GPS with built in antenna under Bimini

[NormC]

I've never operated a GPS with built in antenna under a Bimini. Heading in that direction in my new boat. Unit will be mounted on side console.

Will the unit get a good enough look at the sky with the Bimini up? Or am I likely to need an external antenna?

Norm C

[crozz001]

Norm
I have fished out of my CC with bimini up with no issue, in eight years im yet to have the signal drop out.
This is with a Garmin 178C unit, a mate has issues with his Navman under the bimini but I suspect it is the quality of the unit more so than position on the unit.

[bigbrian47]

norm at least 5 years no problems with my navman tracker 5500 inbuilt antenna
under canopy
cheers brian

[scuttlebutt]

I've got a 178C under canopy on my side-console. No probs.

[cormorant]

Solid metal causes problems but all the material in a bimini and just metal bows means they are OK as signal goes straight through.

[Kero]

Northstar 5380i, sits behind the windscreen & under the bimini. Always gets plenty of signal. Don't forget, the satellites are not all directly above you.

[Scimitar raider]

Mine works under a fiber glass top

[Snapp.]

Never had a problem, Centre consol, external antenna mounted on consol under bimini.

[NormC]

Thanks for that guys. I figured it would be the case, but always worth asking the question to be sure.

Norm C

[SatNav]

1. A bimini will not cause any issues

2. Any issues will be generally caused by other surrounding items

3. Nobdoy here can say with any certainity or guarantee there will be absolutely no issues.

[spelchek]

What sort of Bimini are you considering, Norm? Have you any specific brand in mind? Thinnking of one for my 4.4 SC.

[NormC]

What sort of Bimini are you considering, Norm? Have you any specific brand in mind? Thinnking of one for my 4.4 SC.

Ummmmmm, you've got me there spelchek. Like everything else in my new boat, I've never seen it. I'm in remote NT and have selected and ordered the boat via the web, email and phone. Nearest dealer is well over 1,000 KM away. THe dealer I'm buying from is 3,000 KM away.

I've never seen a Bluefin Wrangler, let alone some of the accessories I have ordered.

Bimini is just described as 'Bimini, Targa bars and sock'. Not very helpful. Sorry.

Norm C

[rocklobster]

Norm ,
I have a Raymarine A-50 with an internal aerial and this was also one of my questions . I have a cuddy cabin with a soft top above and have never had a problem but i do believe that it has a lot to do with the quality of the unit .Spoke to many in the game and all recommended the raymarine .

[bert]

Hi Norm no problems with my hds under the bimini.How long now till you get your wrangler.

Cheers Rob

[spelchek]

No worries, Norm. Enjoy your new boat - bet you're gonna be like a kid at Christmas the night before it's delivered