PVC RAM mount for sonar

[TubeDude]

[cool][#ff0000]Posted this on the tubing board, since I designed it for tubing. But, figured there might be some boating applications too.[/#ff0000]
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[size 1][#0000ff]I have been working unsupervised again. Got hold of some PVC and started messin' with my sonar mount on my Super Fat Cat.

I considered changing to a RAM mount, like others have done on their tubes and toons, but didn't wanna spend the extra $30-$40 for the hardware. I figured that with a bit of ingenuity...and some PVC...I should be able to come up with something simple and cheap. I did. Here is the pictorial and particulars.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Here is a commercially made RAM mount.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Here is what my system looks like, setup, before being installed on the tube.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You start by cutting through a 1/2" PVC 90 degree connection, to provide a socket for a 1/2" PVC pipe of whatever length. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you need two base connections, cut through a 1/2" PVC 4-way connector.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Drill corresponding holes in the PVC and the mounting bracket for the sonar display. Connect them with small machine bolts and nuts.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]On my Super Fat Cat, I added a vertical piece of 1/2" PVC up through the front pocket, securely attached to the screwed-on rod holder base.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I coiled the loose transducer cable around that center post before attaching the sonar display bracket.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Here is the sonar display, pushed down on the vertical 1/2" PCC shaft. It is not glued, to allow free rotation and quick removal when finished.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Here is the complete system, set up and operational. The display can rotate back and forth or up and down, just as with a RAM mount.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]After use, the display (with mounting bracket) is easily lifted off the PVC shaft and stored in a side pocket.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]'Tooners and boaters may want to mount the base on a metal frame. Just drill pilot holes and screw the PVC base down with sheet metal screws.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Again, the sonar can be set up flat...[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Or twisted and turned to any position.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The PVC base can also be screwed down to any flat surface, like a boat deck.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]And, you can use any length of 1/2" PVC pipe between the two mounting sockets. No glue makes it variable, adaptable and collapsible.[/#0000ff] [/size]
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[scrollfish]

That is quite inventive. Did you just have pvc laying around? I couldn't imagine buying a 10 foot piece just for such a project. Looks good. Now I must buy a fish finder so that I may build one.[]
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[Flycasting]

Lookin' Good! []
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[Theekillerbee]

Very nice Pat! Sometimes I wonder why you like PVC so much...then I take a wiff of some PVC cement and I understand the power of the dark side!
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Believe me, I would never just buy a (single) 10 foot piece of PVC for a little project. I have a garage full of 10 foot pieces of PVC, in sizes...both schedule 20 and schedule 40. You wouldn't believe all of the PVC projects I have come up with over the years...for tubing and otherwise.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Here are a couple of pics of some of the stuff I have on my tube...made of PVC, of course.[/#0000ff]



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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Nothin' wrong with huffin' some PVC cement. Hasn't adversely affected me at all. In fact, that third arm I grew comes in handy for netting fish. And, you should see me make a triple haul cast when fly fishing.[/#0000ff]
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[AFDan52]

[font "Comic Sans MS"][red][size 4] TD, I think we might need to change your screen name to the Plastic Master or something, myou are quite the inventor way to go.[/size][/red][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#ff0000][size 4]AFDan52[/size][/#ff0000][/font]
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Call me whatever you want. Just call me in time for dinner...or fishing.[/#0000ff]
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[AFDan52]

[font "Century Gothic"][red][size 4] Deal, my friend[/size][/red][/font]
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[font "Century Gothic"][#ff0000][size 4]AFDan52[/size][/#ff0000][/font]
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