The Garmin Striker 7 series, including the newer Striker Vivid 7sv and 7cv, hits a sweet spot for boaters. The screen is big enough to be genuinely useful, the price stays reasonable for smaller boats, and the unit mounts in a variety of locations without much fuss.
The mounting setup you choose matters more than most people realize. The wrong mount can make the screen hard to read in sunlight, let it shake loose in rough water, or turn removal into a hassle every time you leave the boat.
This guide walks through the factory bracket that ships with every Striker 7, the RAM upgrades most owners eventually move to, a flush-mount option for a built-in look, and the mounting locations that work best on different types of boats. If you’re also running smaller marine electronics on the same boat, our broader guide to marine electronics mounts covers Garmin, Lowrance, and Humminbird units side by side.
Best Garmin Striker 7 Mounts at a Glance
| Mount | Best For | Mounting Style |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin Tilt/Swivel Mount | Simple factory-style installation | Drill-down base |
| RAM 1.5″ Ball Mount (RAM-111U) | Rough water, vibration resistance | Drill-down ball mount |
| RAM Swing Arm Mount | Reaching multiple positions at the helm | Drill-down swing arm |
| Garmin Flush Mount Kit | A clean, built-in console look | Flush-cut panel mount |
Which Models This Applies To
This guide covers all 7-inch Striker units, including:
- Garmin Striker 7cv
- Garmin Striker 7sv
- Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv
- Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv
From a mounting standpoint, these units share the same footprint and bracket system, so the recommendations below apply across the lineup. The Vivid models add upgraded color palettes and sonar processing over the standard 7cv and 7sv, but the housing, cradle, and mounting hole pattern stay the same, so you don’t need to shop for a different mount just because you’re running a Vivid unit.
If you’re not sure which display you have, check the model name printed on the back of the housing or in the device’s system information menu before ordering any mount. The 7cv and 7sv share a footprint with each other, but neither one is interchangeable with the smaller Striker 4 or 5-inch models, which use a different bracket and cradle size entirely.
1. Garmin Tilt/Swivel Mount: The Factory Bracket
Every Striker 7 ships with Garmin’s standard tilt and swivel bracket. It is a simple flat-surface mount that attaches with screws and allows basic angle adjustment through side knobs.
This mount works fine if your boat stays relatively stable, you have a clear flat surface to mount on, you don’t need to adjust the viewing angle often, and quick removal isn’t a priority.
- Included with every new Striker 7 unit
- Simple screw-down installation
- Basic tilt and swivel adjustment
- Reliable for calm to moderate water
- Limited adjustability compared to a ball mount
2. RAM Ball Mount System: Best Upgrade
If you want a serious upgrade, this is where most experienced boaters end up. It is a mount we have recommended many times: built from marine-grade powder-coated aluminum and backed by a lifetime warranty.
The Garmin factory bracket attaches directly to a RAM system using the standard AMPS hole pattern, which gives you a fully adjustable mount with much better vibration resistance than the factory tilt bracket alone.
Why RAM Works Better
- Handles vibration and hull slap far better than the factory bracket
- Near-infinite adjustability instead of fixed tilt positions
- Quick removal: loosen the knob and lift the unit off
- Opens up more mounting locations around the boat
3. RAM Swing Arm Mount: Best for Flexible Reach
The RAM swing arm mount uses the same style of plate as the ball mount above and comes from the same manufacturer. Instead of a fixed ball joint, a swing arm lets the display move through a wide horizontal range, which is useful for reaching the screen from more than one position on the boat. A locking knob at the top holds the arm in place once you’ve found the right angle.
As with the ball mount, the Garmin factory bracket attaches directly to the top plate. It isn’t as quick to remove as the ball mount above, but the arm’s reach makes it a strong choice for helms where you move around while running the boat.
4. Flush Mount Kit: Best Clean, Built-In Look
If you want a built-in appearance, Garmin offers a flush mount kit for the Striker 7 series. It mounts the unit directly into your console, creating a clean, factory-style look instead of an arm or bracket standing above the surface.
This is not a quick weekend install for most owners. Cutting the console opening requires precise measurement, and there is no easy fix if the cut goes wrong, so it’s often worth leaving to a professional installer if you’re not confident with a jigsaw and a template.
Best Mounting Locations on a Boat
The mount you choose is only half the equation. Placement matters just as much.
1. Console or Helm (Best Overall)
This is the most common location. It keeps the screen in your direct line of sight and makes it easy to adjust while driving.
2. Side Rail or Track Mount
A good option for smaller boats or kayaks. Often paired with RAM mounts or a dedicated track system for extra flexibility, similar to the setups covered in our RAM Mounts guide.
