Electronics question

[t-bone]

I've got two Lowrance 520s networked on my boat (ranger z20) now. I'm considering upgrading to HDS and structurescan. What is the largest size HD unit I can flush mount in the dash and bow? Can I get a HDS7 in both?

[SethV]

I have seen HDS7's flush mounted in the Bow - it takes some work but you can do it.  I have a 998 flush mounted in my bow.  Not sure about the console.  You could leave the 520 flush mounted and put a bigger unit on a RAM mt - HDS 11 would be nice.

[fear no fish]

HDS7 specs: width 8.8 in, height 6.4 in, depth 3.5 in

[t-bone]

Thanks for the specs

so the 520c is:
w 6.9
H 5.4
D 3.4

I'll take a look at this when I get the boat back.

[SethV]

Where is your boat at?  Let me know if you want a hand with install.

[t-bone]

Its at Wonderland for a couple things but I'd take you up on the install of the HDS. I'll let you know when I get it back and what options I go with. A HDS10 would be nice!

[SethV]

If it is your money I am spending I would pick an HDS 7 for the bow and an HDS 11 for the console.  Give Justin over at 3Rivers a call and he will hook you up!!

Shoot, since we are spending your money, why not a radar unit also!!   

[A Lee]

When ram mounting a unit near the console, should i run the power, transducer and network cables up and around the console or should i drill through? I currently have a hds 5 mounted to the dash and would like to move it to a ram mount.

[t-bone]

Settled in on two HDS5's mounted where the 520s are, with StructureScan. I figured this is a good first step to see how valuable the structurescan is for me and then if I really use it, I can add an 8 or 10 into the mix on a ram mount.
Wonderland is doing the install while they have the boat for other reasons.

[Firefighter Jeff]

When ram mounting a unit near the console, should i run the power, transducer and network cables up and around the console or should i drill through? I currently have a hds 5 mounted to the dash and would like to move it to a ram mount.

  I dont have a unit on my boat yet, but very soon.  From all the pics I've seen on the internet, I'm going to drill a hole and bring the wires up and through.  It's a lot cleaner look.  Even saw a custom puck-like mount that you attach the bottom of the ram mount that looked good.  Now if I can just find where I saw it.  lololol

[SethV]

When ram mounting a unit near the console, should i run the power, transducer and network cables up and around the console or should i drill through? I currently have a hds 5 mounted to the dash and would like to move it to a ram mount.

  I dont have a unit on my boat yet, but very soon.  From all the pics I've seen on the internet, I'm going to drill a hole and bring the wires up and through.  It's a lot cleaner look.  Even saw a custom puck-like mount that you attach the bottom of the ram mount that looked good.  Now if I can just find where I saw it.  lololol

I usually drill a hole and run them through.

On the bigger units, I like to drill a hole further from the ram base - minimize the number of holes in a small area.  For the small HDS 7 or 700 series HB's you can run the wires under the base ok.

I think the base you are talking about is this one  http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread?id=621698

[A Lee]

Thank you very much for the help! The base looks pretty good. Id like to drill the least amount of holes in my boat as possible and that looks like the best way. Do you like to mount to the console or to the gunnel?

[SethV]

Mount it in an area that has the thickest glass that you can use bolts and nuts - try to avoid mounting in an area that requires you to use self tapping screws.

My 998 sits on the biggest ram mount they make (2.5" ball) and I used 5/16 stainless bolts to hold it down.

Terry - what you going to do with the 520's?  You could put one on a RAM at the console.  Nice to have multiple screens - esp tiny screens like those.  You can keep one on GPS and the other on Sonar / SI.

[t-bone]

I wasn't thinking about using the 520s but rather selling them off. Interesting idea with the ram mount. Hmmm...

[A Lee]

if you are looking to sell your 520's, give me a shout, id be interested.