Installing Fishfinders: Inflatable Boats

Fish finders are a great tool for anglers to locate fish and steer clear of no-fish spots. They use sonar to produce a sound and listen to the echoing reverberation to ascertain how far away an object is. There are two types of fish finders: side scan and down scan. Side scan fish finders are problematic to fit onto an inflatable boat. This article will explore how to put a fish finder on an inflatable boat.

Using a glue-on mount

A glue-on mount is a great addition to an inflatable boat, tube, or kayak. It is a pad that you glue onto the tube of your watercraft, providing a base to attach a number of things, including anchor locks, fishing rod holders, oar holders, and cup holders. When it is time to deflate and transport your boat, you can easily remove the mounted object, leaving the glue-on base attached to the tube.

To use a glue-on mount for your fish finder, you will need to purchase the following:

• The glue-on mount base
• An adapter to secure your screen
• An additional base and adapter if you want to mount your transducer

The Scotty mounts store offers these products.

A glue-on mount is a good option if you want to avoid drilling holes in your boat. However, it is important to note that the glued surface will remain on the tube of your boat permanently.

Using a magnetic transducer mount

A magnetic transducer mount is a good option for a transom with a thickness of up to a quarter of an inch. This type of mount uses large magnets to attract each other through the transom, creating a strong connection. FishFinderMounts.com offers a magnetic transducer mount that is specifically designed for inflatable boats.

To use a magnetic transducer mount, you will need to purchase the mount base, an adapter to secure your screen, and another base and adapter if you want to mount your transducer as well. The process of installing a magnetic transducer mount is straightforward and can be done by following these steps:

• Clean the surface of your inflatable boat where you plan to mount the fish finder. This will ensure that the magnets have a strong connection to the boat.
• Attach the mount base to the cleaned surface using the appropriate adhesive. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation.
• Allow the adhesive to dry completely before proceeding.
• Attach the adapter to the mount base. The adapter will hold your fish finder screen in place.
• Secure your fish finder screen to the adapter. Make sure it is tightly secured to prevent accidental detachment.
• If you are also mounting a transducer, repeat steps 4 and 5 for the transducer base and adapter.

By following these steps, you can securely mount your fish finder to your inflatable boat using a magnetic transducer mount. This method provides a strong and reliable connection, ensuring that your fish finder stays in place during your fishing trips.

It is important to note that magnetic transducer mounts are not suitable for all types of inflatable boats. If your boat has a transom, you may need to explore other mounting options, such as using screws, suction cups, or a stern pad. Additionally, ensure that the magnets in the mount are strong enough to hold the weight of your fish finder securely.

Using a suction cup transducer mount

A suction cup transducer mount is one of the most common methods for installing a fish finder on an inflatable boat. This method is ideal for those who want to avoid the hassle of building a custom mount or drilling holes in their boat.

The suction cup method is straightforward and can be done in just a few simple steps. First, you'll need to ensure that the surface of your boat is clean and dry. The suction cup will not adhere properly to a dirty or wet surface. Next, position the suction cup transducer mount on a non-porous, straight section of your boat's hull. This is important, as the suction cup needs a smooth, flat surface to create a strong seal. Press the suction cup firmly into place, making sure there are no air bubbles.

Once the suction cup is securely attached, you can attach the fish finder transducer to the mount. This will typically involve some simple assembly, following the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure to test the suction cup's hold before hitting the water, as a strong seal is essential for the fish finder to function properly.

While the suction cup method is convenient and effective for slow-speed boating, it may not be ideal for high-speed boating. The suction cup could potentially release at high speeds, so it's important to use it with caution and regularly check the seal.

There are a variety of suction cup transducer mounts available on the market, such as the FishTrax™ Suction Cup Transducer Mount, which features a click-and-go design for easy installation and removal.

Using a transom mount

If your inflatable boat has a rigid transom, you can install the fish finder by following the manufacturer's instructions. However, if your boat doesn't have a large enough transom or a transom at all, there are other options for mounting a fish finder.

One option is to create a custom mount using PVC pipe. You can also purchase a mount, such as the Scotty Strap Mount #268, which is designed for inflatable boats. If you decide to make your own mount, be sure that you can either screw it into the transom or clamp it on without damaging the air-holding chambers of the boat.

Another option is to use a strap-on mount that wraps around one of the inflatable chambers, such as the Brocraft Float Tube Fish Finder Mount. This type of mount is ideal for boats without a transom and secures the fish finder without causing any damage.

When installing a fish finder on an inflatable boat, it's important to consider the placement of the transducer, which is the part that stays underwater and sends out signals to find fish. The transducer should be mounted on the side of the boat that won't interfere with the trolling motor, and it should be positioned so that the propellers don't disrupt the signals.

To ensure a proper installation, follow the instructions included with your fish finder or mount. These instructions will provide specific guidelines for mounting your fish finder, helping you avoid any potential damage to your boat during the installation process.

Using a strap mount

There are a few different types of strap mounts available. One option is the Brocraft Float Tube Fish Finder Mount, which can be mounted anywhere in a float tube or pontoon boat and is designed to be adaptable to most fish finder brands. Another option is the Scotty Strap Mount #268, which is compatible with all other Scotty mount products and can be purchased on Amazon.

When using a strap mount, you can easily mount the screen on the top of the pontoon and the transducer on the bottom. This setup allows you to take advantage of the fish finder's functionality without having to worry about damaging your inflatable boat.

It is important to note that some strap mounts may require additional purchases, such as adapters, to secure the fish finder screen and transducer. Be sure to read the product descriptions carefully and consider the specific needs of your boat and fish finder setup when making your purchase.

Additionally, if you are looking for a more portable option, you may want to consider a floatable sonar device that connects to your smartphone through a Wi-Fi hotspot. These devices are highly portable and can provide many of the same features as a traditional fish finder.

Frequently asked questions