Mounting radio in an inflatable boat

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Richard J Kinch - 25 Apr 2005 07:09 GMT

I have a 14' Zodiac-style inflatable boat with no console or other
provision for instruments, and I want to mount a console-style VHF radio
somewhere on it. The plywood floor and transom are the only solid
items available for mounting things.

I bolted a stainless antenna mount on the inside of the transom for the 8'
antenna, and that works well. The radio works OK just lashed onto
something, but kicking it around and splashing it can't continue.

I would buy a small fiberglass console to mount on the floor, but at
several $100s they seem expensive.

Any ideas? I can work in aluminum and stainless.

I've consider a stainless hoop over the transom; somewhere aft of the
transom would free up scarce space on the deck area.

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Old Nick - 25 Apr 2005 11:33 GMT

Could you not build a console out of ply to suit your needs, then
colour, glass over, or varnish to suit your needs?

>I have a 14' Zodiac-style inflatable boat with no console or other
>provision for instruments, and I want to mount a console-style VHF radio
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>I've consider a stainless hoop over the transom; somewhere aft of the
>transom would free up scarce space on the deck area.

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rhys - 25 Apr 2005 18:22 GMT

>Could you not build a console out of ply to suit your needs, then
>colour, glass over, or varnish to suit your needs?
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>>somewhere on it. The plywood floor and transom are the only solid
>>items available for mounting things.

What about the mid-ship seat? Could you not fab up a small gasketed
box that screws into a glassed in pad on the underside? You could then
use one of those current units that have the water-resistant remote
mic with some of the common controls on them. Remove the mic and cord
when you leave the boat.

FWIW, I have a Zodiac Yachtline 1 310C I rigged with an AGM Harley
battery that I charge via the magneto on my old Honda 9.9 four stroke.
I could have just run 12 volt nav lights straight from the magneto,
but then I lose the lights when the engine's off, and voltage
regulation is an issue. Having the battery means I can have running
lights with the engine off, and I can and have used a 12 V spotlight
to see ahead and make out shore features and to run a handheld GPS
constantly (my old Magellans will eat a couple of AAs in two hours).

I suppose I could put in my small 175 W inverter and run a string of
Christmas lights or a car stereo, but some would consider this
overkill in a 11 foot RIB <g>

R.

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AndyK. - 25 Apr 2005 21:57 GMT

>I have a 14' Zodiac-style inflatable boat with no console or other
> provision for instruments, and I want to mount a console-style VHF radio
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> I've consider a stainless hoop over the transom; somewhere aft of the
> transom would free up scarce space on the deck area.

If you do it right, you can make an arch that will hold your radio, antenna
and you might also use it to hold your fuel tank like they do on Hurricane
RHIB's.

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Boat Forum / Building / April 2005

Mounting radio in an inflatable boat