Drift Boat FishFinder mounting??

[MarlinMark]

I am going to be purchasing a Lowrance X71 fish finder and need to figure out how to mount/hang the transducer. Because I do whitewater and don't need my ff all the time I don't want to permanently mount the transducer. Does anyone have any tips?

Thanks,

Mark

[finner]

I purchased the portable fish finder this year, and even though I've only taken it out in big water three times so far I've been really happy with it. The transducer is on a cup that you just push onto the stern of your driftboat. I've been able to run all around and different speeds and it stays on pretty good. I have a 6 horse Merc. on my driftboat...

[Pete]

When I had a fishfinder in my drift boat, I mounted it on a removable bracket in the tray just in front of the oar lock. I ran it off a rechargable motorcycle battery I installed inside my equipment box. I used a removable clamp on wand for my transducer, but you should investigate "through-the-hull" mounting options if you want something permanent.

[Ken Drifter]

When I first put my depth finder on my drift boat I used a piece of aluminum about 3" wide and about 1/4 thick. I then took the aluminun and drilled holes so I could attach the depth finder. Then I bent the Aluminum so I could hang it over the side of the boat. That works pretty well. But it didnt do well when motoring w/ an 8 horse merc.
Then I deceded to mount it permanently to the rear transom and that I feel was the way to go. It hasnt had a lick of trouble while drifting over rocks etc. and it works fine when motoring. Anyway my 2cents.

[SlimPickens]

I also have the suction cup type of transducer on my drift boat. Works real well. Easy on and off. I mount mine on the back half of the boat so it doesnt have any problems going full bore....i get going real fast with my 7.5 :cool:

[JPSFISHY]

Howdy Marlin...
Been there. Used to have a exterior bracket on my transducer for my driftboat. About the 3rd time I scraped it off in the rocks/limbs, I figured there had to be a better way. Anything outside, IS gonna get messed up at some time. So I found a transducer that shoots thru the hull, epoxy'd it on the hull under my rowing seat, against the side. It's out of the way, never causes a problem, and eliminates the headaches of an outside bracket. I just unplug it, and take the FF Unit inside when not in use. I just roll up the cable, cap the end of the plug, and place the cable in my side tray. And because it's epoxy'd in, they can't steel it, unless they want to break it. Hope this thought helps. JP

[Smily]

Hi MarlinMark,
I got a Fishin Buddy, model #1200.
I like because I stick it in the hole of the bracket when I need to use it or I pull it out when not in use. That probably doesn't help you when you already have the Lowrance. But, like the fishing buddy I would have a removable transducer or it may get messed up in some rapids. The Idea of what Jimmy's Steelhead service Sounds great, just don't know how it would work thru the hull.

:smile: Smily :smile:

[fishonksm]

MarlinMark,
I've got to agree with them others about the suction cup idea. Ran a portable for years in my drift boat. The suction cup was about 3-4" dia. on a 3" wide angle bracket with the transducer. You might find something of a suction cup at a hardware store or NAPA auto part(i've seen big ones on auto top carriers). Good Luck. Kim

[MarlinMark]

Thank you all for your replies. I appreciate them all. I think I'll try the suction cup method over the side where the unit will be. If it gives me trouble then I think the epoxy thru hull design is the way to go. I could probably put it under the front dry box and it would really be out of the way.

Thanks again,

Mark

[Wet Willie]

MM,
I mounted my transducer to a piece of pvc pipe and screwed a couple of conduit clamps into the transom of my DB. I tightened the clamps up just enough to hold the pvc pipe but allowed it to slip up and down.I left the pipe long enough so when I wanted it in the water I could push it down and when I wanted it out I just pulled it up.

[spooner]

If you go with the thru hull You dont need to epoxie it just make sure its in water and there is no air between the hull an the transduser. I just silicone a pice of 6 in.pvc to the flore and fill it with water and drop the transduser in works great on aluminum and glass boats I done it on a 47 ft glass trooler threw a two in.hull with a cheep humingbird fishfinder.