What to use to cover old fish finder hole and screw?

[THE_Vue's]

I am replacing my old fish finder to a Hook2(7) that is currently at the right side of the console right now.  Taking the fish finder off there is 4 screws and a 1" hole.  Is there a plate or something I could use to put over it?  I will be installing with with a ram mount and my goal is to try not to drill anymore holes?  I have a piece of 2x4 wood but not really sure if the wood would last over time.  I want to use something thick like that to because I would only drill into the wood and not the boat.  Of course I would use the old existing holes.  What have you guys done in this case?  Last resort would to just drill and install the ram mount over the hole but then the old mount holes will be there still.

[Scott F]

I'd reuse the 1 inch hole for running the new wires and mount the new Ram mount as close to it as possible. Put screws in the old, unused holes. You could also use the same type of plastic mounting board that is used on transoms for mounting transducers instead of a 2X4. Try to get over the fact that new gear will require you to drill more holes. I just bought a brand new boat and have already drilled almost 50 holes in it and the trailer already!

[nosdog2]

They make transducer mounting plates that you can use to cover existing holes and allows to remount a new one with a different pattern.  Bass pro, Rig Rite, Stern Saver to name a few.  They are pretty cheap and create a neat appearance imo.

[Way2slow]

Sounds like you need to get the Ram Swing Arm mount.  The bracket to hold it sounds like a perfect match for what you have.  I use one on my HDS-10, works great. https://mounts.factoryoutletstore.com/details/476179/ram-mounts-ram-109v-1u.html?category_id=78700&catalogitemid=435956

[Further North]

On 4/25/2018 at 6:45 PM, Scott F said:

I'd reuse the 1 inch hole for running the new wires and mount the new Ram mount as close to it as possible. Put screws in the old, unused holes. You could also use the same type of plastic mounting board that is used on transoms for mounting transducers instead of a 2X4. Try to get over the fact that new gear will require you to drill more holes. I just bought a brand new boat and have already drilled almost 50 holes in it and the trailer already!

This is it, exactly...

 

Only way to not drill new holes it not buy new gear...

 

To the OP: You are correct, a 2x4 won't last.  It'll look like on-site engineering too...  Think plastic, aluminum, Stainless steel...stuff like that.

16 hours ago, Way2slow said:

Sounds like you need to get the Ram Swing Arm mount.  The bracket to hold it sounds like a perfect match for what you have.  I use one on my HDS-10, works great. https://mounts.factoryoutletstore.com/details/476179/ram-mounts-ram-109v-1u.html?category_id=78700&catalogitemid=435956

I have this with a single arm, holding a Helix 12".  Works great.

[THE_Vue's]

On 4/25/2018 at 6:45 PM, Scott F said:

I'd reuse the 1 inch hole for running the new wires and mount the new Ram mount as close to it as possible. Put screws in the old, unused holes. 

Did exactly this only thing now is to get rid of the old discolored mount bracket but that should be easy.  Only issue now is that the Side scan keeps reading the right side of the out board.  Waiting to have time to mount it to the lower starboard.  Maybe I can get some pics up later today for some advice.  thanks guys

[Deleted account]

One of our guys is a magician with starboard and a router. A picture would help, but you either cover the hole and not use or cover and use with smaller opening(s). You could also get a die cut or CNCed anodized aluminum plate, but that gets pricey. Wood works, but unless you have wood already, it will look out of place.