242 two way radio mounting location

[NORCAL-GAS]

I'm wanting to mount a non-handheld two way radio to my 2018 242x. I'd like to see some pics of what other 242 owners have done to mount their radios. If you also could describe any install tips, radio advice, or other FYI's, I would appreciate it.

I should mention that I'm looking at the standard horizon gx1700 as my top choice right now. Thoughts?

 

[Captbob]

Here is where I put mine.

 

[Bluewater272]

Newer boat, but same location recommendation

 

[NORCAL-GAS]

those look nice, but it seems like my long legs would hit it....
I think that does seem like a logical place though.

 

[BBottoms]

I used a piece of 1/4" starboard and mounted where the factory storage tray is behind the throttles. I can remove 4 screws, unhook the power and antenna cables and put the tray back when running on my local lake where I don't need the VHF.

 

[NORCAL-GAS]

That’s what I was looking for. Good idea. I’ll prob do that. Unless someone has an idea for the area to the right of the throttle.

 

[Captbob]

I put mine under the dash as shown above and my height is 6'0" and I have never hit my leg or knee for what its worth.

 

[AJack]

I used a piece of 1/4" starboard and mounted where the factory storage tray is behind the throttles. I can remove 4 screws, unhook the power and antenna cables and put the tray back when running on my local lake where I don't need the VHF.

View attachment 80922

@BBottoms I really like this installation, very clean and out of the way. Which radio is that?

 

[BBottoms]

@BBottoms I really like this installation, very clean and out of the way. Which radio is that?

It's a Standard Horizon GX1700. Many fixed mounts that have the ability to be flush mounted could work though. I had to buy a separate flush mount kit for the GX1700, which was just two small stainless brackets. I think it was $15 or so.

I was a little worried about the built in GPS in the radio picking up satellites but it seems to work fine and the unit is probably as or more exposed to the sky than an under dash mount.

 

[Captbob]

My Horizon 17oo (GPS) works fine under the dash. It takes a little longer to get GPS signal when the winter cover is on.

 

[VaMarine]

@BBottoms do you have any pictures or information your willing to share on where you placed your antenna?

I think I'm going to mimic your install, but concerned about antenna placement.

 

[Rod5]

I mounted mine just above the storage tray. I almost mounted it in place of the storage tray but couldn’t bring myself to do without it. Also installed the booster speaker witch is a must so you can hear it underway.

 

[VaMarine]

@Rod5 where is your antenna mounted?

 

[Julian]

Here is mine:

External speaker:

 

[Dean P]

I know mine boat is slightly different than yours but i placed it GX1600 here and mounted the antenna here.

 

[Dean P]

Mount is compliments of @Mainah install. Love this mount, very clean looking and the antenna can be stowed. Big plus in my book.

 

[Julian]

Here are photos of my antenna mounting (covered in this post). The handle is accessible through the zipper in the bimini cover for access to the tower light. This is a shakespeare quick connect antenna, so I can remove the antenna when not needed.

 

[VaMarine]

@Julian, My bimini fabric covers that bar you're attached to, except for where the hole for the Anchor light is cut out. I dont know if they have changed the design, or the bimini is installed wrong. I'll take some pics this weekend.. But I don't think I could fit the Antenna there without cutting the whole bigger in the bimini... Where yours is mounted is where I would want mine as the added height = added range.

 

[Julian]

@Julian, My bimini fabric covers that bar you're attached to, except for where the hole for the Anchor light is cut out. I dont know if they have changed the design, or the bimini is installed wrong. I'll take some pics this weekend.. But I don't think I could fit the Antenna there without cutting the whole bigger in the bimini... Where yours is mounted is where I would want mine as the added height = added range.

Ah....I forgot they changed the bimini/tower design! Changed for the worse in my mind unfortunately. I like having the mounting options above the cover the way the 2016/2017 models have it set up!

For those that want a visual of before and after, here is the 2016/17 tower:


And here is how they look now:

 

[Rod5]

@Rod5 where is your antenna mounted?

Here is my antenna location.