[AUJeep]

So I made a GPS mount for my Spark, here's my write up:

Here's what I used

GPS: Garmin GPS78
RAM Mount: Ram Mount RAM-HOL-GA40U Cradle Holder
RAM backing plate mount: RAM Mounts RAM-B-238 RAM 2.43" x 1.31" Diamond Base with 1" Ball

Total Cost- ~$225



1)First I took off the warning and safety sticker from the storage bin. Heat gun would've helped, but didn't have one on hand so I peeled it off and used goo gone to clean it up.

2)Next, I used the RAM backing plate to measure where I should drill holes.

3) I drilled the holes

4) Then I lined up the cradle with the holes, inserted the screws, and tightened them down with the backing plate on the inside of the compartment.

5) Checked on the snugness and placed the GPS in the holder

And there ya go. One GPS holder for your Spark in a location that's fairly easy to see and accessible.

Full disclaimer though, I've returned the whole set up. WHY? Because a dedicated Garmin GPS is more than what a casual user like myself could ever need and more complicated than it needs to be. Instead, I purchased Navionics for my iPhone 5s and use that. Funny enough, my iPhone inside an otter box case actually fit in the RAM mount pretty snug. But I think if I keep my Spark, I'll buy a RAM iPhone mount, a waterproof iPhone case, and come out cheaper than a Garmin GPS(and that doesn't include the "Waterways" SIM card you have to buy, for another $75, with it to make it worth a ****).

 

[Hunter090]

Great pictures and instructions. Thanks for posting this up for everyone. I don't really see the need for a GPS since I can always see shore when I go riding, but if you were going on a more extensive trip I could see the use for it.

 

[seaking]

great write up, thanks for sharing, should come in handy for a lot of folks.

 

[AUJeep]

Great pictures and instructions. Thanks for posting this up for everyone. I don't really see the need for a GPS since I can always see shore when I go riding, but if you were going on a more extensive trip I could see the use for it.

Exactly. I ride exclusively on rivers and lakes. Navionics does MORE than enough for that. It tracks speed, where I've been, duration, shows graphs of speed, and a bunch more stuff I don't even need all for $10. Anyway, hope it helps someone. You could mount some other stuff there too. GoPro remote maybe(although I'd probably just use Velcro), MAYBE a small waterproof Bluetooth speaker, etc.

One thing I'd do differently is drill the holes maybe 1/16 of an inch to the right. The mount spot I originally made didn't let the lid close cleanly. Still shut and lock, but I had to help it a little.

 

[seaking]

I like the idea of a small waterproof bluetooth speaker

 

[Neptune]

Exactly. I ride exclusively on rivers and lakes. Navionics does MORE than enough for that. It tracks speed, where I've been, duration, shows graphs of speed, and a bunch more stuff I don't even need all for $10. Anyway, hope it helps someone. You could mount some other stuff there too. GoPro remote maybe(although I'd probably just use Velcro), MAYBE a small waterproof Bluetooth speaker, etc.

One thing I'd do differently is drill the holes maybe 1/16 of an inch to the right. The mount spot I originally made didn't let the lid close cleanly. Still shut and lock, but I had to help it a little.

Yea, I could see myself mounting a go pro before mounting a GPS. Just would be fun to record what's going on. If something interesting happens then I would have it on camera. I've been thinking about doing it with my car too.

 

[AUJeep]

Yea, I could see myself mounting a go pro before mounting a GPS. Just would be fun to record what's going on. If something interesting happens then I would have it on camera. I've been thinking about doing it with my car too.

I wouldn't mount the actual camera there, just the remote. I've got a few sticky mounts around the spark. Two of which are tough to reach while moving, hence the remote mounted on the glove box cover would be helpful.

 

[Neptune]

I wouldn't mount the actual camera there, just the remote. I've got a few sticky mounts around the spark. Two of which are tough to reach while moving, hence the remote mounted on the glove box cover would be helpful.

I'm thinking that I would want to record me, and not where I'm going with the Go Pro. Where were you thinking that you would mount the camera?

 

[AUJeep]

I'm thinking that I would want to record me, and not where I'm going with the Go Pro. Where were you thinking that you would mount the camera?

Here's a screenshot of probably my favorite mount spot to use. It's on the front nose of the ski. This shot gives you a really good idea of the field of view you'll have from this mounting spot. If you mount it on the glove box cover, you're going to only get basically your chest, neck, and maybe a little of your lower face if you've got it angled up high enough. Wouldn't recommend that though.

 

[seaking]

Here's a screenshot of probably my favorite mount spot to use. It's on the front nose of the ski. This shot gives you a really good idea of the field of view you'll have from this mounting spot. If you mount it on the glove box cover, you're going to only get basically your chest, neck, and maybe a little of your lower face if you've got it angled up high enough. Wouldn't recommend that though.

Now that's awesome, even better would be a complete fish eye shot, to see more of your surroundings, still a great picture.

 

[AUJeep]

Now that's awesome, even better would be a complete fish eye shot, to see more of your surroundings, still a great picture.

Yeah it's a cool view. I know most of the newer GoPro's(3+,4) offer "Superview", which gives an even bigger field of view. Probably what you want to look for.

 

[petertodd24]

Here's a screenshot of probably my favorite mount spot to use. It's on the front nose of the ski. This shot gives you a really good idea of the field of view you'll have from this mounting spot. If you mount it on the glove box cover, you're going to only get basically your chest, neck, and maybe a little of your lower face if you've got it angled up high enough. Wouldn't recommend that though.

Hey

I'm curious to know how you managed to mount your GoPro on the nose of your seadoo like that?

Cheers

Pete

 

[AUJeep]

Hey

I'm curious to know how you managed to mount your GoPro on the nose of your seadoo like that?

Cheers

Pete

Nothing fancy. I used the sticky mounts that GoPro provides. I don't have that Spark anymore, so I'm not sure if I used a flat mount or rounded surface mount. But I know I stuck it on there and let it "cure" for several days before I tried to actually use it. I've tried to stick one on a couple hours before I've gone out before and it lasted about 5 minutes before it fell off. I also recommend mounting a tether strap next to it as well and probably having a floaty back door. You'd hate to be cruising, hit a wake or a wave and have that thing pop off and lose your camera.