fishshim:
I installed a 383 in my T-13 and it fits and the lid closes. I did dry fit it a few times before I drilled though. The fit was pretty tight. I am probably going to set up a mount closer to my seat though. I like to be able to have my ff within arms reach to mark waypoints and toggle through screens fast.
ravensblack:
Open then closed. Simple
WipEouT:
Thanks guys-
ravensblack - appreciate the pictures. The T-15 w/500 series FF I had initially could close flush w/FF still installed also. If I remember right the slot the mounting bracket fits into was more integreated into the FF; whereas, on the 385ci the mount is more on the back of the unit (not as integrated). Consensus at this point is you are one of the few that can which means it has to come down to the depth of the FF (front to back) which I'm sure many do not consider (I didn't). The 385ci (and other new FF's) also have the Nav chip slot which has a "knob" on the front also that must be factored in (pic below). I'm fairly confident that if it were not for that knob then I would be able to swing the FF up and down.
Abdiver - I contacted the gentleman that owns that yak and he cannot close the lid either.
At that point it simply comes down to what's important to folks - leave FF attached or not during transport, where to mount, etc. I'm undecided. Want to take advantage of the FF compartment; also, want the FF to be close enough to mark waypoints, change screens, etc. Also have to consider I'm new at this so I don't even know what is right for me at this point other than nugging through things.
I appreciate everyone's help; thank you!
WipEouT:
I just checked dimensions on the Humminbird site - 100's are 3.25" deep, 300's are 4" deep, 500's are 4 - 4.5" deep, and 700's are 4.5" deep. The issue may not be exclusive to the depth - rather the way they have redesigned the mounting point (directly on the back of the unit v. partially integrated into the unit). Unless you are mounting a 100 series then I don't think anyone with an OK and a new model FF are able to close the lid, although I would like see otherwise.
That said, if keeping the FF mounted, folded down and lid closed is important to you - don't make the assumption that a FF mounted in this location will facilitate that desire. It would be nice if Humminbird showed a FF up photo (below) and a FF down photo so folks know this in advance.
WipEouT:
Since I now know the FF cannot be installed so the lid can be closed entirely; moving on to the next thought. Others have expressed the FF in the compartment is to far away to flip through screens and mark waypoints, so they've mounted the FF on the rod pod cover. Others have expressed they prefer an open deck. So I am contemplating a 'happy median'. Can anyone tell me why I would not want to do this...
Mount the FF to a Scotty Pirahna FF mount (providing the base dimensions are the same)...
Then installing Scotty Flush Deck Mount in the compartment...
Leave some slack in the cable and I could move the FF from the compartment to the rod pod and back as desired.