Garmin GPSMAP 172 Installation Instructions

Flush Mount Installation Instructions

(External Antenna Versions Only) 

Contents:

Mounting Hardware:

A - Foam Rubber Pads (4)

B - M4 Hex Head Screws (4)

C - M4 Hex Nuts (8)

D - Reusable Cable Tie (1)

E - Metal Retaining Brackets (2)

Please read through these instructions thoroughly before attempting installation. Make 

sure you completely understand these instructions before you begin. When in doubt, seek 

professional assistance. Be sure the cables will reach the unit and transducer location before 

beginning installation. Please check the packing list above. If you are missing any items, 

please contact your Garmin dealer. Be sure to wear safety goggles and a dusk mask when 

drilling and cutting.

Installing the Flush Mount Pocket

1.  Using the supplied Mounting Template, locate a suitable mounting location and  

    tape the template in place. Be sure to check behind the installation area to  

    avoid cutting or drilling into wiring, cables, etc.

2.  Drill a 3/8” hole at the location in di cat ed on the template as a starting point.  

    Then, using the Jig Saw, cut the panel along the bold line. Be sure that your  

    initial cut does not go outside the line that in di cates the inside edge of the  

    pocket (Figure 1).

3.  Using a file or sandpaper, remove any burrs from the open ing. Test fit the  

    Flush Mount Pocket and make any ad just ments to correct the fit. 

The Flush  

    Mount Pocket should not fit tightly at the cutouts on the sides of the pocket.  

    Approximately 1/8" clearance is necessary for the unit to lock in properly.

4.  Install the four Foam Rubber Pads in the pocket at the locations indicated in  

    Figure 2. To install the pads, peel the lining off of the back and install with the  

    sticky side against the pocket. 

5.  Insert the pocket in the panel (the Garmin logo should be positioned at the  

    top). Install a M4 Hex Head Screw through the pocket and the corresponding  

    hole in the Metal Retaining Bracket. Start a 4mm Hex Nut on the screw. Repeat  

    the process until all 4 nuts are started (Figure 3). Tighten the M4 nuts using a 

    7mm wrench or socket. Avoid overtightening, which will distort the pocket  

    and prevent the unit from snapping in properly. Install and tighten the second  

    Hex Nut on all four Mounting Studs to lock the first one in place.

 If operating  

    in a high vibration environment it is recommended that you use a thread 

    locking compound on the M4 Hex Head Screws.

6.  Secure the cable to the rectangular slot along the top of the Flush Mount  

    Pocket or one of the metal retaining brack ets with the wire tie provided in the  

    kit. Leave approximately 18” of cable extending through the pocket to aid in  

    the installation and removal of the unit.

Figure 1

Flush Mount Pocket:

Mounts to the bulkhead 

and retains the unit

Figure 2

Rubber Pad Location

M4 Machine Nuts

Metal Retaining Bracket

Boat Panel

M4 Hex 

Head

Tool List (Not Included)

Figure 3

Jig Saw

7mm Wrench

Drill and 3/8’ Drill Bit

Masking Tape

Thread Locking Compound — (Optional)

Safety Goggles and Dust Mask for drilling

E

A

B

C

D

Mounting Pocket

Wire Tie Slot

CUT ALONG BOLD LINE

CUT ALONG BOLD LINE

TRIM ALONG DASHED LINE

3/8"

DRILL A HOLE FOR

A PLACE TO BEGIN CUTTING

OUTSIDE EDGE OF POCKET

Dashed lines indicate the actual

outline of the pocket. Cut along

bold line to provide clearance for

Detent Plate operation.