I have a Reata 1850 and need two new units this spring. I can flush mount a 5 in the console and a 5 in the bow. Ram mounting a larger unit is a slim possibility… Would I go wrong with tw oHDS5’s?
Your thoughts?
Thanks!
Andy
NO you cant go wrong with the HDS 5 ,great units .
I have 2 my self, make sure they are gen 2 models 
I have a 520 that I started with and the split screen will get you by. I now have a 7″ sonar and the 520 is for gps only. It was a big improvement to move to 520 full screen and after using 10″ graphs with buddies I want to move up again. Night a day difference. I would get the biggest screen at the console you can afford.
Also by flush mounting you will find it really sucks to look at and is impossible for your passenger to see. You will not regret using a RAM.
The HDS are great units and you would be very happy with them. The 5 does get a little small when running a split screen so making sure its mounted in clear view is key. If you fish from your drivers seat most the time it shouldn’t be a problem. Just something to think about. And if you decide to then go with a Ram or other mount for the dash and its in the budget I would get a 7.
Flush mounting on the bow is nice cause the units never in the way but there are times where they can be tough to see when the sun is shining.
Split screen: what two images are you viewing at the same time, chart and sonar?
With the latest update you can do 3 I do side scan,down scan and gps on my 7 and thats crowded.real common is depth and GPS together.
Stan 
I have Ranger Fisherman and I have a hd 8 at drivers and a x 25 in front. Both are on ram mounts.
fishspike
I have the same boat and use to run an HDS 5 in the front and an HDS 5 in the back. Both on ram mount – no flush mount.
I now run an HDS 8 and two HDS 7s. The newer reattas have the dash designed for larger screens, if you have that I’d highly recommend getting bigger screens. But hey it’s easy to spend someone elses money HA!
Quote:
Split screen: what two images are you viewing at the same time, chart and sonar?
Yes. Although I run a 7 & 8 at the console both on Rams and then I have a Ram ball at the bow and stern to move a graph around. At the bow I use the Terrova sonar and at the stern when I am trolling I have another external on the boat.
To me it doesnt make sense to have a graph sitting up on the bow all the time if its not gonna get used. You could have both your 5’s on the console and run one for sonar and one for gps. Makes operation a little easier imo.
I have a Reata 1850 full windshield 332 flush mount,mounted a HDS-8 above the 332 with a Stabil-Mount it’s a little tite but couldn’t be happier.
Sounds really like a nice setup, have any pictures?
I will try to get pics posted this week end.My boat is a 2006 dash is different than the newer Reatas.
titanxt – If there is any questions I can help you with let me know.
Flush mounted units sure make a boat look sharp and uncluttered. However, if done right with proper mounts and a little time, you can add a little larger unit that can better handle your needs.
titanxt, here are the pictures you wanted, I hope this helps.
X2 on the Stabil Mounts. They are great for running big water, I absolutely love mine!!!
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