RAM® Mounts securely supported Furuno navigation displays across the WSDOT ferry fleet, improving situational awareness with rugged, adjustable mounting solutions.
The Challenge
For over three decades, Furuno has partnered with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to install, retrofit, and maintain marine navigation systems throughout its ferry fleet. As navigation technology evolved, crews needed greater flexibility to access critical information beyond the primary navigation console.
Space at the vessel’s bridge, particularly around the conning position, is extremely limited, making it difficult to install additional displays without interfering with controls or operator visibility. WSDOT needed a mounting solution that could:
- Securely support heavy marine navigation displays
- Fit within crowded bridge and conning station layouts
- Withstand constant vessel vibration and harsh marine environments
- Allow operators to adjust displays for optimal viewing without obstructing visibility or access to critical vessel controls
- Scale easily across multiple ferry configurations
The solution needed to deliver long-term reliability in commercial marine operations where equipment performance is critical to safe navigation.
Image provided by Furuno
The Solution
Working with WSDOT, Furuno integrated RAM® Mounts to support three critical navigation displays throughout each Washington State Ferry. Together, the displays give helmsmen and crew flexible access to radar, heading, speed, and navigation data beyond the primary navigation console.
The MU152HD daylight-viewable marine monitor mirrors radar imagery from Furuno’s solid-state radar system and is supported by a heavy-duty RAM® E Size mounting system, providing exceptional stability while allowing operators to position the display for optimal visibility.
Images provided by Furuno
The RD50 Port multifunction repeater displays heading and rate-of-turn information, while the RD50 Starboard repeater provides vessel speed and navigation data from the onboard heading sensor. Both utilize RAM® D Size mounting systems that securely support the displays while allowing smooth adjustment for each operator’s preferred viewing angle.
RAM®’s modular ball-and-socket design enabled Furuno to install all three displays within the crowded conning position without obstructing visibility, steering controls, throttle access, or emergency switches. The result is a rugged, adaptable solution built to withstand constant vibration and the demanding conditions of commercial marine operations.
“I’m very happy with the ruggedness and versatility of RAM® Mounts. They allow us to safely install relatively heavy displays in areas with limited mounting space while giving operators the ability to easily adjust the monitor for optimal viewing angle.”
The Results
By implementing RAM® Mounts across the Washington State Ferries fleet, WSDOT equipped crews with reliable access to critical navigation information while overcoming the space constraints of modern vessel bridges. The rugged, adjustable mounting solution delivers the long-term durability required for daily commercial marine operations.
Furuno brought years of experience with RAM® Mounts to the project, while WSDOT selected the solution based on its proven reliability and performance. Together, the teams trusted RAM® to securely support critical navigation displays in a demanding marine environment.
RAM® Mounts helped Furuno and WSDOT by:
Improving access to radar and navigation information throughout the bridge
Securely mounting heavy marine displays in confined spaces
Allowing operators to quickly adjust displays for optimal viewing
Delivering long-term durability in high-vibration marine environments
Providing a modular solution adaptable to different vessel layouts