www.iFourWinns.com

Hey guys,

Anybody build a GPS screen into the helm of a boat before? I'm sure it's been done, but I'd like to know what challenges you had, and if you have any pictures?

I have a new 200SS on the way, and it has a cubby hole in the left hand side of the helm, that is for storage of wallets, cell phones, keys, etc. I think that would be pretty handy, but I think having a screen installed in that hole so it fits like the stereo on the other side, would be even better. I know some light cutting will be involved, and I have no inclination to do it myself, but I think a good car stereo shop could do a very clean install.

I know I'll have to relocate the mp3 port and 12v DC power port, but I don't see that as a big issue...

thoughts?

opinions?

Thanks in advance.

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2008 H200SS
5.7 EFI Volvo Penta
Black graphics
2004 Toyota 4Runner

As long as the real estate is there it shouldn't be a problem. You need to be a little careful about keeping some kinds of devices away from your compass so it doesn't get thrown off.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

The compass is about 18" away, so I'm not sure if that impacts it or not. I'd rather have a well installed gps than a dead accurate compass, if I had to make a choice.

A photo is enclosed of the same boat, and you can see the cubby where I want to put the screen. Let me know what you think.

OK - scratch that. I have a picture but I can't figure out how to upload it.

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2008 H200SS
5.7 EFI Volvo Penta
Black graphics
2004 Toyota 4Runner

18" away is more than enough. Some things just shouldn't be right next to it.

On posting pics, you first need to upload them to a photo hosting site. I use a free account at photobucket.com, but there are many others. Once you've done that, you just use the "Img" button to reference the www address for that photo.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Too complicated. Why is everything with confusers so bloody complicated?

Anyway, I'm sure your boat has the cubby I speak of, so you know what I mean.

_________________
2008 H200SS
5.7 EFI Volvo Penta
Black graphics
2004 Toyota 4Runner

Here are a couple pictures of an in dash Garmin in a Horizon 260 (maybe 240) that was for sale on eBay a few months back.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Thank you. That is exactly what I had in mind. I was hoping it would fit a little more flush, but I'm sure that's down to the install...

Now my only problem is where to put the woofers!

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2008 H200SS
5.7 EFI Volvo Penta
Black graphics
2004 Toyota 4Runner

That's nice!

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Gotta ask a question about the ignition key and the little rubber "button" below it. Anyone know what this is?

Love the idea of mounting the GPS in the help. Anyone heard anything good about the new Lowrance road/water combo unit? Lesser model than the 600c.

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Brian
2007 Four Winns H200 - VP 5.0L GL/SX
2003 Chevy Avalanche Z66
Canyon Lake, TX

The little black button below the ignition key is the ignition fuse.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Thanks Brian for asking the question about the funny rubber switch.

If it is a fuse how do we check it's value or status

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Jeff

2006 Four Winns Yellow Horizon 30th Anniversary 200 SS
2005 Nissan Titan Crew Cab
2004 Ford F-150 Lariat

http://www.seabrook-services.com

Funny, the more I read through iFourwinns, the more questions I come up with! This site is a great resource, especially to me with some mechanical experience but new to boating.

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Brian
2007 Four Winns H200 - VP 5.0L GL/SX
2003 Chevy Avalanche Z66
Canyon Lake, TX