Display Mounts & RAM Mounts

Display Mounts and RAM Mounts Resources and Information

PartsVu is thrilled to stock a wide selection of display mounts and RAM mounts from trusted manufacturers like RAM Mount, NavPod, Scanstrut, Seaview, Edson Marine, and others. Use these mounts on your boat to mount navigation and communication modules, like VHF transceivers, cameras, fishfinders, GPS units, Chartplotters, and more. 

Looking for more boating products? Browse our selection of Boat Products and Accessories

or Electronics & Navigation. Or browse Display Mounts and RAM Mounts by category, including: 

• NavPod
• RAM Mount

Display Mounts and RAM Mounts FAQs

Do I really need a VHF radio?

The short answer is, yes, you most definitely need a VHF radio or 2-way radio particularly if you boat any significant distance from the shore. But, why? If you get into trouble you can simply call the authorities on your cell phone, right? Well…maybe and maybe is not the answer you want in an emergency. The following are the reasons you need a VHF radio on your boat in addition to your cell phone.

Imagine that you find yourself in an emergency situation and you are offshore and away from cell towers. Or maybe you are not that far offshore, but the day is very overcast and your phone is having difficulty obtaining reception. You need to contact the authorities or other support and you look down at your phone and see no or maybe only one of those coveted bars. With VHF radios you never have to worry about losing service. While cell phones rely on cell reception, data, and wifi, two-way radios are a self-contained communications network. This means that if for whatever reason cell phones aren’t working, your two-way radio is there at the ready.

Certain two-way radios are built to withstand very harsh environmental conditions. Rain, sand, extreme cold do nothing to stand in the way of these rugged radios as many two-way radio models are waterproof and sand-proof. Some can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes, in a depth of three feet, and still be functional.

Multiple people can be dispatched at one time reducing the need to call people individually. In addition, everyone involved in an emergency situation can communicate instantly assuring help is on the way as quickly as possible and all involved can stay in touch in the meantime.

Fixed VHF radios are powered by the boat’s electrical system. However, handheld 2-way radios generally have longer battery lives than your cell phone and serve as great backup communication devices.

How do I select the best chartplotter for my boat?

Offshore boating in the ocean or on the Great Lakes demands a higher functioning chartplotter. As mentioned above, if you primarily boat in small, inland areas, a basic chartplotter will likely serve you well. If your boat offshore, you will need to select a unit with greater processing speeds, the ability to easily download updated charts, and the capability to integrate with other tools and systems within your boat.

Generally speaking, smaller screens work well in smaller boats. Similarly, operators of larger boats will likely need a considerably larger screen since they will probably be situated at a greater distance from the chartplotter given the need to manage multiple interfaces.

Most chartplotters can be bracket mounted, which gives you a lot of flexibility. But be sure that the unit you select can be mounted so that it is visible from appropriate angles and can be protected from water—both waves and weather.

Chartplotters vary tremendously in price, from $150 to thousands of dollars. The type of boating you do and the bodies of water you boat on will determine what kind of chartplotter you need (what you want is another question). If you boat on fairly small inland lakes, a chartplotter robust enough for a transatlantic crossing is simply not necessary. However, if you will be boating on large bodies of water, you will need to spend more to ensure you have an instrument powerful enough to facilitate safe boating and ease of navigation.

Whether you select a fairly inexpensive chartplotter or a very expensive unit with all the bells and whistles, make sure that the unit is easy to operate and understand. The following is a selection of chartplotters that are popular among the PartsVu community. Given the diversity within the PartsVu community—from offshore boaters to fishermen who frequent smaller inland lakes—there is a significant diversity of needs. This range is represented within the units featured.

Why should I get a marine GPS unit?

A GPS navigation unit is a necessary addition to any boat. It will get you home should you lose your way exploring unknown waters, traveling many miles offshore, or boating at night. It can also be used to mark the last known position of a crewmember should they fall overboard. This can be a critical tool in case of an emergency scenario. Overall, a GPS unit comes in very handy in the following areas:

• Lakes/Rivers – fishing hollows, water ski spots, campsite locations, swimming holes/coves, meet up points
• Near Shore/In Shore – mark routes, weight points, barrier island spots, shelling locations, dockside restaurants, nearby coastal areas

What are the most popular Hummingbird GPS systems?

This five-inch, color screen GPS unit features high sensitivity down-imaging sonar, giving you a fish-eye’s view of everything that’s happening under your boat.

With a max depth of 600 feet below your boat, you’ll be able to make the most of your fishing trip. The HELIX 5 CHIRP DI GPS G2 has a range of features, including SmartStrike– a feature that takes you straight to the action by showing you where the fish are biting at any given moment. The patent pending AutoChart Live allows you to create digital, detailed maps live and on the water, or enhance existing maps in the system. Illuminated by its high definition display, your maps will look better than ever. 

These features are practically unbeatable at this price point, making the Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP DI GPS G2 a great choice for any angler.

This GPS unit features a larger 7” display and many of the features you’d expect from Humminbird: MEGA Side Imaging, providing crystal-clear viewing out to 125 feet on either side of your boat; Dual Spectrum CHIRP; SwitchFire Sonar, which allows the user to add or remove detail, account for water depth, temperature, turbulence, and more; Bluetooth capabilities; and more. 

One of the benefits of a larger, ultra-wide display screen is the option to choose between pre-loaded split screen options. The 480×800 screen provides a fantastic display, so you can use the Humminbird Basemaps with spectacular clarity.

When it comes to robust features and popularity amongst the PartsVu community, the SOLIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI Fishfinder/GPS Combo G2 has both. Its features build on those of the previously mentioned HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS, including more powerful MEGA Side Imaging up to 200 feet. 

Some of the added notable features include Cross Touch Interface, which allows you to control your fish finder using the touchscreen or the keypad. Cross Touch lets you quickly and intuitively access technologies on your terms, no matter your situation and conditions. With added NMEA 2000® Networking capabilities, the SOLIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI Fishfinder/GPS Combo G2 is practical, easy to use, and fully designed with the user in mind. While the price is steeper than some may prefer, it’s well worth every penny.