I don't know what it looks like, but would it be possible if you don't look at it head on the reading won't be accurate? Kind of like an old car we had... When going 55 it looked like about 70 from the passenger seat.

Dont forget to mutter under your breath, slow down your going to fast and your heading to fur to the east

On the thwart, directly in front of me I have a shockcord running the length of it and here is where I put my primary navigation tool, my map (enclosed in a case of course). This method has served me extremely well. Easy to re-position, easy to read, easy to yank out and biner to a portage pack on walks and you don't have to worry about the wind taking it away. That will stay.

On either end I had wanted to place the GPS (in its heavier than hoped for RAM mount) and the compass off to the other side. I am also keen to have the depth finder mounted more or less permanently. All this adds up to weight and complexity. I was looking at that scenario with an evil eye at first but then realized I don't mind the least bit carrying needed items on my belt and rather like the ease of access. "Thwart clutter" is much the same I suppose. Besides, my obsession with shaving 5 or 10 lbs from my kit is probably the wrong focus. How about dropping 20 lbs from my personage . Or perhaps changing 20lbs of "stored energy" to muscle moving mass ability. So far so good.

The depth finder is the logical thing to leave behind but since my intention is to troll around the park and more or less run a line continually when practical the depth finder would be critical in doing that effectively. The last thing I want is to be continually hung up, can't make miles that way.

I can picture the GPS, map and compass mounted on the thwart in front but what I am having some perplexity imagining is where the depth finder will go and still be easily read. Since I will be looking at it probably 95% more than the GPS it should probably have a more prominent position. Add in that the RAM mount is very versatile (I could likely mount it Underneath the thwart).

I guess I will worry about that in the spring when I can get my hands on the boat. Lot's of fun!      

Boats in Michigan. It's gonna be in the 20's here in Florida tonight. Last year was freezing down here to.

Should I take this opportunity to playfully mock global warming?.........oppps I forgot, we are going to call it "climate change" so if it's cold or hot it's still our fault. And yea, I'm for less gunk in the air and in the water.

At the risk of sounding contentious (and I despise folk who are contentious just for its own sake) I will advocate that my map viewing system is superior .

Let me see if I have your situation correct. (If not please advise and I may change my views accordingly) Tied off on the corners and hanging more or less vertically?

Your eyes have to focus down where mine are more direct as the relevant info on my map is often at or above my thwart line. A subtle but important distinction IMO. Especially since I am continually looking from map to shore. Just a glance is all that is required.......not even a slight tilt of the head.

The angle of viewing can be changed with my system just by adjusting its position in relation to the shock cord. A simple shove to or fro and I can achieve any viewing angle I desire at any given moment. Keep in mind the case adds rigidity. It never actually folds over on itself.

My method is both faster and more convenient. Time to change maps? Just grab the case and re-load. Want a real close look? Again just grab it and plop it in your face. I'm always looking at the map in camp.......just grab and go. On portages it is as simple as it gets to clip my case to a d ring on my pack and off I go. Sort of nice to be able to stand around at the end of the portage and have it in your hand and up close as well. Adjustments that are needed are often noted and performed then.

Well, have I convinced you?

I know we all have our methods that work for us. I was speaking to those who perhaps are not satisfied with their map set-ups as much as I was to you Mr. DD  .

I would like to see your set-up one day (Hint, Hint) Sounds interesting.