Covers for electronics while trailering.

[chamookman]

What does everybody use to cover the depthfinders and GPS`s while trialering? My old boat I would remove them, But with the new, seems like it will be a pain. My GPS- Garmin 162 comes with a face cover, so thats not a problem. Would like to find something for the Bottomlines. Thanks in advance- Bob WC#253.

[perchjerker]

I would remove them anyway. I never leave mine on. Vibration is one of the biggest killers of electronics.

[REW]

Be wise, be safe, be happy.
Get a nice cushioned case, remove all electronics, put them in the case, and lock in the tow vehicle.
When you get to your destination, take them - nice clean, dry, and untouched from their cushioned case, put them on the boat and enjoy,.

It only takes a few minutes to install or deinstall your unit.
By keeping them safely locked in your tow vehicle, or in your storage closet at home, you can be assured that you expensive electronics will function for you as long as possible, that they won't get ripped off at a parking lot or marina etc.

Take care
REW

p.s.
If you do want to cover the electronics, just make a nice nylon bag, that you have padded with foam, and a nice set of drawstrings to hold in place.

The water proof nylon, will protect the electronics from the elements, and the foam, will shield the electronics in the case of an errant rock, or bird, while trailering down the road. Also the covers will make the electronics less visable in a parking lot.

Take a couple of yards of nylon, a couple yards of foam, cut and sew them into nicely formed bags, and add a nice cord with drawties on the bottom. Total cost will be about $10 for several bags.

Take care
REW

[shadowman]

i still like the idea of taking them out of the boat better, thats what i do it only takes a minute or two and as said you know they are safe.

[Wiley Walleye]

I agree with taking off. I have 3 ways I cover. One, I designed to fit my unit and took to a canvas shop, put a clear flex window with valcro to get to controls and draw string at bottom. This is good for rain, or leaving on boat over night. Of course now they are selling these.
The other 2 are for travel or storage. Small flat unit in a zipper bag and a foam pad on each side. The other for large unit, use a soft sided cooler. Put on the boat and use the cooler.
Just an idea
Joe

[Stormsearch]

I use the Plano reel cases that sell for $10 - $12 each at Cabela's/Bass Pro/etc. They are tan, fully padded and are designed to hold small to large items. There are (3) pieces of foam in each case. For larger items, remove one of the foam liners to gain more depth.

[fishhogg]

I always remove mine from the boat. Electronics are designed to take the pounding we give them running the boat across the water, not for the road vibration that occurs when trailing. I use ram mounts for my units. Makes things a snap when I need to remove for trailing and I can posisition them exactly where I want them for best viewing. There are several plastic cases available. I use the large handgun cases that have the foam inside, cut out the shape of your electronics in the foam and presto custom case, and besides i think it looks cool when you show up and get those cases out and remove your electronics and install them on the boat. These things only run about $15.00 a case at Gander Mountain.