In-dash or Gimbal mount Sonar

[MuskieWannabe]

As we very slowly start looking at boats, I came away from the Boat Show with one question. Do you prefer an in-dash sonar/GPS or one on a Gimbal mount, or mounted on the dash, and not in? I checked out a few boats with in-dash sonars and they seemed low for my taste, as though I have to look down to see it. I have always had mine mounted either on the dash or on a gimbal mount so it is closer to the windshield so I can see it and where I am going at the same time without dropping my eyes. I was just wondering what other's like or dislike about each and which you prefer?

Cheers,

MW

[lape0019]

I've never have the luxury of one mounted in dash but think I would prefer it on a mount regardless of location. The mount gives you a little freedom on position so I would like to keep that flexibility.

[ShawnD]

I like having the screen on the dash but mounted up right.
That's how I had it in my old Cajun.

The new boat will have it in Dash, I'm pretty sure that won't last long because like the OP said, you have to look down.
We shall see!

[PunchRig]

Hey Shawn it's Chris, i sold you that old cajun, congrats on the new boat, having in dash is convient, but the other drawback, is you can't adjust it well for the sun, even new HD units aren't perfect to see with direct sunlight.

[ShawnD]

Hey Shawn it's Chris, i sold you that old cajun, congrats on the new boat, having in dash is convient, but the other drawback, is you can't adjust it well for the sun, even new HD units aren't perfect to see with direct sunlight.

Hey Chris, I was wondering who what this PunchRig guy
Welcome back man!

Thanks! I can't wait to get it in the water and start messing with adjustments to get as much speed as I can out of it.

For the HB dash mounted, they come from the factory like that so we'll see how long it last before I buy or make a mount to hold it upright.

[StarTzar]

As we very slowly start looking at boats, I came away from the Boat Show with one question. Do you prefer an in-dash sonar/GPS or one on a Gimbal mount, or mounted on the dash, and not in? I checked out a few boats with in-dash sonars and they seemed low for my taste, as though I have to look down to see it. I have always had mine mounted either on the dash or on a gimbal mount so it is closer to the windshield so I can see it and where I am going at the same time without dropping my eyes. I was just wondering what other's like or dislike about each and which you prefer?

Cheers,

MW

We have a Ranger Z118 and our sonar/GPS is mounted on a Gimbal to the right and close to the windshield.
At eye level as you described it.
I would absolutely hate to have to look down and sometimes over the steering.
Even with a folding steering, you still have to look down.