Fish Finder Transducer Mounts Compared

Why Your Transducer Mounting System Matters When Finding Fish  

Your fish finder’s transducer is the sonar that delivers information to the device. Without a proper mounting system in place, that transducer can’t get an accurate reading of the surrounding waters.  

Simply put, this means your fish finder won’t be able to find fish. What’s more, it won’t give you readouts on the underwater contours. Rocks, logs, and other obstacles that could snag your lines (or worse, damage your watercraft) can go unnoticed. Meanwhile, promising areas where you should be casting will glide right on by.  

All mounting systems are not created equal. Some are better suited for kayaks versus large boats; others perform well at low speeds but can break the second you hit the gas. And even a high-quality, top-notch mount is useless if it doesn’t fit your boat and transducer type, because you still won’t be getting accurate readings.  

A transducer must be placed at the correct angle in the water to send out its sonar and read the subsequent echoes when those waves bounce off the nearby fish. This is where great fish finder transducer mounts shine—they hold the transducer in place, diminish turbulence, and ensure that sonar gets where it needs to. Without a sturdy and reliable mount, your readings can’t be trusted.  

Factors to Consider When Buying Transducer Mounts For Fish Finders  

Compatibility with Transducer

Your transducer type is primarily dictated by what kind of vessel you’re operating and how you plan to fish. Trolling anglers, for example, might want a transducer to mount to their motor and would therefore need a completely different mounting system than anglers fishing from a kayak. The fish finder transducer mounts you choose should be compatible with your transducer type—which, ideally, will be compatible with your vessel.   

Quality Construction/Material

Fish finder transducer mounts come in a variety of materials such as plastic, stainless steel, and aluminum. While it’s true a material like steel will hold up better than plastic, that doesn’t mean steel is always the way to go. More than anything, that depends on the kind of fishing you’ll do, your hull type, and the waters you’ll be traversing. Furthermore, construction matters: a well-made plastic mount can easily outlast a poorly-built steel version. 

Corrosion Resistance

Saltwater is the main culprit for corrosion on boating or fishing accessories, but freshwater can deliver rust and grime just the same. Ensure the mount you purchase for your fish finder's transducer will resist the elements with proper care. 

Ease of Use & Installation

If you’re uncomfortable drilling or cutting holes in your hull (as many boat owners are), that will influence the kind of mounting system you purchase. On the other hand, if you hate the idea of having to adjust clamps or potentially losing your mount in the water, a more permanent drilled-in system might be ideal. Before you buy, make sure the installation process fits your skill level—and your willingness. 

Mounting Style & Location

Most of this depends upon your hull and how you’ll be fishing, but your comfort level comes into play, too, just as it would with the installation process. Some mounting systems get drilled to the stern, while others go through the hull or on a trolling motor. If you already have an ideal mount location in mind, make sure the system you purchase is designed to fit that. 

Adaptability

Some mounts have a high degree of compatibility with various transducers and types of watercraft, while others are designed to accommodate highly specific setups.  

Brand Reliability

Note that this isn’t the same as “brand recognition.” Simply put, you don’t have to stick to big brand names to find quality fishing gear. The brand you buy from, however big or small it may be, should be known for great customer service and high-caliber products you can feel confident purchasing.

Price & Warranty

Finding a great transducer mount for your fish finder can be a delicate balancing act between your wants…and your wallet. The good news, however, is that the market’s filled with excellent, budget-friendly mounting systems. Another factor to consider before you purchase is whether or not a fish finder transducer mount comes with a warranty. Not only will this guarantee your investment should a problem arise, but it’s also one sign of a reputable brand. 

1. Lowrance Skimmer 000-10262-001

As the best transducer mount overall, the Lowrance Skimmer is compatible with Down Scan Imaging (DSI) transducers, which deliver readings of activity and topography below your boat. There’s also an optional adapter so you can mount your transducer to a trolling motor.  This versatility puts the Lowrance Skimmer above several competitors with more limited functions. 

While the mount itself is plastic, it’s extremely durable and will resist corrosion from saltwater, sun, and more.  The plastic element is designed to break away upon heavy impact so that the stainless steel bracket will not tear off your vessel and cause damage to the hull.  

Installation couldn’t be simpler, whether you’re adding a transducer mount for the first time or just replacing a broken or corroded one. All the hardware you need is included to mount the Skimmer to your transom or fit it to your trolling motor—though minor adjustments may be needed to ensure it’s stable, which is often true of trolling mounts.  

2. Garmin 010-12006-11

The same trustworthy brand behind countless GPS and fish finder innovations delivers impeccable quality yet again with this transom mount. Constructed from heavy-duty steel, there’s no doubt this mounting system will keep your fish finder transducer exactly where you place it, even when turbulent waters roll in.  

While it’s compatible with Garmin brand transducers, the mounting system will also fit any transducers with cables containing 4, 8, or 12 pins for contact with the fish finder. This adaptability, as well as its durable construction, makes it one of the best transom mounts available. In fact, several reviewers purchase it as a replacement to the plastic stock mounts included with their Garmin transducers.  

