I happen to have frame tubes that come up on each side, in a basically vertical position, that hold both my tackle packs and the oar locks. That's what I've attached my 1x4 board to. That allows me to mount the fishfinder directly to my left, outside the port-side pontoon, where it tucks in behind the angle of my oars, which are mounted about a foot ahead of where I attach the fishfinder bracket. It fits well there, with little or no interference with the oars. I *could* actually put a similar mount on the other side, so I could place the fishfinder on whichever side was more appropriate relative to the shore, but the left-mounted setup generally works fine.

As for shallow water, it's really only when I get right up on the shore -- usually only when I'm getting out -- that the finder hits bottom. The transducer is only dropping about 3-5 inches below the lowest point on the pontoons, so I'd have to be in less than a foot of water, or thereabouts, to hit bottom with it. I'm usually aware enough to think about it before I stand up to get out, in which case I just slide the unit up & out of the mounting bracket. Basically, if I'm 5 feet or more off the bank, it's generally not an issue.

I'll see if I can get a picture for you to show how I've got the thing mounted (might take awhile, but hang tight).

I'm sure, as with all of the rest of us (yourself included), you'll be able to come up with an ingenious solution to suit your needs -- just like your B.A.S.S. article awhile back about the 'noodle' float for a floating livewell.

I, for one, stand by the Fishin' Buddy -- especially the higher-resolution models -- as a viable alternative for the modern-day tuber. Someday, I *might* convert to one of those 12-volt setups, in which case I could ALSO rig up an aerated livewell, 6-speaker stereo system, etc. Meanwhile, it's all about cable ties, duct tape & velcro -- whatever works to float your boat!


Let me know what you come up with!

- jeff

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Every day Congress convenes, we lose a little more of our LIBERTY!!!

(-- Mark Levin, radio-show host/KSFO 3-6pm)