit is only 4.2lbs!!!!! Thats less than half of the rated weight of the 1.5 inch RAM mount.. I thought the 2.25 was over kill when I saw how big the 1.5 is.
Here is the link to the specs on the HDS 8

http://www.marinegeneral.com/productdetails.asp?productid=1462412&directoryid=11423&parentid=10960

 

[duckhunter4hire]

Trust me, you want the larger one or you will have to keep ajusting it while running. I have an 8 at the console on the large mount on a 201 stratos and if I don't dog it down, it will move while running. It's not too big.

 

[bluewingjb]

How long of an arm is it on??? The longer the arm the more leverage the unit will have to move on the mount. I have a short arm which will reduce the leverage of my unit.. Hey all I can do is see!!

 

[captain kirk]

I went to the Ram Mount web site and it appeared to have a tool on the marine page that will allow you to select the right mount for your unit. I am having problems staying on line this morning, probably due to yesterday's weather and could not bring up a full page. I agree with the others, you don't want to end up with a marginal ram mount.

 

[flpper]

These guys are telling you right.......... go with the bigger ball! You will find out why when you get out on the big water with wind and whitecaps.

I have the bigger ball and the shorter arm on my Nitro TF170 for a HB998ciSI @ the console. It's a little tight with the console, but the shorter arm doesn't need a stop to keep it level.

Doug V. (and others) recommend loosening the wing-nut and removing the unit (all but the base of course) when not in boat to maintain integrity of security.