Just bought a Garmin Striker Vivid 7 Sonar with GT54 transducer for my Nash Rib 280 inflatable boat for upcoming french trips.
My next step is to get a decent mount that works on an inflatable boat. Any suggestions. I see a few options to mount to rear of boat next to electric outboard motor. My only concern with them is interference with the sonar on the go. Is this a thing or am I being silly?
Anyways if anyone can point me in the right direction would really appreciate it
My next step is to get a decent mount that works on an inflatable boat. Any suggestions. I see a few options to mount to rear of boat next to electric outboard motor. My only concern with them is interference with the sonar on the go. Is this a thing or am I being silly?
Anyways if anyone can point me in the right direction would really appreciate it
In reply to Post #1
I bought a cheap mount from the tackle box but Minn kota do a decent one that works the same method as their electric engines
(my vivid is the smaller model..)
There is now a bracket for some models that attaches to the motor mount so the interference can't be that bad lol.
(Look at lowrance active target or Garmin live scope.)
Did you get the big jubilee clip in the box as that mounts the transducer to some engines.
I bought a cheap mount from the tackle box but Minn kota do a decent one that works the same method as their electric engines
(my vivid is the smaller model..)
There is now a bracket for some models that attaches to the motor mount so the interference can't be that bad lol.
(Look at lowrance active target or Garmin live scope.)
Did you get the big jubilee clip in the box as that mounts the transducer to some engines.
In reply to Post #2
Cheers pal will have a look.
As for the sonar I just bought it this morning will see when it arrives whats included but bought new from shop so everything it comes with as standard should be included.
Cheers pal will have a look.
As for the sonar I just bought it this morning will see when it arrives whats included but bought new from shop so everything it comes with as standard should be included.
In reply to Post #3
Mine came with a big jubilee type clip so it wraps around the tranny and the base of the engine in front of the skeg.
I will go and double check now ....
Yup
2 transducer mounts (just use the one that suits the engine) and a big jubilee and a bag of other bits cable covers screws etc.
The only “extras” I have bought was a cigarette lighter plug and a spare mount so I can transfer from boat to dinghy.
Mine came with a big jubilee type clip so it wraps around the tranny and the base of the engine in front of the skeg.
I will go and double check now ....
Yup
2 transducer mounts (just use the one that suits the engine) and a big jubilee and a bag of other bits cable covers screws etc.
The only “extras” I have bought was a cigarette lighter plug and a spare mount so I can transfer from boat to dinghy.
In reply to Post #1
I had a similar challenge, ended up asking quite a few of the Euro style companies at the Den Bosch show here in Holland & all of them recommended the transducer mount Gert Ooms makes as it's entirely adjustable & has a mechanism that will 'bounce' the transducer up and out of the water in shallow water to avoid damaging it.
Mounted it next to the motor at the rear of the boat & adjusted as needed - worked a charm.
Not cheap by any stretch, but my thinking was the kit mounted on it is expensive, why risk damaging by trying to save a few Euros. I looked at the transducer mounts from Nash, Raptor and a couple of German brands but none of these has the level of adjustment or safety piece built in.
Gert' is a well built bit of kit, can't fault it at all
I had a similar challenge, ended up asking quite a few of the Euro style companies at the Den Bosch show here in Holland & all of them recommended the transducer mount Gert Ooms makes as it's entirely adjustable & has a mechanism that will 'bounce' the transducer up and out of the water in shallow water to avoid damaging it.
Mounted it next to the motor at the rear of the boat & adjusted as needed - worked a charm.
Not cheap by any stretch, but my thinking was the kit mounted on it is expensive, why risk damaging by trying to save a few Euros. I looked at the transducer mounts from Nash, Raptor and a couple of German brands but none of these has the level of adjustment or safety piece built in.
Gert' is a well built bit of kit, can't fault it at all
In reply to Post #5
Just had a look and they are sold out on their website. TBF the price isnt even that expensive have seen worse.
Currently for ease of purchase looking at this. Not sure if anyone has used this but holds the tranducer, clamps to the back and has platform for the screen. Looks like would do the job.
https://johnsonrosstackle.co.uk/inflatable-boats/21525-fish-finder-sonar-mount.html
Just had a look and they are sold out on their website. TBF the price isnt even that expensive have seen worse.
Currently for ease of purchase looking at this. Not sure if anyone has used this but holds the tranducer, clamps to the back and has platform for the screen. Looks like would do the job.
https://johnsonrosstackle.co.uk/inflatable-boats/21525-fish-finder-sonar-mount.html
In reply to Post #6
Yup that would work
Another dinghy specialist bits is a company called railblaza
From memory they do a tranny mount
Yup that would work
Another dinghy specialist bits is a company called railblaza
From memory they do a tranny mount
In reply to Post #6
I spoke to Gert at the show, he makes them in small batches so ended up waiting a month or so for mine to be ready (only paid once it was made).
