The Exploding World of Electronic Marine Mounts
The Exploding World of Electronic Marine Mountsby Brad Wiegmann
(Editor’s Note: Please welcome writer, photographer and crappie fishing expert extraordinaire, Brad Wiegmann, to the elite stable of CrappieNOW Magazine contributors. Every month Wiegmann will be providing the absolute latest and greatest information on the ever-changing world of fishing electronics.)
Did I say exploding?
That is putting it mildly. The current market place 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 mostly 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 ActiveTargeting 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. 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.
(From Springdale, Arkansas, Brad Wiegmann is a professional photographer, videographer and outdoor writer published in dozens of print and electronic media outlets all across the nation. He is also a well-known guide, podcaster and social media influencer. Learn more about Wiegmann and his lengthy experience and expertise at BradWiegmann.com.)