This Garmin mounting system also incorporates a spray shield into its design, which reduces the water spraying off the transducer when traveling at higher speeds—a simple but invaluable addition to avoid the “rooster tail” effect of unshielded transducers.  

3. YakAttack Switchblade

An innovative and popular brand among kayak anglers, YakAttack devotes their company to delivering smart designs and much-needed solutions for gaps in the kayak fishing market. Their products are made for anglers, by anglers—so they understand that every last piece of equipment in such a limiting vessel must be highly functional, minimally invasive, and of the utmost quality.  

The Yak Attack Switchblade is incredibly adaptable, both in terms of the track systems it fits into (virtually all factory-installed versions, as well as several after-market configurations) and the transducers with which it’s compatible. Transducers for Garmin, Lowrance, and several other popular fish finder brands should work beautifully with the Switchblade, and adjustment is much simpler than similar kayak transducer mounts.  

Although its price is higher than many bargain kayak transducer mounts out there, the YakAttack Switchblade is still a highly affordable mid-range option. What’s more, its durability and ease of adjustment make up for those extra dollars.  

4. Brocraft Universal Portable Mount

As another respected and popular brand among anglers, Brocraft offers this impressive option for pontoon owners: their transducer mount is removable and quickly repositioned with an easy-to-operate clamp system. Unlike transom mounts on typical hulls, the Brocraft Universal Mount is intended for use on the front of your pontoon, although mounting it to the rear can work just as well.  

Its 360-degree swivel mount is universal to major brands like Lowrance, Eagle, Garmin, and more.  The clamp boasts a pretty hefty maximum opening size of 2¾" that will fit most pontoon walls easily. While very thin vessel walls might require shimming to get a snug fit, keep in mind that the same is true of most clamp-style transducer mounts.   

At just under 2.5 pounds and crafted from marine-grade aluminum, this highly portable option delivers functionality and simplicity to pontoon anglers that make it well worth its price.  

5. HawkEye ACC-FF-1789

If the thought of drilling into your boat’s hull makes you cringe, the HawkEye transducer mount might be the perfect product to meet your needs. It attaches with a suction cup to any non-porous surface, making installing—as well as adjustments—exceedingly simple. Just affix it to the hull of your vessel.  If test readings are less than ideal, repositioning can be done in mere seconds to achieve better accuracy.  

This mount is compatible with any FishTrax transducer, along with most fish finder brands. At only 4 oz., it’s a cinch to stow away when you’re ready to swap your poles for the throttle—though many customers say it handles high speeds just fine without detaching or slipping.  

And if it doesn’t stick to your ship’s hull as well as you’d like, don’t worry: this brand also offers a mounting disk to increase suction power, all without drilling a single hole.  

6. Johnson Outdoors Minn Kota MKR-15

While all the options reviewed here fall in an affordable range, the Minn Kota offers exceptional value for a shockingly low sticker price. Installation is easy and fast using the included hardware.  Simply attach the Minn Kota mount to your trolling motor and adjust as needed. 

Although not universal, this mount is adaptable with several major brands including Humminbird and Garmin, depending on your particular model. Its lightweight aluminum bracket and stainless steel strap marry convenience and resilience that defy the adage, "You get what you pay for."  

In addition to its pleasing price, the Minn Kota offers reliability from a popular brand trusted by anglers for nearly 90 years. As part of the Johnson Outdoors brand family, Minn Kota Motors sits among the ranks of Cannon, Old Town, and Ocean Kayak—just to name a few—so it goes without saying the Minn Kota MKR-15 mounting system was designed with an eye for adaptable function and superior quality while remaining extremely affordable.  

3 Types of Fish Finder Mounts Compared  

Choosing the best place to mount your transducer—and, by extension, the kind of fish finder mount you should purchase—might seem daunting, with so many options available. Each mount location has its pros and cons, of course, so comparing those can greatly inform your decision.  

Transom Mounting 

A transom is the vertical reinforcement on your boat’s stern. This is where you’ll typically find the motor or rudder, and it’s the most common location to install a fish finder transducer mount.  

One benefit of mounting your transducer to the transom is the ease of installation. Even if the mount requires some drilling, it’s quite simple to position and attach, and those small holes aren’t going to compromise your hull’s waterproofness if done correctly.  

However, transom mounts aren’t without a few issues. If installed in a less-than-ideal spot, air bubbles or turbulence can disturb your readings.  

In-Hull Mounting

This style of transducer mounting is also known as “shoot-through" because the transducer directs its signal through your hull without the need for drilling or holes.  

An obvious pro to this method is the ease of installation and the fact you won’t need to cut into the hull. It’s installed against the inside of your hull instead and doesn't even need to make contact with the water to deliver its signals.  

