RAM Ball Mounts

[Bad Obsession]

I am wondering if anyone has experience with these in the marine environment.

I am considering mounting a RAM Ball Mount on my bulkhead to hold my Garmin 441s GPS. The advantage would be that I could remove the entire mount, except the ball.

Will the sun degrade the RAM Ball if left exposed? Will the components rust?

Just curious on what people's experiences are with these mounts.

Thanks for any info you have on them.

 

[Jackdaw]

We use a RAM mount to hold our InReach sat communicator to our stern pulpit. 3+ years and looks and works like new.

 

[Bad Obsession]

Thanks Jackdaw. I was concerned that the rubber ball would get really worn by the sun and exposure over time.

 

[4arch]

I've had one bolted to the cockpit pedestal guard for several years and it is holding up fine. The U-bolts that came with it were plain steel and I chucked them and replaced them with stainless hardware. I'd definitely recommend supplying your own stainless screws or bolts in lieu of any fasteners that come with it.

 

[gettinthere]

4 years on my dual ram ball chartplotter setup. Its under a bimini so not a lot of direct sun, but working perfectly.

 

[SOCAL C50]

6 years on my motorcycle outside most of the time.

 

[Head Sail]

I had one on my cars windshield. Broke after a couple years. Lots of UV.

 

[Bad Obsession]

Maybe I will make a cover for it if I decide to so it. I could make a sunbrella cover to cover the instruments and the RAM Ball. The rest of the mount would be in the cabin when not in use.

 

[Chris Patterson]

Make a little ball cover out of Sunbrella..

 

[Dave Groshong]

UV will get anything over time, RAM mounts are pretty durable though, we have the fantastic Mantus RAM rail mounts:

http://shop.sailboatowners.com/prod.php?54905

 

[Bad Obsession]

Based on what I am hearing I went ahead and ordered one. I will probably make a cover to go over the RAM ball when not in use. This seems like a good solution for mounting my Garmin 441S on my boat. I like being able to remove most of the hardware so that when I am at anchor or at the dock the bulkhead isn't crowded.

 

[Ward H]

Bad,
I used the RAM swing mount to mount my 547XS. It is mounted inside and swings out past the companionway. Only blocks the opening a little and saves putting more holes on the outside bulkhead. The photo shows it behind the main sheet.
Just another idea.