Comparing Adjustable Transducer Mounting Brackets

Understanding Adjustable Transducer Mounts & Brackets

Choosing The Right Transducer Mount

Installing a transducer mount can be a little nerve-wracking if you’ve never used one before, but knowing you’ve purchased the best accessory possible for your craft and fishing needs helps immensely. Here are some critical elements to consider when choosing the right transducer mount.  

Compatibility with Transducer

First and foremost, ensure the mount can be used with your fish finder’s transducer. You want the transducer to be stabilized, as well as protected—damaged transducers deliver inaccurate readings, if any. 

It’s also a headache (and extra expense) to install a mount, only to realize you should have chosen a different type altogether. 

Quality Construction

This is one area where reading other customers’ reviews can seriously help. Just as well-constructed mounts garner a great reputation among anglers, subpar mounts prone to instability, corrosion, or breakage will rack up poor reviews.

If you’re investing the time and money to install a transducer mount, you want to make sure it’ll last. If possible, read reviews from people who’ve had a certain mounting system for several months or more, as they can more accurately judge its durability. 

Corrosion Resistance

Different transducer housings hold up better than others, depending on your hull type and where you’re fishing. Choose a housing made from plastic, for example, if your boat's hull is metal or made from fiberglass. Stainless steel transducer housings will fare better on aluminum or steel boats.

In general, you should always compare different mounts' corrosion resistance levels to ensure your purchase will stand the test of time and keep your transducer readings accurate for years to come. 

Ease of Use & Installation

Simply put, some transducer mounts will be much more complicated to install and use than others, and that factor should play into your purchase decision. How much work are you willing to put in to install the mount properly?

How experienced of an angler are you, and will your limitations prevent you from using a particular mount? The best-reviewed transducer mount out there will be virtually useless to you if it’s not compatible with your needs. 

Mounting Style & Location

Transoms,  through-hull, in-hull, trolling motor—there are quite a few locations to install a transducer mount, and the model you choose should be designed for your exact needs.

Installing a mount where it wasn’t meant to go can leave your transducer prone to damage, in contact with excessive movements or air bubbles, or out of contact with the water altogether. All of these could result in inaccurate, unusable readings that turn your fish finder into little more than a pricey paperweight. 

Adaptability

A quality mount installed in the correct place will provide great readings at almost any speed, during any fishing excursion.

Adaptability might not be as concerning if you exclusively troll fish, but most anglers enjoy several kinds of fishing. Therefore, your transducer mount should be adaptable to all the activities and speeds you have planned—unless, of course, you plan on installing multiple types of transducers.

Brand Reliability

Often, this goes hand-in-hand with the previous factors. Quality brands that stand the test of time—and, more importantly, the tests of consumers—refine their products. Hence, corrosion resistance, ease of installation, durability, etc., are practically a given when purchasing from them.

That said, it's possible to find the perfect transducer mount from a new or unknown brand. Just make sure their customer service and response rates are excellent. A reputable brand will always back up its products and help customers with any issues they encounter as fast and effectively as possible. 

Price & Warranty

Whether your budget is high or low, price is an important checkbox when shopping for the right transducer mount. After all, a high price sticker doesn’t automatically guarantee quality, just as a lower price doesn’t always translate to lower quality.

More than numbers, you should consider the product’s overall value: paying a bit more for excellent customer service, brand reliability, and an impressive warranty will make the extra money well worth it. Similarly, you might discover all those elements in a much cheaper model than you initially budgeted for. 

1. Brocraft Universal Transducer Bracket & Mount

When it comes to adaptability, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option than this model from Brocraft. With an adjustable 360-degree swivel, it accommodates almost every fish finder brand on the market.  

This portable bracket and mount also receives huge points for being removable since you can use it between multiple vessels. What's more, if your placement isn't perfect the first time, you can simply take it off and try again—no time-consuming installations necessary.  

Constructed from marine grade aluminum, the Brocraft Universal Mount is designed to withstand fresh- or saltwater exposure while remaining lightweight enough for easy adjustments and transport.  The clamp opening is quite large at 2 ¾” max, ideal for smaller vessels or pontoons, particularly when placed at the front of the barge.  

As for stability, this mount beats similar models and is comparable to permanent mounting systems in withstanding turbulence.  Your transducer will hold steady, even at higher speeds, if the mount is installed and tightened correctly—although shimming may be necessary on thinner hulls to ensure a snug fit.  

2. Rig Rite Manufacturing 300

This bracket lets you install your transom transducer on a trolling motor, and includes spacers so you can ensure a level and tight fit for accurate readings. It’s advertised as a universal bracket which means, with some adjustments, it’s a wise purchase when you’re looking to avoid too much guesswork for a great fit.  

Like the Brocraft Universal Mount, the Rig Rite is made from marine grade aluminum for a lightweight yet durable design.  It can accommodate Eagle, Minnkota, Humminbird, and several other popular brands, although any transducers wider than two inches will not fit in this adapter.  

