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View Full Version : Garmin 545s GPS Install....done


Nehalennia
04-22-2008, 08:17 PM
Well I bought a Garmin 545s from BOEMarine.com + a Vision G2 Card.

I fiddled around this last weekend for a couple of hours trying to make a nice Mahogany base for it to rest in on the dash. I started with these two prototypes. One of them is nice, but the complexity of the curves, dash and windshield became a challenge I don’t have time for.
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o99/ToddOlason/GPSInstall4-22-08.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o99/ToddOlason/GPSInstall4-22-085.jpg

So…………I decided to bite the bullet and mount it to the dash. 15 minutes and I was done. I just need to get a clamshell and cover the wiring.
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o99/ToddOlason/GPSInstall4-22-081.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o99/ToddOlason/GPSInstall4-22-084.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o99/ToddOlason/GPSInstall4-22-083.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o99/ToddOlason/GPSInstall4-22-082.jpg
Go Aweigh2452
04-22-2008, 08:48 PM
Looks like a great unit. Not sure where you'd have mounted the fancy face mounting... But that is certainly a nice unit...


Just remember, You can still get lost... :argh2
Nehalennia
04-22-2008, 09:11 PM
Looks like a great unit. Not sure where you'd have mounted the fancy face mounting... But that is certainly a nice unit...


Just remember, You can still get lost... :argh2
I'm very impressed with it.
I found Longbranch........that's all I need for this weekend.
Ssounder
04-22-2008, 09:25 PM
Very nice. Does that have sonar as well?
Looked it up. S series has sonar and weather. -Nice.
Go Aweigh2452
04-22-2008, 09:30 PM
I found Longbranch........that's all I need for this weekend.

You decide where you will put in?
Nehalennia
04-22-2008, 11:15 PM
You decide where you will put in?

No, but I will decide by Thurs
SomeSailor
04-23-2008, 06:05 AM
Should have said something. I know a guy with a NC laser that would've made quick work of that dash plate. :)
Nehalennia
04-23-2008, 06:59 AM
Very nice. Does that have sonar as well?
Looked it up. S series has sonar and weather. -Nice.
Yes I have the Transom mounted ducer. There is a module that I can buy to give it true sonar.

Should have said something. I know a guy with a NC laser that would've made quick work of that dash plate. :)
I held it up to where the upper dash is and it would have been really tight.
I'll keep that in mind though if I decide to move it.
Stray Cat
04-23-2008, 09:44 PM
Nice!
I like how you blurred your coordinates... :p
Did you consider a Ram mount?
Sundancer
04-23-2008, 10:03 PM
Todd:

Much better! I could still see the coordinates after Stray Cat's post, so I cleared my cache and now I see the swirl! NICE!! :mrgreen: Even better, the swirl looks like the "S" on the old Sea Ray logo's! How clever, intentional or not!!
Nehalennia
04-23-2008, 10:12 PM
Todd:

Much better! I could still see the coordinates after Stray Cat's post, so I cleared my cache and now I see the swirl! NICE!! :mrgreen: Even better, the swirl looks like the "S" on the old Sea Ray logo's! How clever, intentional or not!!

Photobucket has it in their editting area. Worked pretty good.


I looked at some of the ram stuff at West Marine, but they didn't have what I figured was the full selection and it would roughly end up in the same place so, I just took the plunge.
SomeSailor
04-24-2008, 05:47 AM
Hope that doesn't catch your arm as you walk by. I have a VHF that the PO mounted on the side like that which bugs the CRAP out of me now. It isn't long for this boat. :)
Nehalennia
04-24-2008, 06:39 AM
It really doesn't seem to be in the way. I think with the angles of how I took the picture it does seem to hang out there. The sliding door into the cabin doesn't open all the way, so when walking by you're naturally shifting the the port side. We'll see as I use it more.
Stray Cat
04-24-2008, 08:45 AM
Just an FYI for Ram stuff. Cycoactive (http://www.cycoactive.com/) carries lot's of Ram mounts and is local. They are on Airport way by Goldies in South Seattle.
Nehalennia
04-24-2008, 08:49 AM
Just an FYI for Ram stuff. Cycoactive (http://www.cycoactive.com/) carries lot's of Ram mounts and is local. They are on Airport way by Goldies in South Seattle.

Thanks. Looks like a cool place. I may slide in there and take a look. I think this spot for now will do, but if not the Ram did look like a great product. I just didn't see anything I liked at WM, so I bit the bullet
Randygh
04-24-2008, 08:54 AM
Nice clean mount. I bet you'll have little one finger prints on the screen or you'll be answering such questions as, "daddy, what does button do?"
Nehalennia
04-24-2008, 09:49 AM
Nice clean mount. I bet you'll have little one finger prints on the screen or you'll be answering such questions as, "daddy, what does button do?"

Yes I'm looking for the screen protectors already. Not so much for the kids(they do pretty good not touching Daddy's gear) but the "life happens" events.
SomeSailor
04-24-2008, 01:18 PM
Gimme the exact dimensions and I can cut you some. I have rolls of static cling screen protector material. Laser makes quick work of them.
Nehalennia
04-24-2008, 01:22 PM
Gimme the exact dimensions and I can cut you some. I have rolls of static cling screen protector material. Laser makes quick work of them.

I'll measure....thanks Mike
Nehalennia
04-28-2008, 07:53 PM
Well I got the opportunity to test out the 545s this weekend. It worked great and the transom mounted transducer I must have installed in the correct spot, because it worked perfectly. I'm very happy with the ease of use on this unit and I'm glad I bought the 545s V the 540s. The screen is great with the sunshine and sunglasses on.

Also others thought that it may be in the way, but door doesn't open all the behind the helm so the natural path to the door guides you away from it.