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 Need input on where to mount GPS External Antenna		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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JB007
Deckhand

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USA
20 Posts
Initially Posted - 05/31/2005 :  16:26:30  Show Profile
I've been tossing and turning over where and how to mount the external antenna for my new Garmin GPS unit. I bought the Deck Mount stub, intending to screw it to the gunwhale in the vicinity of the stern rail. I could drill 3 holes in the gunwhale to hold the deck mount stub and a larger hole for the antenna cable to drop through into the boat. Trouble is that caulking the bottom of the deck mount isn't going to seal the centrally located larger hole because of the long cut-out slot on the side of the deck mount stub. Can't run the cable out the side of the deck mount and put a weather tight plug in the gunwhale because cutting the cable voids the warranty.

My GPS unit is mounted on a swing-out arm mount inside the cabin, portside of the companion way. From there I have to run the wires to the power panel located on the starboard side of the companion way.

Would appreciate some input from you all on the best, aesthetic and efficient way to do this. Thanks very much in advance.
John Bartelt
Lake Pueblo, Colorado
C25 TR/SK
#4406
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Dave Laux
Captain

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318 Posts
Response Posted - 05/31/2005 :  19:39:18  Show Profile
Get a cable clam and put it where you want the wire to go through. It will allow the connector to pass. Dave
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JB007
Deckhand

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USA
20 Posts
Response Posted - 06/02/2005 :  00:12:30  Show Profile
Thank you, Dave. I learned something new and will use your recommendation.
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Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts
Response Posted - 06/02/2005 :  01:05:51  Show Profile  Visit Douglas's Homepage
What about using a sucktion cup. That way you will be able to stow it when done.
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lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts
Response Posted - 06/02/2005 :  22:58:02  Show Profile
I mounted my Garmin 168 external antenna on the stern pulpit above the outboard, on a standard 1" rail mount from West marine. In that location, it won't snag main or jib sheets, stub toes or be a tripping hazard. I also have a swing mount, with the GPS on the top of the swing arm, and the VHF radio below it. The GPS antenna and Depth Sounder cables run down from the swing arm pivot, down the bulkhead, then behind the companionway ladder, then along the top of the plywood partition between the quarterberth and portside lazarette, then out through a 3/4" hole in the transom. Alternatively, you could run the cables aft through the bilge space under the quarterberth, then out the transom. Since the transom already has a bunch of holes drilled in it, for the motor mount and swim ladder mount, drilling one more hole to pass the antenna and sounder cables was less traumatic than drilling a hole in the deck.
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JB007
Deckhand

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USA
20 Posts
Response Posted - 06/03/2005 :  23:33:01  Show Profile
Doug and Larry, thanks for your very helpful responses.
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wmuchmore
1st Mate

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USA
56 Posts
Response Posted - 06/04/2005 :  21:15:53  Show Profile
You didn't say which model Garmin you have. My Garmin model 162 has an optional replacement back which contains a built in antenna. It cost about $65 and works great. No external antenna is needed. I have it mounted on a piece of 1/2 x 6 tapered to fit in the cockpit hatch and just put it in place when needed. Couldn't be easier.

Mike Muchmore, 2083 "Calamity Jane" (Guess my wife's name.)
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JB007
Deckhand

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USA
20 Posts
Response Posted - 06/05/2005 :  00:26:37  Show Profile
Mike, I didn't get the internal GPS antenna and instead chose the external antenna option for my model 178 Garmin because I wanted to avoid blocking out the satellites with the sail, mast, etc.
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wmuchmore
1st Mate

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USA
56 Posts
Response Posted - 06/06/2005 :  19:44:25  Show Profile
JB007,

Regarding the optional back with built in antenna, this is the third year of using it on my Garmin GPS and I have had no problem with satelites being blocked by spars or sails in that time.

Mike M.
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lauvermd
Deckhand

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13 Posts
Response Posted - 06/08/2005 :  14:09:20  Show Profile
I have a Lowrance chartplotter and I mounted the antenna on the stern pulpit in the center. I then used cable ties to route the wire along the pulpit to port and down the vertical part and through the vent for the port side locker that is on the transom. I then ran it forward and through the panel that separates the locker from the galley ran it up the inside of the bulkhead and through to my mounted plotter on the bulkhead using a clam vent. I too wanted a separate antenna to avoid interfernce from the sails/boom etc. So far it has worked great. As an aside if anyone is considering a color chartplotter the lowrance 3500 was only $500 and most important the nauticpath chip covers the entire country for $100.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.