The main downside to the Rig Rite is true of many trolling motor transducer brackets, and that’s the amount of work you’ll need to invest initially for a proper fit.  Some anglers have better luck replacing the included washers and spacers with their own.  Nevertheless, this model is a tough and inexpensive mount that’s easy to install, even if the adjustments take some trial and error.  

3. Lowrance 3D StructureScan Bracket

Lowrance is a popular brand for fish finders and GPS units, so many consumers will opt for this transducer mounting bracket due to the company’s familiarity and reliability.  

This mount fits 3D StructureScan and TotalScan fish finder models, also from Lowrance, which provide 3D readings on nearby fish as well as the contours of your surroundings. This ensures a productive fishing trip and far less time searching empty waters, so keeping the transducer in place—even at high speeds or in particularly choppy waters—is a must that the StructureScan Mount absolutely delivers.   

Superior to plastic mounts in its durability, the Lowrance 3D StructureScan Bracket also requires less space.  If your mounting space is limited due to a smaller hull, or if you’d like a more flush fit to avoid accidental jostling or impacts, consider the StructureScan Bracket.  Bear in mind, however, that its transducer compatibility is more limited than other models.  

4. Lowrance Bullet/SplitShot Transom Bracket

Another high-value bracket from Lowrance, the Bullet/SplitShot Transom Bracket provides an easy-to-install and highly affordable option from a trusted brand. It’s best for the HOOK² Bullet or SplitShot transducers from Lowrance.  It can fit other popular brands, as well, but may require some adjustments to do so. Some reviewers say it can work with Garmin and other brands; a few fit just right as-is, while others take work to achieve a stable mount.  

Installation is simple with the included hardware. The stainless steel construction provides excellent stability—especially when compared to stock mounts, which are usually plastic or composite materials that can't match up in strength.  

The Bullet/SplitShot Transom Bracket’s main downside is that it isn’t universal.  If you’re working with a Lowrance Bullet or SplitShot transducer, however, it’s a perfect choice to quickly and easily mount the transducer to your vessel. 

5. Garmin Transducer Bracket

Another highly respected brand in all things navigation-related, Garmin has provided customers with superior outdoor technologies for decades. Many of those customers want the best bracket for their Garmin fish finder or GPS combos, so buying from the same brand is a no-brainer.  

This replacement bracket is intended to replace the transducer units usually included with Garmin products at a budget-friendly price with simple installation. It's made of plastic, a bit of a mixed blessing when it comes to transducer mounts.  It can easily break away in the event of an impact—harming the mount itself but maintaining the integrity of your hull, which is a preferable trade.  

Additionally, plastic can break down due to corrosion faster than steel or aluminum. That said, this plastic is specially engineered to withstand water and sun exposure, and should hold up quite well overall. Installation is simple and takes mere moments.

6. Garmin 0101278402

Installing a transducer mount that can easily be adjusted ensures your transducer readings stay accurate no matter what conditions you’re facing. This bracket is simple and straightforward to install, and affordable even for anglers on a tight equipment budget.  

The Garmin 0101278402 doesn’t just simplify adjustments for your transducer; it also comes in handy if you’re in need of a more flush fit during launches and transport or if you're traversing an obstacle-heavy area where impacts are more likely. Unlike bulkier mounts, this model offers an unobtrusive footprint without sacrificing the stability of your installation.  

Stainless steel provides unmatched corrosion resistance and strength compared to plastic mounts.  Although this mount isn’t universal, it can work with numerous Garmin transducers and watercraft types. Reviewers state that this replacement bracket is far superior to the factory mounts included with most Garmin transducers, so even if your original bracket is still satisfactory, you might want to consider making this upgrade.  

7. Scotty #141 Kayak/SUP Transducer Mount

While several transducer mounts can work on kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (otherwise known as SUPs), this model from Scotty offers adjustability rivaled by little else on the market right now.  Best of all, it comes at a highly affordable price for such a versatile mounting system.  

With a 438 gear-head track adapter and 360-degree swiveling, you can adjust your transducer by even the smallest degree to perfectly optimize your readings. Its telescoping mount extends from 11.5 inches to 18 inches (or anywhere in between) for accurate sonar in shallower or deeper waters.  

Specifically designed for kayaks, paddleboards, and smaller watercraft, this transducer arm mount provides quality and reliability from a brand trusted by generations of anglers since the 1950s. Its composite construction keeps it lightweight for quick transport and easy storage, while still providing sturdy, weather-resistant performance.

Best of all, the Scotty Transducer Mount can accommodate a variety of popular transducer and fish finder brands.  Although it isn’t universal, it is compatible with the Scotty Universal Mount.  

Transducer Mounting Options Explained  

Transom mount

A transom is the vertical area at the boat’s rear that reinforces the stern. Usually, this is where you’d find outboard motors or rudders, as well as swimming ladders or platforms.  

Transom mounts are the most common mounting location and often come as brackets that should be screwed into the transom.  

