Vhf radio installation for 2010 q7 sf

[AgentJ]

Hello, im trying to find a good place to mount a VHF marine radio in my new boat. please reply with suggestions and pics please. im desperate. i dont wqant to mount it when someone else might have a better suggestion. i plan on going off shore so a handheld wont do. Thanks!!

 

[1fishbone]

Re: Vhf radio installation for 2010 q7 sf

Welcome to the iboats forum.

It would help if you told us what type of boat you have.

Center Console with or without T top.
Mount it behind the windshield or in a control box mounted to the T top.

A cabin cruiser with/without fly-bridge. Mount it behind the windshield, they can stand a little rain, but the sun destroys the LCD screen.

Bay type boat with just a deck and windshield. Same thing here.

 

[kailec00]

Re: Vhf radio installation for 2010 q7 sf

I would say the only place is below the steering wheel where the fuse box is. This would be the best place to keep it dry. I do not go out off shore, but would think you for sure need the VHF. Most of the boats I have seen off shore seem to be a different type of boat.

 

[AgentJ]

Re: Vhf radio installation for 2010 q7 sf

Thanks for the welcome!

I thought i did that when i posted under Tahoe boats and identified the boat in the title as a 2010 Q7 sf.

 

[AgentJ]

Re: Vhf radio installation for 2010 q7 sf

I thought about that. but my radio is DSC capable and i want to be able to see and use the interface. Im not to worrried about keeping it dry because it is water proof. Most VHF's are. To me , it would not make sence if you have anything in your boat that isn't. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[kailec00]

Re: Vhf radio installation for 2010 q7 sf

I do not know anything about VHF radios. I only go out on lakes and can see the shore from every place. I would agree that most things on my boat are water proof, but I still don?t want my depth finder getting soaked all day. Found a photo of the dash area for the Q7, have you thought about mounting it starboard side of the steering wheel. Just far enough forward that the throttle will not hit it. Not sure how big your VHF is. I know there is plenty room for my depth finder by the gauges on my boat, but it is only about 7?x8?x4?.

 

[AgentJ]

Re: Vhf radio installation for 2010 q7 sf

LOL.... well... thats where i put my garmin 441s Chartplotter.. Man... for having so much room in the boat, it seems there are little options where to put things. Thanks for the suggestion. i have the chartplotter/ sounder mounted there so i can see it while driving. thats what i wasnt to do with my |VHF, i looks like my options are gonna be limited. i also thought about mounting it to the top of the dash on the passenger side, but them i would not be able to open the cooler/glove box.

 

[Mykroft]

Re: Vhf radio installation for 2010 q7 sf

I had a similar situation to yours last spring when I got my Tahoe Q4. I mounted my garmin chartplotter up on a RAM mount near that cupholder to the right of the steering wheel. For the VHF radio, I ended up using this leftover clamp thing I had leftover from installing a trailer wiring harness on my truck. Basically, this thing:

http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Draw-Tite/18136.html

I took that and mounted it to the underside of my dash right onto some solid metal parts of the steering rack. It's a pretty solid hold. From there I took the bail mount that came with my VHF and drilled holes through the mount to match the holes on that bracket. From there the VHF just hangs on the bail mount.

The VHF is not really that visible for the driver as it's tucked up under the dash a tad, but it's there and the radio cord is long enough to reach up and be usable and I can change the channels with the mic so it's easy to use.

I'd take some pictures to show you but my boat is in storage so I can't. I certainly can once I get it back out this season.

LOL.... well... thats where i put my garmin 441s Chartplotter.. Man... for having so much room in the boat, it seems there are little options where to put things. Thanks for the suggestion. i have the chartplotter/ sounder mounted there so i can see it while driving. thats what i wasnt to do with my |VHF, i looks like my options are gonna be limited. i also thought about mounting it to the top of the dash on the passenger side, but them i would not be able to open the cooler/glove box.

 

[AgentJ]

Re: Vhf radio installation for 2010 q7 sf

Where did you mount your antenna? and how long is it?

 

[Mykroft]

Re: Vhf radio installation for 2010 q7 sf

Where did you mount your antenna? and how long is it?

If you are asking me I mounted mine using a rail mount to my bimini top rail. I can turn it down and strap it to the rail when not in use so it tucks away nicely. It's a 3' whip antenna.

I'm thinking of getting a different antenna and moving mine to the back similar to what this guy did:

http://forums.iboats.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=66806&d=1283816463

 

[AgentJ]

Re: Vhf radio installation for 2010 q7 sf

That looks like a good set up. thanks for the response.