flush or surface mount

gtflash · 19 July 2008, 17:01

got a new plotter and cant make up my mind if i should flush fit in dash or surface mount on bracket!

Flush certainly looks better but then it really has to stay with the boat.... not so good for selling or if the boat left for long periods of time.

surface mount has better viewing angle for my console but really its gotta go with ya everywhere.... including the pub

anyone else faced this dillema

Tim M · 19 July 2008, 18:46

Faced this very problem last week. In the end I decided to flush mount. It looks better as you say. The viewing angle on the plotter I fitted is pretty good from most angles, and I can see the screen clearly from the helm position. I don't like the idea of having cables coming out of the console - either water manages to get inside the console, or the plug on the end of the cable dies from being exposed to water (or both).

Channel Ribs · 20 July 2008, 07:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtflash

got a new plotter and cant make up my mind if i should flush fit in dash or surface mount on bracket!

Another vote for flush from me.

Hightower · 20 July 2008, 09:24

Flush for me too as I saw the results of a surface mount chartplotter and a depth gauge after someone got pushed into them at high speed, their hand wasn't a pretty sight either.

Bigmuz7 · 20 July 2008, 10:15

Flush for me too .. as long as your angle of view is good in all conditions, ie bright sunlight

gtflash · 20 July 2008, 13:10

flush it is then... ill check the viewing angle 1st though.

thanks

Tim M · 20 July 2008, 14:23

What sort of plotter is it?

gtflash · 21 July 2008, 00:08

navman 8"

RichardB · 21 July 2008, 13:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtflash

navman 8"

If it's the Navman 8120, I'd be careful mounting it. I have one of these and find it pretty poor viewing 'off-axis' or in sunlight. And the matt screen finish smears badly which makes viewing even harder in the sun. Bit disappointing really, but in other respects it's a very neat bit of kit.

gtflash · 21 July 2008, 22:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichardB

If it's the Navman 8120, I'd be careful mounting it. I have one of these and find it pretty poor viewing 'off-axis' or in sunlight. And the matt screen finish smears badly which makes viewing even harder in the sun. Bit disappointing really, but in other respects it's a very neat bit of kit.

thanks ill consider that! just the one tick in the box for surface mount then

RichardB · 22 July 2008, 23:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtflash

thanks ill consider that! just the one tick in the box for surface mount then

Not exactly a 'vote' as such as we have it flush mounted and looks great.

Just make sure you are happy where its going to fit and beware of the screen characteristics. Can you rig up and test it out in position powered up before you wire it in / cut holes etc?

gtflash · 26 July 2008, 17:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichardB

Not exactly a 'vote' as such as we have it flush mounted and looks great.

Just make sure you are happy where its going to fit and beware of the screen characteristics. Can you rig up and test it out in position powered up before you wire it in / cut holes etc?

yes i can. My biggest issue with flush mount is the area i keep my boat has a patchy past with boat thefts!! taking it home elimnates that concern!

Erin · 28 July 2008, 19:16

Only downside I suffered from flush mount was the pain in removing it when it had to go back to Garmin because of screen fogging. I surface mounted on my new boat as I expect to upgrade at some point and I'm sure the hole will be the wrong size for a new model.

GED · 28 July 2008, 21:24

surface mount allows you to take it off and play with it at home on a 12volt supply!
found flush mounts to fog up more because of humidity in consoles...

Top banana · 28 July 2008, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by GED

surface mount allows you to take it off and play with it at home on a 12volt supply!
found flush mounts to fog up more because of humidity in consoles...

I allso agree with ged, surface mount,for the reasons mentioned, and easier vieving if mounted on top of the console.