The largest pro of a transom mount is how simple installation tends to be. However, a troublesome con of this placement is that, should your boat hit some planes on the water, the transducer might lift and be exposed to air, negatively impacting your readings.  

Pole mount 

A pole mount is any adjustable transducer mounting system that hangs off the boat, usually secured with a clamp. It can be used on kayaks, SUPS, smaller pontoons, or virtually any vessel that isn’t taller than the fully extended pole length.  

On the pro side, pole mounts have a lot going for them. They're often inexpensive, very easy to install, and highly adjustable—even mid-trip. What's more, these units are portable, so you can move them from boat to boat or remove them during launches and for storage.  

However, pole mounts can take some fiddling to ensure a tight and stable fit, so the sonar readings aren't obstructed. Some anglers don't like the composite materials these mounts are often made from, as their lightweight nature might also make them more apt to snap or break upon impact.  

Additionally, the same benefit of its portability (no screws or bolts) means you might drop your mount in the water during adjustments. That said, a pole mount is unbeatable for small vessels or pontoons and the like, where more permanent mounting systems just aren’t feasible.  

Through-hull mounting  

At the opposite end of the spectrum from a portable pole mount is the through-hull mounting method, which requires a fitting to be installed in the hull. That means you’re sawing a hole in the boat, which requires an angler who’s comfortable with a lot more permanence.  

The main advantage of through-hull transducers is that you receive highly accurate readings, even when you’re running your boat at high speeds. While transom mounts are limited to the stern and poles are limited to your boat's edges, through-hull transducers give a reading from directly underneath your watercraft.  

On the other hand, a big con of through-hull mounts is their price. They’re usually much more expensive than other transducer mounting brackets and require cutting a hole in the hull—something many boat owners are understandably reluctant to do.  

In-hull mounting

Also known as “shoot-thru” transducers, these are attached to the hull without the need for cutting holes. They're also pretty cheap and don't require much maintenance or cleaning, the way through-hull transducer mounts do.  

These pros come at the price of some pretty big cons, though. In-hull mounting can only be used on fiberglass, for one. Other materials will obstruct the energy waves and result in poor readings.  

Additionally, in-hull mounts provide poor readings in general, even when installed correctly. They simply can't compare to the readings of through-hull mounts or even transom styles.  

Quick Guide for Bracket Installation  

Installing a transducer mounting bracket is usually much more straightforward than you might think, even if you're not exactly handy.  Most models utilize simple screws or bolts, or clamping systems anyone can use.  

Overall, the ease of installation depends on what kind of transducer mounting system you’ve selected. Poles, for example, can be installed in mere minutes and adjusted right there in the water. Through-hull systems might take hours.  

Transom mounting systems are the most common transducer placements. Installation doesn’t take long—an hour or less, in most cases—but adjustments and testing might add a few more hours to your project, so plan accordingly.  

Compatibility with Transducer

Where Should You Install a Transducer Mounting Bracket?  

While installation is pretty simple, deciding where to mount your transducer bracket can be confusing. Here are some tips to help you pick the best location on your boat, for the most accurate and consistent readings possible.  

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can transducers be mounted next to each other? 

It’s not usually advisable to install transducers next to each other, as they’ll encounter interference from each other and obscure your readings if they are on the same frequency.  

Are all transducer mounting brackets universal? 

Many transducer mounting brackets are not universal, instead designed to fit particular models. The number 1 transducer mounting system, however, is universal: the Brocraft Universal Transducer Bracket & Mount can accommodate any transducer size and brand.  

Do I need a special transducer and/or mounting bracket for my trolling motor? 

You should install a system specifically designed for a trolling motor. Transducers in this category are usually puck-style, and the mounting systems are designed to reduce interference from the motor. This ensures more accurate readings on your fish finder.  

How can I mount a transducer without drilling any holes below the waterline? 

While proper installation will not compromise your hull, there are ways to install a transducer without drilling below the waterline. Simply install a mounting point above the waterline so that you can drill into that below the waterline rather than the hull.  

Can I just glue on a transducer mount?  

It’s best to attach your transducer mounting system with the provided or appropriate hardware. Many people do use marine epoxy, however, to seal the holes after installation, so the hull remains waterproof.  

Can I mount my transducer on the port side of my boat?  

Usually, the starboard is preferred so that the downward motion of the propeller won’t push your transducer down or interfere with its reading accuracy due to bubbles and turbulence. Some boats, however, may accommodate portside installation without this interference, depending on propeller/motor placement.  

Where can I find a quality transducer mount? 

While outdoor recreation and sports equipment stores sell transducer mounts from several brands, Amazon provides the widest selection for the best prices. The products reviewed in this buyers’ guide are some of the most exceptional and affordable transducer mounts available on the market right now.  

Conclusion

Even the most powerful and accurate fish finder is pretty useless without a high-quality transducer mount. Overall, the best adjustable transducer mount is the Brocraft Universal Transducer Bracket & Mount.

This invaluable accessory stabilizes the transducer for steady, accurate readings so you can spend more time landing those catches instead of patrolling unpopulated waters.