3. Portable Mounting Plate
Useful if you move the unit between boats or remove it frequently. Usually combined with a RAM base for fast swaps.
4. Bow Mount (Fishing Setup)
Common for anglers who fish from the front of the boat. This position takes more wave impact, so it needs a very stable mount.
Real-World Considerations
- Sunlight visibility: the mounting angle matters more than most people expect. A screen that looks fine in the driveway can wash out completely once you’re on open water with the sun low on the horizon.
- Vibration: smaller mounts shake more than larger ball systems, especially at speed. A 1.5-inch ball with a properly tightened knob absorbs far more chop than a factory tilt bracket bolted straight to the console.
- Cable routing: leave enough slack in the power and transducer cables for the mount’s full range of adjustment. A cable pulled tight at one end of the swing can strain the connector over time.
- Removal: don’t leave expensive electronics exposed and unattended, particularly at public docks or marinas where foot traffic is high.
- Hardware quality: use stainless steel fasteners rather than the coated screws sometimes included in generic kits, especially for saltwater installs.
Security Tip: Take the Unit With You
Take your unit with you when you leave the boat. The Striker 7 comes off in seconds on a RAM mount, which is exactly what makes it an easy target left unattended at a dock. Fish finders are among the most commonly stolen items on boats, and a quick-release mount cuts both ways: convenient for you, convenient for anyone else too.
If your boat stays at a marina or a shared dock, consider whether the console area is visible from the parking lot or walkway. A unit mounted low and tucked behind the wheel draws less attention than one sitting up on a tall arm in plain view.
Optional Accessory: Protective Cover
If you leave the mount installed but remove the display itself, a protective cover helps shield the screen and housing from sun and spray while the boat is docked. The Bzumperyz cover for the Striker 7dv/7sv is weatherproof and waterproof, and it’s sized specifically for the 7-series housing rather than a generic universal fit.
Which Garmin Striker 7 Mount Should You Buy?
| Your Situation | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You want the simplest possible install | Garmin Tilt/Swivel Mount | Included, reliable, no extra parts to buy |
| You run in rough or choppy water | RAM 1.5″ Ball Mount | Best vibration resistance and adjustability |
| You need to view the screen from multiple positions | RAM Swing Arm Mount | Wide horizontal reach around the helm |
| You want a factory-style built-in look | Flush Mount Kit | Sits flush with the console instead of standing above it |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Garmin Striker 7 come with a mount?
Yes. Every new Striker 7cv, 7sv, and Vivid unit ships with Garmin’s tilt and swivel bracket. An aftermarket mount only becomes necessary if you want more adjustment, better vibration resistance, or a flush, built-in look.
Can I use the same mount for the Striker 7cv and 7sv?
Yes. The 7cv and 7sv share the same housing and mounting hole pattern, so any mount built for one fits the other, including the Vivid versions of each.
What size RAM ball do I need for a Striker 7?
A 1.5-inch C-size RAM ball is the right match for a 7-inch fish finder. The smaller 1-inch B-size ball is intended for lighter devices like the Striker 4 and isn’t the ideal choice for a larger, heavier unit.
Is a flush mount kit hard to install?
It takes more effort than a drill-down bracket or RAM ball mount. You’re cutting an opening directly into the console using Garmin’s template, so accuracy matters. Many owners choose to have this done by a professional installer rather than attempt it themselves.
Do I need to remove the fish finder every time I leave the boat?
It isn’t strictly necessary, but it is the safest habit, especially at public docks or marinas. A RAM mount makes this fast: loosen the knob, lift the unit off, and take it with you.
Can the Garmin factory bracket attach directly to a RAM mount?
Yes. The factory bracket uses a standard AMPS hole pattern that lines up with RAM’s AMPS-compatible plates, so you can keep the original Garmin cradle and simply change what it’s bolted to.
What’s the difference between a RAM ball mount and a RAM swing arm mount?
A ball mount adjusts through a single ball-and-socket joint, which is quick to loosen and remove. A swing arm pivots horizontally through a wider range, which is more useful when you need to view the screen from several positions around the helm rather than just tilting it in place.
Bottom Line
The Garmin Striker 7 series, including the Vivid models, is easy to mount, but the factory bracket is really just a starting point. For most owners, upgrading to a RAM system dramatically improves usability, adjustability, and stability on the water.
Choose your mount based on how you use your boat, where you plan to install it, and how often you plan to remove the unit. Get that part right, and the Striker 7 becomes a much better tool out on the water.
