Humminbird mounting locations?

I’m in the process of buying a new Alumacraft Competitor 185 Tiller. We fish everything from small lakes to Lake Michigan. Pan fish, bass, muskie, walleye, salmon. I’m getting 2 Helix 8’s. Trying to decide if I should put both on the tiller console, or one on the bow and one on the console. I will have MDI and MSI linked with an Ulterra. Anyone have similar setups and can discuss the pros and cons of each set up? I like the idea of having both on the console next to each other, but sometimes I fish alone and will be on the dance floor casting. Not sure if I will want to run to the back of the boat to check the graphs all of the time. Then again, if I’m on the bow casting, I’m thinking it will be in shallow water around the bank and may not need to see them at all. Any suggestions?

Is there a location where you could put one on a ram mount and point it toward the back or front?

They would all be on RAM mounts, so yes, I guess I could turn the closest one toward the front and glance back at it. With the 8 inch screen it wouldn’t be easy to see details, but definitely better than nothing.

Put on the front, one on the back and buy another cheap unit for the back. Like the $100 unit that just has fish finder/down imaging.

Both on back with another ram ball and power cord on front. Power should already be there. Can easily move it if up front casting.

That’s a great idea. Thanks!

Red Eye wrote:

Both on back with another ram ball and power cord on front. Power should already be there. Can easily move it if up front casting.

This^^^ That’s how I have my little boat set up.

Don’t forget to run an Ethernet cord too. You’ll need an Ethernet box as well to share all of the cords.

Are you getting a Link bow mount?

I texted the dealer. I’ll make sure to add that when I get a reply.

Thanks.

They replied: “Yes, would just need a power cable and an additional network cable, to keep everything connected.”

I’m assuming he is referring to the Ethernet cable?

JMat wrote:

They replied: “Yes, would just need a power cable and an additional network cable, to keep everything connected.”

I’m assuming he is referring to the Ethernet cable?

Yep

If you have a LINK Ulterra it needs it’s own network cable going to the box as well (so two Ethernet/network cables from bow to stern)

Awesome. This forum is great.

Problem. Solved.

Here’s the Ethernet hub/box/port expander.

If you’re just networking the two graphs, technically you don’t need it.

BUT, it will make the install much cleaner and also make moving the graph forward and back much simpler. I’d get one even if not using a third unit.

If you have a Link bow mount and two graphs it’s a must no matter what.

I’m sure you’re dealer is aware, but the Ethernet box draws power all of the time, there is no on/off switch. Have them wire it to your master switch so you can kill the power to it when the boat is sitting.

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I sent them the image and asked about it in the event that I bought a third Helix.

JMat wrote:

I sent them the image and asked about it in the event that I bought a third Helix.

I’d get one just to simplify moving the one graph (even if you never run a third unit)

Technically you don’t need it, but if you don’t have it you’re going to be unplugging and moving more wires than you want everytime you move the graph.

He said they already had it figured in to link the trolling motor, Talon anchor, and the Helix 8’s.