Garmin Striker 7dv/7sv Flush Mount Review

Here’s What I Think of the Garmin Striker 7dv/7sv Flush Mount

For any boater who’s ever wrestled with mounting a fishfinder, the desire for a clean, integrated installation is a familiar one. As an experienced gear specialist with over a decade of putting equipment through its paces in diverse environments, I’ve learned that the devil is often in the details. This is precisely why I looked into the Garmin Striker 7dv/7sv Flush Mount. It’s a seemingly simple accessory designed to bring a professional, uncluttered look to your helm, a far cry from the typical bracket-mounted setup. My own boat, a trusty, albeit older, center console, was due for an electronics upgrade, and the thought of a flush-mounted display was highly appealing. I’d previously considered generic mounting plates, but the specificity of a manufacturer-designed solution often signals better integration. My first impression upon unpacking this mount was one of quiet satisfaction; it felt sturdy and purpose-built.

Real-World Testing: Putting Garmin Striker 7dv/7sv Flush Mount to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test involved fitting this flush mount onto the dash of my 19-foot center console. The surface is a standard gel-coated fiberglass, relatively flat but with some minor curvature typical of older boat dashes. I followed the included template and instructions, marking and drilling the necessary holes. The process was straightforward, and the included hardware seemed robust enough for marine use. I experienced no issues with alignment or fit, and the unit settled snugly into the cutout. It was certainly a step up in terms of ease of installation compared to trying to adapt universal brackets.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Garmin Striker 7dv/7sv Flush Mount has proven its worth. It’s seen its fair share of spray, sun, and the occasional vibration from rough seas, and it shows no signs of wear or looseness. The unit remains firmly in place, with the Garmin Striker 7 unit it holds sitting perfectly level and stable. Cleaning is as simple as wiping down the dash around it, and the mount itself doesn’t trap excessive dirt or grime. Compared to the standard gimbal mount that came with the fishfinder, this flush mount offers a significant improvement in aesthetics and reduces potential snagging points for lines or gear.

Breaking Down the Features of Garmin Striker 7dv/7sv Flush Mount

Specifications

This flush mount kit is designed specifically for Garmin STRIKER 7cv, STRIKER 7dv, STRIKER 7sv, STRIKER Plus 7cv, and STRIKER Plus 7sv models. It is constructed from durable materials, though the exact composition isn’t detailed, it feels like a sturdy, marine-grade plastic or composite. The kit includes all necessary hardware for installation, clear installation instructions, and a precise template for cutting the dash. This thoughtful inclusion of a template is a significant convenience, eliminating the guesswork often associated with custom installations. The price point of $33.99 also positions it as an accessible upgrade.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Garmin Striker 7dv/7sv Flush Mount is to provide a stable, aesthetically pleasing mounting solution for your compatible Garmin device. It excels at this task. The mount provides a solid, wobble-free platform, ensuring the screen remains steady even in choppy conditions. Its ability to allow for a sleek, integrated look is its most significant functional benefit, transforming the helm from cluttered to clean. There aren’t complex mechanisms to fail; it’s a straightforward, well-engineered piece of hardware that simply works as intended.

Design & Ergonomics

The design philosophy behind this flush mount is clearly one of simplicity and seamless integration. It’s engineered to fit precisely, creating a factory-installed appearance. The materials feel durable and resistant to the marine environment, which is crucial for longevity on a boat. While it doesn’t have complex ergonomic features in itself, it allows the primary device to be positioned optimally for viewing and interaction, contributing to overall user comfort at the helm. The clean lines and minimal profile are its strongest design attributes.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on its construction and my extended testing period, this flush mount is built for the demands of the marine environment. I anticipate it will last for many seasons with minimal degradation. Maintenance is virtually non-existent, requiring only occasional cleaning with mild soap and water, just like the rest of your boat’s interior surfaces. There are no moving parts to lubricate or delicate components to worry about. The main concern would be ensuring a proper, watertight seal during installation to prevent any water ingress behind the dash, a point emphasized in the instructions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The core accessory included is the installation hardware itself, which is comprehensive. Beyond that, this mount is designed for a very specific purpose and doesn’t offer broad customization in terms of changing its function. However, its compatibility with a range of Garmin Striker units means you can upgrade or change your fishfinder model within that series without needing a new flush mount, which is a practical consideration for long-term boat ownership. The primary “customization” is the act of flushing it into your dash, which is a permanent, aesthetic choice.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Striker 7dv/7sv Flush Mount

Who Should Buy Garmin Striker 7dv/7sv Flush Mount?

This flush mount is an excellent choice for any boater who owns a compatible Garmin Striker 7 series fishfinder and desires a clean, integrated look for their helm. It’s ideal for those who prioritize aesthetics and want to minimize clutter, whether they are outfitting a new boat or upgrading an older one. It’s particularly well-suited for individuals who are comfortable with minor DIY boat modifications, as cutting into the dash is required. Those who prefer a quick, temporary setup or have dashes with significant curvature might want to stick with the standard gimbal mount. For optimal use, ensure you have basic tools like a jigsaw or rotary tool, a drill, and appropriate safety gear before beginning installation.

Conclusion on Garmin Striker 7dv/7sv Flush Mount

The Garmin Striker 7dv/7sv Flush Mount is a well-executed accessory that delivers precisely what it promises: a cleaner, more integrated installation for your compatible Garmin fishfinder. For its $33.99 price, it offers significant value by providing a professional finish and a stable, reliable mounting solution. The inclusion of a template and hardware streamlines the installation process considerably. While it requires a permanent alteration to your boat’s dashboard, the resulting aesthetic and functional benefits are, in my experience, well worth it for the target user. I would certainly recommend this flush mount to any boater looking to enhance the look and feel of their helm station while upgrading their fishfinding capabilities. It’s a simple, effective solution to a common boating desire.