Flush Mounted vs Non-Flush Mounted
- By BBX Admin 1
- 0
In today’s world of bass boats, one thing that certainly doesn’t lack is the list of options available for your new and newer bass boats. While the idea behind the options is to improve or enhance, there is still one that leaves a question mark as to whether or not it’s an improvement?
Electronics mounting options. To “flush” it or not to flush it? That is the question. Electronics have developed rapidly over the last 10yrs and doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. If you’re in boat buying mode, new or used, or you’re updating your current boat, quality electronics are an absolute must in order to compete and are a bit of a hefty investment at any budget level. Taking care of these electronics properly is just as important as the initial purchase.
Boat manufacturers now days will often flush mount electronics and have worked hard in the R&D Department to accommodate room to do so in consoles and bow panels. This gives a good, smooth, finished look upon completion of the build. Security is certainly increased as flush mounted units are quite difficult to steal in a timely manner while your boat is parked outside of the hotel over night or while you make a run to town, leaving the boat un-attended. Notice the smooth finished look and quality install here by Triton Boats in this 21 TRX. 
But let’s discuss some possible disadvantages as well. Flush mounted units located at the bow of the boat are typically mounted at an angle that is closer to horizontal than anything. Such mounting can make sun glare a pain in the rump to battle at times and leaves little ability for rain water to run off. Even with todays advanced units, puddled water on your screen for a length of time can’t be a bonus. Most units can handle this when new but over time, the steps taken and materials used to keep water out are broken down by the glaring sun and ambient temperature fluctuations, as well as the overall beating they take in general from pure shock of being rattled by hitting a large wake.
At the console, visibility is of first concern. With today’s unit’s having larger and larger screens, flush mounting can decrease visibility and create some awkward viewing angles for the operator. Often times the steering wheel or having your hands on the wheel can and does block your view or at least part of your view. This is where mounting remotely with a mount such as TH Marine's 'Kong Mount' can be of huge benefit. Notice the finihsed look of this Yar Craft Boat with bracket mounted electronics at the helm. It looks great and provides plenty of visibility for the operator.
One other side to the whole Flush vs Non-Flushing mounting is maintenance or replacement. If your boat doesn’t offer a panel to flush mount in, but rather a hole is cut straight through the fiberglass, replacing that unit in the future can be a little bit of hurdle. You’ll likely be searching for something that fits the size of the hole that’s cut. Who’s to say you’ll like any of the available options to fit that cut out come replacement time?
At the end of all of this lies yours likes and dislikes. The choice is yours. And hey, if you like it mounted flush, mount it flush. After all, you are the owner, and unless someone else is going to pay for your upgrades because they’re concerned about how it will look, decide to make it uniquely yours!
Jon – Bass Boat Exchange
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