898 installation on a Z7 at console

[flying wasp]

I wanted to see if anyone has mounted an 898 unit on a RAM mount next to the console of a Z7. Also, where did you mount the transducer if you dont have a jack plate? I am trying to figure out if the fiberglass is thick enough to use only threaded screws and marine silicone or if i should do through bolts with a thin piece of wood to anchor into. If you have any pictures, that would help too. Thanks.

[Dchance]

not an 898 but a 798. here are some pics.

[E5Zero]

I am in the process of mounting a 997 on a Ram mount at the console.  If you go with a Ram get the big one so it will not move.  I have the smaller 1.50" ball Ram I used on the front and it moved too much in rough water.  It also depends on which year Z7 you have, the consoles changed in 2010.  I have a 2008. 

As to the transducer I drilled holes in my transom for the 798 transducer.  I am going to drill my jackplate for the 997 ducer.

I hope to be done this weekend.

[flying wasp]

I have an 08' as well. I dont have the jackplate though and that does concern me a little. I was reading through the manual and it says to mount the transducer on the left side of the motor 15" away to avoid any interference. I did get the larger RAM mount, (which are hard to find now a days) so that shouldnt be an issue. On the 08' the console has a "bridge" to the right where it connects to the side of the boat and that is what i want to mount the RAM to. Did you screw to the fiberglass or did you put some sort of backer under it to secure the RAM mount. I dont doubt the RAM mounts strength, but i do get a little worried about the fiberglass breaking away. Thanks.

[E5Zero]

I mounted my transducer just inside of the right side of the jackplate for the 798, almost the same position as DChance's.  That is weird that they say to mount it to the left, almost all of the ones I have seen are on the right!  Browse the Yahoo SI group for ideas on where to mount them.   

I am going to mount the Ram on the "bridge" but on the face right in front of your knee.  I found a pic of one mounted there on the Yahoo SI group.  I am going to through bolt it with fender washers on the back side.  I may put a piece of aluminum plate there as well.