Mounting Radar on swing out mount

Scout · Post by **Scout** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 12:39 pm

I was just about to order the bracket from West Marine, but then I read the one review they had up there....so before I reluctantly hit the buy it button, I thought I'd put it out here.

Does anyone know of any other sources of such an animal? I have googled and googles and rally can't find anything that might work.

Our one issue is that the general area where this will be mounted is near a compass so it needs to be able to keep it's distance from that. If I could remember the name of the compass, I'd look it up to see what clearance they recommend but I can't remember right now...

Post by **Tim** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 1:18 pm

That review is completely at odds with my own experience with the two aluminum swing mounts that I've been using for years. The reviewer sounds like a bit of a dub who perhaps has a bone to pick for other reasons. Does he know "lefty-loosey, righty-tightey, I wonder?

I love mine, and unless something's changed with how they're built, I'd highly recommend these. There really aren't any other commercially-available options. As I've said before, I cannot and will not defend the absurd pricing on these items, but despite that I've found them to be of high quality and more attractive than most home-built options might be--and therefore worth the price, at least on some level.

Post by **dasein668** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 3:21 pm

Despite the insane pricing, I like mine. I'm not sure what he's talking about with the bolt?maybe the design has changed?but my mount is tapped and the bolt threads through plus has a nut on top. There's no way mine could fall off.

Here's the review in question.

Here's a picture of my mount. I just have the "Basic" one.

Jason K · Post by **Jason K** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 8:56 pm

I just got mine in the mail last week. Although I have not installed it, it is solidly built and looks well engineered. I would not put too much stock in that West Marine customer review. If you don't like it, you can always return it.

AJ · Post by AJ » Thu Jun 21, 2007 9:38 pm

I've never seen one of these in person, but I've come across this site and have been considering ordering one of the swing arms they advertise:

http://www.gpscity.com/marine-gps/f=109+swing+arms

AJ

Post by **dasein668** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 9:58 pm

My inlaws have a couple of those RAM mounts on the Nonsuch they are boat-sitting. They seem well made, but unless you need the additional articulation, I think they're a little bit of overkill, and the plain swing-arm types are a little easier to use for something that you are going to swing in and out alot.

The RAMs are really good for something that needs a nice mount that might want to be articulated out an odd angle, but isn't going to move alot, like on a steering pedestal.

Scout · Post by **Scout** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 9:51 am

Thanks all. I ordered it yestserday. It seems to be the only game in town and I figured we could just modify it, if needed.

Good to know it's worked out for you all.

Allen · Post by **Allen** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 11:09 am

I just read the review and it seems diametrically opposed to my experience with this product. I installed the small/medium unit on KAHOLEE years ago to hold my Garmin 120 GPS. The unit has never needed to be tightened even in fairly rough seas. I was so happy with the unit I purchased the large one to mount my Raymarine RL80CRC Plus display. This unit is fairly heavy and fairly expensive so if I did not have faith in the mount I would not have purchased the second one. I think it will serve you well and you will be completely happy with it.