Factory VHS radio and location for 260ss


andybellus

andybellus

New member
Anyone know what VHS radio was installed in the 260ss from the factory and where it was installed? Or other radios that might work? Need to install one looking for some direction/input?
 
So I found what looks like the factory VHS mounting location in a pic on-line(below toggle switches on right side of steering wheel), but no luck on the factory VHF radio used and honestly it's probably no longer available nor would it have DSC. So I was looking at a ICOM IC-M412 and it looks like it might work but it's going to be a tight fit if it works at all.

I have a e-mail into Formula TAG but not sure how long they take to respond and figured someone on here has to have the info I'm after. Anyone out there have a 260 with a VHS radio that could chime in and let me know what model fits there? Also need some info on antenna mounting location...
 
Here is what the factory set-up looks like on my 2004 260ss.
 

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Thx formula76! You wouldn't happen to have any pics of your antenna mount set up would you?

Also how's that hds5 work out mounted there?
 
The Hds works out great there. I can still see all of my gauges and I can take it back to stock, no drilling or screw holes. If you look at the attached picture, you can see where the antenna is mounted.
 

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Thanks for the pic!!! Should have all the parts needed for install this weekend I'll post up some pics once I'm done with the install....
 
So I've got the new radio installed just need to get the antenna mounted and the cable run. Anyone know what the factory used to secure the mount to the boat?

With the location the factory uses I'm not sure I can get back there to thru-bolt it and Was thinking there is no way they just used self tappers so maybe rivet nut or?

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if you are going to go that route, i'd suggest you stick with something that collapses and grips against the back side, not something that expands inside the hole. If you go with an 8' fiberglass antenna (i recommend the Digital brand by the way) and a good stainless mount, you should be able to use screws. the trick is to drill the hole the correct size so that the screws are neither too tight or too loose. are you going to use a solid mount or an adjustable mount?
 
Bought an adjustable Shakespeare mount "4187" and 8" 8300 antenna @ the local west marine. I ended up picking up the rivet nuts for composites/plastics which like you said doesn't expand in the hole rather collapses on the backside.

I figure I'm going to do my best to access to the backside and thru-bolt. If that doesn't work out, I'll use the rivet nuts. Something about just screwing into the side of the boat just doesnt sit right with me :/
 
Update: Everything worked out really well mounting the antenna and with the help of a smaller friend we were able to get the mount thu-bolted and didn't need the rivet nuts!

Added bonus was that the top of the antenna lined up with the spring cleat so I added a little Velcro and got a nice travel/towing solution so the antenna doesn't flop around while its in a lowered position. Here's a couple pics for your viewing pleasure ;D

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Thanks for all the help/pics/advise guys!
Andy
 
One suggestion; pull a little more of the coax out of the through hull so that a small "U" can be made (so it hangs below the through hull). This allows any water that collects on the coax to drip off before contacting the through hull and can prevent any seepage from occurring.
 
Took her out this weekend and radio worked great. Was nice to have the peace of mind knowing I could reach out to vessel assist if needed(never know if the HH will make the cut)

HDS5 chartplotter/fishfinder is next on the list! I'll do another thread on that install after the holiday weekend.
 
The attached pic shows the location of my HDS transducer. I know its not the greatest pic, but it is the one on the left next to the bilge pumps. The transducer on the right is my factory depth gauge. I bought the glue from west marine and laid a coat on both the bilge and the transducer. I made a handle extension out of a piece of pipe and attached it to the top of the transducer so I could reach down and press it in place. I used the engine hatch as weight to hold in place overnight. It is a difficult spot to get to.
 

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Awesome thx formula76. That's where mine is going when I finally buy it. This weekend I'm going to be putting some good hrs on her. Hopefully the weather will permit a trip to catalina island!
 
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