View Full Version : Shock absorbers for electronics.
EricCO
06-01-2000, 01:25 PM
Do any of you worry about you electonics when your crashing through waves or trailering your boat?
I just recently replaced my fishfinder because the other one (Bottomline cheapo type) went to the crappers for the second and final time. It just stopped working. Wouldn't turn on or anything. It happened before and I had to send it in off of warrenty for $80. I didn't want to do it again. It seems to happen when it's really choppy out which is really rough in my tri-hull.
My new Garmin 240 I am hoping is just plain built better, but I would like to help it out a little. I plan on just slowing down a bit.
Do any of you do something extra to ensure that your electronics will keep working?
Mount your new finder on a R-A-M mount. I've been using these for three years and they offer wonderful shock absorption. I highly recommend them. Great product (no, I don't work for them)
Best Regards,
FJH
EricCO
06-01-2000, 02:35 PM
How does it absorb shock if it is all tightened down?
LAST EDITED ON Jun-01-00 AT 04:52PM (CST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Jun-01-00 AT 04:50*PM (CST)
The system consists of a base that you mount to your boat (console), an arm and another base that you mount to your electronics bracket. Each base has a high density rubber ball that the arm grips. These rubber balls have some give to them. The best shock absorption occurs when you have the arm coming off a ball at an angle and then attach it to the next ball. If you had the arm straight up and down the shock absorption in not as great. Hope this helps. Post again if you have more questions.
Best Regards,
FJH
Robertp
06-01-2000, 03:16 PM
Sorry FJH, but I don't agree. I like the RAM products best and use them several places. I think they offer a lot of benefits but I don't think shock absorption is one of them and know of no product which does.
Kevin A
06-01-2000, 04:17 PM
:-) Sorry Robertp, but I can't agree with your disagreement. Hooked up on an angle as FJH suggests does offer as good a shock absorber as there is available...actually the RAM arm and rubber balls design are based (intentionally or not) on the same principles that industrial vibration dampening units use. As long as the weight of the fish finder, radio, gps...unit is completely supported by the RAM arm & the RAM arm is anything but vertical it'll get a much softer ride than without it (the less vertical the better). Instead of the shock (acceleration) of banging a wave being transferred to the electronic box the energy is transferred to compression of the rubber ball (you're actually forcing molecules to slide past each other, this takes alot of energy)...this energy is eventually transformed into heat and is given off to the atmosphere...though global warming is probably safe from this source.
Robertp
06-01-2000, 04:22 PM
S'OK guys. I cant top this one, so I guess I'll have to agree. The Rams must offer "shock protection" :)
Nofish
06-01-2000, 04:23 PM
Hey Eric,
I use both the RAM mounts and the Jonny Ray swivels on my electronics. 3 locators and 1 marine radio. X-85 and marine radio on RAM mounts, and both 160 GPS's on Jonny Ray's.
I have never had a problem with any of the mounts or my electronics. I guess I just don't drive enough like a maniac, probably to an extreme. I figure if I am having a rough ride and am being jarred around, so are all the stationary items in my boat.
If you are worried about problems while on the trailer, just pull the units of and secure them onthe back floor of your tow vehicle, just cover them with a jacket, and pack it around.
Good luck......R
BobEaton1
06-07-2000, 10:09 PM
Go for the R.A.M setups. I have a full pinpoint spec 7 system, 2 GPS 350's, a Lowrance 1600 Global map, a Lowrance X-65, and a marine radio all in one boat thats in all kinds of rough water and I've never had one problem. I sware by them and I don't sell them eighter. you won't be sorry.
Bob Omaha,NE
I 4th the comment on the ram mounts.
In addition to the rubber coated ball mentioned in the above posts, my ram mounts came with a rubber gasket that fits between the boat and mount - and between the mount and electronics -- i.e. two gaskets. Using nylong locking nuts to get the mounting bolts tight - with out over compressing the rubber gasket - gives this mount another measure of vibration dampening.
Take care
REW