I need a knob for a GPS mounting arm

[Quickstep192]

My friend's boat has a GPS on an arm that swings allowing the GPS to be positioned either inside the boat, or positioned in the companionway for viewing from the cockpit. It has two knobs that tighten down on bolts to hold it in position. Unfortunately, if you swing it without loosening the knob, the knob shatters. I did that, so I'm looking for a replacement knob. I thought if I could find a mount like his, I could get a replacement knob. I can't seem to find the mount, let alone the knob. I've searched Ram Mounts website to no avail. Any ideas?

[camaraderie]

Is it like this with another extension arm?

If so...West Marine carries them.
West Marine: Swing Mount TO 60LB Product Display

[Quickstep192]

No, but you lead me in the right direction. I wouldn't have thought of West Marine as a likely source. I wonder if they'll have parts.....
The one I need a knob for looks like this:

[Fstbttms]

Hardware store often have a selection of various knobs, plugs, inserts, washers, rings, corks, pins etc. etc. etc. in the fasteners section. I have found all kinds of stuff in that section at Ace Hardware that replaces the odd missing part that would otherwise require tossing the entire device.

[camaraderie]

I believe that is the same company with the extension arm. It is what I use on my boat. They will NOT have the part but perhaps you can write the company that makes it....or trade in your friends broken assembly for a new one. They have good return policies for defective products.

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by Quickstep192

My friend's boat has a GPS on an arm that swings allowing the GPS to be positioned either inside the boat, or positioned in the companionway for viewing from the cockpit. It has two knobs that tighten down on bolts to hold it in position. Unfortunately, if you swing it without loosening the knob, the knob shatters.

Sounds like a defective product, to me. ISTM one tightens the knobs to keep if from moving. So it either shouldn't have moved or should have moved reluctantly. It shouldn't have broken, IMO. Well, unless you really leaned into it--but it doesn't sound like that's what happened.

Jim

[SkywalkerII]

The mount looks like the West Marine version - I have the same one. I have not had any difficulty with the arm or locking knob. Perhaps it is defective. I'd try West.

Skywalker

[resdog]

McMaster-Carr - more knobs than you can ever imagine

McMaster-Carr

Type in threaded knobs and it'll bring a big selection up

[BreakingWind2]

Try Ram Mounts, they might be able to help.

RAM Mounting Systems, Inc.

Dave

[sander06]

Guys, FSTBTTMS was right the first time... ACE HARDWARE or the like will probably have what you need. Look for the simplest solution to any problem, not the hardest (unless that's your "thing" of course!).