The Exploding World of Electronic Marine Mounts
by Brad Wiegmann
Did I say exploding?
That is putting it mildly. The current marketplace for marine electronic mounts is experiencing unprecedented growth in the number of manufactures building, sales, and new innovative products.
Electronic marine mounts cover everything from mounts for your multi-function device (MFD) to sonar transducer mounts. MFD mounts range from the basic pedestal mounts, bridge mounts to complex mounts that can be raised and lowered with a knob or handle. Sonar transducer mounts fall into the category of fixed that don’t move, adjustable fixed that can be maneuvered by the angler, or hands-free complex hands-free independent shaft motor driven live sonar transducer holder.
Of course, the complex hands-free independent shaft motor-driven live sonar transducer holder is the pinnacle of current mounts. Before you rush out to get you one it’s also the most costly of all the mounts, ranging from $600 up to more than $1,000.
How did this all come about?
It all started with the release of Garmin LiveScope followed by Lowrance Active Targeting and now finally the long awaited Humminbird MEGA Live. Live sonar opened the underwater world that had only been seen with traditional 2D sonar, CHIRP sonar, side imaging, and down imaging. With the release of this technology, anglers found they needed to have multiple units in the front and console of the boat having mounts to hold them.
At a recent expo, five of the booths attending were companies selling MFD mounts and transducers mounts. The demand doesn’t seem to be diminishing as more anglers are purchasing MFDs. Even boat manufactures are feeling the effects of these phenomena.
Looking at mounts anglers have numerous options when it comes to purchasing MFD and transducer mounts. In the past anglers had RAM Mounts and other similar mounts that were generic one size fits all. Typically, this was not designed for the larger or attaching multiple MFDs.
Companies today are listening to anglers and building MFD and transducer mounts designed to handle everything from multiple units to extreme conditions.
A quick look at some of these companies starts with Cornfield Fishing Gear with a complete line of products from single MFD mounts to a complex hands-free independent shaft motor-driven live sonar transducer holder. Livescanner mount and RITE-HITE part of R.M. Industries, Inc with their Turret also feature the independent shaft motor-driven live sonar transducer holder.
There are several companies that produce high quality single, double or triple mounts anglers can choose from. Trophy Mounts by Rose Metal Products produces mounts that are constructed from aluminum powder-coated, textured UV-protected coating. They offer a wide selection of mounts, but without the knobs or machined moving parts which means Rose Metal Products are the most affordable mounts for anglers.
Beatdown Outdoor Products offer a wide selection of mounts for marine electronic devices. Everything from triple mounts to single mounts that can be adjusted quickly and easily.
Brad Wiegmann is an award-winning photographer/outdoor writer and fishing guide. He offers electronic guide trips to teach anglers how to use their electronics. Learn more about Wiegmann at BradWiegmann.com.
