Adding equipment on the gunnel near the drivers seat

[MathMan]

I would like to add a tite-lok track (12 inches) near the drivers seat on the gunnel. My thought is to use this space for various equipment, and in particular the marine antenna. I have a 2001 Mr. Pike with flat gunnels. The problem is getting below to put on the nuts that hold on the track system. It looks like a great deal of things to dismattle before I could possibly get access to the underside. Am I missing something here? Or is there an easier way? I know many people permanently mount their marine antenna in this area -- is there some trick to this?

Thanks


Rick Mitchell
Stevens Point, Wisconsin

[Shep]

Rick,

To get access to the gunnel next to the console, just remove the screws that hold the control box mounting panel. Should be about 6 or 8 sheet metal screws, with the plastic caps on them. Pop off the caps, and remove the screws. You should be able to pull the panel out enough to get your hands under the gunnel this way. I mountd my antenna their on my 2002 1700 Angler SS. Here is a link to a pic of the install.

http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/board/thread-view.asp?threadid=9654

Tight Lines All,

Shep

[MathMan]

Hey thanks for the information Shep, but are you sure about those screws for the control? I tried that already and it "appeared" that there were nuts on the other side. That is, the screws just turned, and did not come out. Perhaps I need to check this out again, but that is what I remember.

Thanks.

Rick Mitchell
Stevens Point, Wisconsin

[Shep]

I think that only the back ones had machine screws with Nylock nuts on them. The front ones, that you can't reach should be sheet metal screws.

Tight Lines All,

Shep

[pwrfshn]

Rick,

Email me and I can send you some photos of FJH1s antenna setup. I did mine like his and it is very slick.

brian@hanseaticgroup.com

I know what you mean with the screws, I tried taking mine off to do my Pursuit track and I ended up recruiting my wife to slide her arm up from the access hatch behind the seat.

We mounted ours in front of the drivers console on the gunnel and have the antenna running down the lenght of the boat.

Good luck,