Best RAM® Mounts for Boats: Fish Finders vs GPS vs Tablets
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Time to read 5 min
The best RAM® Mounts for boats depend on what you are mounting. Phones and small GPS units may suit a compact B Size setup. Fish finders and larger GPS displays often need C Size components. Larger marine electronics and heavier screens may need D Size components. For tablets, choose a compatible tablet holder and a stable base that suits the boat, device weight and water conditions.
Marine mounting is different from standard vehicle mounting. Boats and kayaks are exposed to vibration, water, spray, UV, glare, movement and repeated adjustment. A mount that works well in a car may not be strong or stable enough for a fish finder, marine GPS or tablet on the water.
RAM® Mounts are useful for boats because they are modular. You can choose the holder or device plate, arm and base separately, then build a setup for your screen, console, rail, kayak track or mounting surface.
Fish finder vs GPS vs tablet: what is the difference?
Fish finders, GPS units and tablets all need different mounting considerations.
Fish finders are often heavier than phones and may need a strong plate, C Size or D Size ball and a stable base. They may also need to be adjusted frequently to reduce glare or improve visibility from different positions.
GPS units are usually smaller than fish finders, but they still need a reliable mounting point. Dedicated GPS units may have a specific cradle or mounting pattern.
Tablets are popular for maps, navigation apps, weather and trip planning. However, tablets can be heavy, especially when used with waterproof or rugged cases. A tablet mount should be chosen based on the full size and weight of the tablet with its case fitted.
Recommended RAM® Mount products for boats
- RAM-B-201U RAM® Standard Double Socket Arm for B Size components
- RAM-201U RAM® Standard Double Socket Arm for C Size components
- RAM-D-201U RAM® Standard Double Socket Arm for D Size components
- RAM-B-202U RAM® Round Plate with B Size Ball
- RAM-202U RAM® Round Plate with C Size Ball
- RAM-D-202U RAM® D Size Round Plate
- RAP-B-404U RAM® Tough-Claw™ Medium Clamp Base with B Size Ball
- RAP-404U RAM® Tough-Claw™ Medium Clamp Base with C Size Ball
- RAM-HOL-UN7BU RAM® X-Grip® Universal Phone Holder
- RAM® Tab-Tite™ tablet holders for compatible tablets and rugged cases
- RAM® fish finder and marine electronics mounting plates where suitable
Best RAM® Mounts for fish finders
Fish finders and chartplotters vary in size and weight, so the mount should be chosen around the device. Smaller units may be suitable with C Size components, while larger displays may need D Size components or a stronger fixed setup.
A fish finder mount should keep the screen steady enough to read while allowing angle adjustment. It should also be positioned where it is protected as much as practical from impact, spray and fishing gear.
For kayaks, keep the setup compact and easy to remove for transport. For boats, a fixed base on a console or suitable flat surface can provide a stable foundation.
Best RAM® Mounts for marine GPS units
Marine GPS units are often mounted near the console or steering position. The mount should keep the screen visible without blocking controls, instruments or the operator’s line of sight.
If the GPS unit has a compatible cradle or plate, pair it with the correct RAM® arm and base. For smaller GPS units, B Size or C Size may be suitable depending on weight and conditions. For heavier displays, consider C Size or D Size components.
Best RAM® Mounts for tablets on boats
Tablets can be useful for maps, weather, route planning and navigation apps, but they need a secure holder. Choose a tablet holder that fits the device with its case installed and allows charging access if needed.
For marine use, avoid overextending the arm. A shorter arm will usually reduce movement. If the tablet is large or heavy, consider C Size components and a stronger base.
Also think carefully about location. The tablet should be visible but should not block controls, visibility, instruments or safe movement around the boat.
Choosing the right base for marine use
The base determines how stable the system will be. A flat round plate can be useful for fixed mounting on consoles or other suitable surfaces. Tough-Claw™ bases may work where there are suitable rails, tubes or bars. Track bases may be useful for kayaks with compatible track systems.
Suction bases can be convenient in some temporary situations, but they are not always the best choice for marine vibration, water exposure or heavier devices.
Choosing the right ball size
B Size is compact and useful for phones, small GPS units and light devices. C Size is more suitable for heavier devices, smaller fish finders and tablet setups. D Size is used for larger, heavier marine electronics where more holding power is needed.
If the device is heavy, the arm is long or the conditions are rough, consider moving up to a stronger ball size and base.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not choose a mount based only on the holder. The base and arm must be strong enough for the device and marine environment. Do not use a long arm unless it is needed. Do not mount the device where it blocks controls, visibility, fishing gear, ropes or safe movement.
Also avoid mounting heavy screens to weak or flexible surfaces. A strong RAM® arm cannot compensate for a poor mounting point.
Buying checklist for boat RAM® Mounts
Before choosing a mount, check the device type, device weight, mounting pattern, screen size, watercraft type, mounting surface, exposure to spray, arm length, ball size and whether the setup needs to be removable or permanent.
Why buy from Mounts Australia?
Mounts Australia helps customers build genuine RAM® Mount setups for boats, kayaks and marine electronics. Customers can browse fish finder mounts, phone holders, tablet holders, arms, bases, Tough-Claw™ mounts and heavy-duty components in one place.
This makes it easier to match the mount to the actual device and watercraft rather than guessing which components will work together.
FAQs
What RAM® Mount is best for a fish finder?
It depends on the fish finder size and weight. Smaller units may suit C Size components, while larger screens may need D Size components.
Can I mount a tablet on a boat?
Yes. A tablet can be mounted on a boat with a compatible holder, stable base and suitable ball size for the device weight.
Are RAM® Mounts suitable for kayaks?
Yes. RAM® Mounts can be used on kayaks when paired with a suitable rail, track, clamp or base for the watercraft.
What is the best base for a boat RAM® Mount?
For permanent boat installs, a fixed round plate or AMPS-style base is often stable. For rails or tubes, a Tough-Claw™ base may be suitable.
Final recommendation
Build your RAM® Mount system in this order: device, holder, ball size, arm length and base. Keep the setup compact, match component sizes and choose a base that suits the environment.
Explore Mounts Australia’s RAM® holders, arms, bases and components, or contact the team for help building a complete RAM® Mount setup.