The link you sent over would work, just check the baseplate and top plate mounting holes will work with your set up, they're slightly different based on brand. Would work use case wise though
I spoke to Gert at the show, he makes them in small batches so ended up waiting a month or so for mine to be ready (only paid once it was made).
The link you sent over would work, just check the baseplate and top plate mounting holes will work with your set up, they're slightly different based on brand. Would work use case wise though
In reply to Post #7
"...tranny mount"
Nice try...you think I am going to type THAT into Google!?
"...tranny mount"
Nice try...you think I am going to type THAT into Google!?
In reply to Post #9
I'll do it for ya lol
https://www.railblaza.co.uk/electronics/fishfinders-transducers.html
I'll do it for ya lol
https://www.railblaza.co.uk/electronics/fishfinders-transducers.html
In reply to Post #10
Thanks Mark
Some decent bits of kit there...
LINKY POO™ https://www.railblaza.co.uk/electronics/fishfinders-transducers.html
Thanks Mark
Some decent bits of kit there...
LINKY POO™ https://www.railblaza.co.uk/electronics/fishfinders-transducers.html
In reply to Post #11
Loads of the SIB sea fishing community use their gear
Loads of the SIB sea fishing community use their gear
In reply to Post #1
Don't know if you purchased yet, but here's some things to consider. Long story, but I've had quite a few and it would have saved me a lot of hassle if I had known or thought about some of the things written below.
First decide wether you want one with a fishfinder mount attached. Pros: less cables lying around and only one item to carry. Cons: its always going to be at the back of the boat, kind of forcing/limiting you to sit in a certain position (you can always take the screen off, but then prepare by having a fishfinder mount or an echo sounder bag). If you decide on an integrated fishfinder mount, make sure the attachment holes allign with those of your unit.
Then look at shaft length and maximum transom thickness it supports. You won't be the first to buy one that does not fit (I did). Another thing to consider is weight. Everyone wants a custom one these days, but these are often needlessly heavy.
Check whether it has the possibilty to arrange your wiring properly, albeit through the mount itself, some tube, or pre-drilled holes for tie-wraps. Last thing you want is having your transducer cable ending up in your engine (happened to me). As said before: its also nice if your mount is not too rigid for it to survive accidentally hitting the shallows (although your transducer is usually not installed that far below your transom to be damaged). Last thing: check the clamps: often they come with these bumpy ones (or really small ones) that will damage your transom over time. If so: also buy some glue-on rubbers for protection on both sides. Most ribs have crappy transoms that will rot from under you or will start to release glue over time (I had).
For carping I like Tite Lok best. Simple, affordable, lightweight, easily adjustable, can handle shallows, the shaft is thin causing less interference and allowing you to neatly tie-wrap your cables. No fishfinder mount attached, but for ease of movement I prefer an echosounder bag anyway. Don't worry about interference. Check your user manual for instructions on proper installation and make sure your mount will allow you to follow these.
One last advice: take proper care of it. Its always exposed to the elements, so make sure to regularly check all screws and hinged parts for proper functioning and fix things when they do not. Its that bit of kit you never knew was so vital until it breaks down.
Don't know if you purchased yet, but here's some things to consider. Long story, but I've had quite a few and it would have saved me a lot of hassle if I had known or thought about some of the things written below.
First decide wether you want one with a fishfinder mount attached. Pros: less cables lying around and only one item to carry. Cons: its always going to be at the back of the boat, kind of forcing/limiting you to sit in a certain position (you can always take the screen off, but then prepare by having a fishfinder mount or an echo sounder bag). If you decide on an integrated fishfinder mount, make sure the attachment holes allign with those of your unit.
Then look at shaft length and maximum transom thickness it supports. You won't be the first to buy one that does not fit (I did). Another thing to consider is weight. Everyone wants a custom one these days, but these are often needlessly heavy.
Check whether it has the possibilty to arrange your wiring properly, albeit through the mount itself, some tube, or pre-drilled holes for tie-wraps. Last thing you want is having your transducer cable ending up in your engine (happened to me). As said before: its also nice if your mount is not too rigid for it to survive accidentally hitting the shallows (although your transducer is usually not installed that far below your transom to be damaged). Last thing: check the clamps: often they come with these bumpy ones (or really small ones) that will damage your transom over time. If so: also buy some glue-on rubbers for protection on both sides. Most ribs have crappy transoms that will rot from under you or will start to release glue over time (I had).
For carping I like Tite Lok best. Simple, affordable, lightweight, easily adjustable, can handle shallows, the shaft is thin causing less interference and allowing you to neatly tie-wrap your cables. No fishfinder mount attached, but for ease of movement I prefer an echosounder bag anyway. Don't worry about interference. Check your user manual for instructions on proper installation and make sure your mount will allow you to follow these.
One last advice: take proper care of it. Its always exposed to the elements, so make sure to regularly check all screws and hinged parts for proper functioning and fix things when they do not. Its that bit of kit you never knew was so vital until it breaks down.