The con, however, is that those signals are obscured by your hull—which means the echoes will be too. As a result, you might discover the readings on your fish finder aren’t nearly as accurate as other transducer mounting locations.  

You also can’t use this method with most hulls due to their materials, since aluminum, wood, and steel absorb too much of the sonar for usable readings. Even on compatible hull materials, up to 50% of the sonar gets blocked.  

Thru-Hull Mounting 

This mounting method is, by far, the best way to ensure an accurate reading. Like transom mounts, thru-hull mounts make direct contact with the water—but, rather than being positioned at the stern, they’re installed in your hull. Due to its prime location, the transducer can provide readings from directly underneath your boat, giving a more comprehensive reading on nearby fish, depth changes, and the contours of where you’re fishing.  

A downside to thru-hull mounting is that you have to cut a hole in your hull, although if it's done correctly the hull will retain its integrity just fine. Additionally, installing a thru-hull mount requires more know-how than transom or in-hull styles.  

How to Successfully Mount Fish Finder Transducers  

Once you’ve selected the best mounting location for your fish finder transducer, it’s time to install it. While most mounts are simple to attach or install, the process can still get confusing—especially if you’re not familiar with the mount type or don't consider yourself particularly handy with tools.  

Fortunately, successfully mounting your transducer is far less complicated than it looks. Below, you’ll find step-by-step guides to install your transducer mount, no matter what type you’ve chosen.  

Step-by-Step Guide to Install a Transom Mount 

If you’d prefer a visual step-by-step guide, this tutorial from Garmin can provide helpful tips, as well.  

Thru-Hull Transducer Mount Installation 

This guide from HawkEye can provide a visual step-by-step process for installing your thru-hull transducer mount.  

It’s important to note that thru-hull mount installation can vary based on manufacturer instructions, boat types, and whether or not you’re using a fairing block.  

In-Hull Transducer Mount Installation 

Note that shoot-thru/in-hull transducer mounting methods vary. Some anglers prefer temporary methods—high-strength tape, for example, rather than marine epoxy—to run their testing phases before committing to a particular setup. For best results, follow your mount manufacturer’s specific instructions. If a visual guide is more helpful, check out this tutorial from Gemeco Marine.  

How to Mount a Fish Finder Transducer on Trolling Motor 

While installing a trolling motor transducer mount is much simpler than other installations, visual guides can still be helpful. This video on installing a Lowrance Skimmer walks you through the process quickly and clearly.  

How to Install a Transducer Mount Without Drilling Holes 

There are certainly no-drill transducer mounts on the market, such as suction or clamp varieties, but you can also install traditional transom versions without drilling into your boat.  

To accomplish this, you’ll first need to install a mounting plate on your stern. It can be attached with epoxy or secured with some screws above the waterline for extra security without below-water holes in the stern.  

Once your plate is attached, install your mount as per the manufacturer’s instructions. This video from TheSternSaver, a glue-on mount plate producer, can walk you through the process of attaching their plates to both fiberglass and aluminum boats.  

Mounting a Transducer on an Aluminum Boat 

Aluminum boats are popular due to durable construction and affordable prices—but placing a transducer can be a bit limiting. Since its material blocks too much sonar for shoot-thru mounts, a transom installation will be preferable.  

Choose an area with few rivets (if your boat does not have a welded hull) and make sure your transducer is level to the waterline. You might also consider using mounting hardware or a transducer shield to further protect the transducer from damage.  

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How do I protect my fish finder transducer? 

Transducer shields can help, but the real key in protecting your transducer is to install the mount correctly and place the transducer at the best angle so that any impacts—be they rogue branches or less-than-perfect launches—don’t make contact.  

Is it possible to make a DIY fish finder mounting system for kayaks or boats? 

Yes, many anglers have constructed effective and sturdy mounting systems for their vessels with materials like PVC and aluminum. If you’re new to installing mounting systems, however, purchasing a model might be preferable.  

Can you run 2 fish finders off 1 transducer?  

It is possible to run 2 fish finders with the same transducer, but keep in mind you can only use one finder at a time. The same goes for multiple transducers. In fact: trying to use 2 at once can cause too much interference for accurate readings, although some anglers see success running each on a different frequency.  

How close together can you mount transducers?  

You can install transducers right beside each other if you plan on running one at a time/on different frequencies. Some anglers prefer to have one transducer at the bow and another at the stern for broader readings of their surroundings.  

Where can I find quality transducer mounting systems for fish finders? 

For the greatest variety and competitive pricing, Amazon is the best resource. While brick-and-mortar stores carry many of the same options, prices tend to be higher, and several mounts—even from popular brands—won’t be on shelves, thereby limiting your options.  

Conclusion

In the end, the best transducer mount for your fish finder depends on several factors, from hull type to your budget. The overall best fish finder transducer mount is the Lowrance Skimmer due to its high compatibility, durability, and ease of installation. Furthermore, its optional trolling motor adapter gives it a serious edge over transom-only models.