Bow Graph Mounting

Probably a dumb question but- I am new to Bow mounted graphs. I will be mounting a Lowrance HDS8 on the Bow of a 16ft aluminum boat. Looking through pictures on the internet I have found many people mount them on the front Bow “floor”, and glass boats have them flush fit into the nose of the bow. My graph will be placed above floor level next to the trolling motor and I am concerned about waves/excessive water hitting the back of the graph while motoring to new spots and in rough water. I understand these units should be waterproof but before I make a big money mistake I wanted to ask what everyone thought and if they would mount a graph high on the bow where water will surely be hitting the backside. Also when using the Ball style RAM mount in this scenario would you secure the graph any differently while boating or just leave it in its normal position? Just don’t want to see it go overboard and have no experience with these RAM mounts! Any help or insight appreciated. Thanks!

I have run my Lowrance mounted on the deck next to the trolling motor for years without issue. I do it to make the screen more visible while running the boat from the stern.-My consul blocks it if on the floor-I would recommend positioning it so that if need be, you can lay the HDS down below the mounting deck surface. I hate taking the unit off to put on the boat cover and to have clear access to the trolling motor on the rare occasions it becomes necessary. I will try to get some pictures tonight while I re-spool the rest of my salmon gear!

Salmon gear?

Don’t ya know its still walleye season Art!

My bow graph is mounted on a Johnny Ray right up front and on top. Though the graph is very outdated it has run in that location for many years without issue but then again I have never had waves come over my bow…Almost sounds like you run a Ranger.

I have mine mounted with a ram mount on the front wall…typically there is some space on most boats right next to the glove box or small hatch.

The ram mount allows me to lower the whole unit to the floor for stowing and also raise it pretty high for viewing. I like being able to swivel it depending on the direction I am pitching.

Many different ways to go.

I do the same with my Lowrance unit up front. The HDS8 is a pretty good sized unit, so if you go with a RAM mount use at least a 1.5″ ball. A 2.25″ ball might work best to hold the unit in place.

Get the 2.25″ ball RAM and use the caps that came with the unit to cover the network and ethernetwork ports if you’re not using them. Get the longer arm for the RAM too.

Over the years my depht finders have sat on the floor of my boats up front by the TM with out a problem,I never have taken em loose except for long trips 300 400 miles ,if you’re going to mount it on a ram my HDS8 is on a 2″ ball ram and it never stays still,very good,I’d never us a little ball mount.I’ve been under water a few times with it mounted like this and never have had a problem.
Stan

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Salmon gear?

Don’t ya know its still walleye season Art!

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Yeah I know, but seeing as I don’t seem to get time to go walleye fishing, and I need a fishing fix, tinkering in the garage with the salmon gear is the closest I can get right now. Cohos on the horizon and I plan to get a few limits!