Hello, new Outback owner here with a 7 Carbon with TotalScan coming in. Been researching these forums, YouTube and Google for a bit so got a decent picture of how I probably want to solve my specific setup, but there's always good to ask others with some more experience, maybe I'm missing something..
Very important note:
I will be moving my 7 Carbon and TotalScan between my kayak and a number of different boats, so it needs to easy to install/remove on the go!Mounting position: I know that occationally I'll be chasing walleye and pike vertically, so having the transducer mounted somewhere near where the tip of my rod would be preferred in front of a hull mount. I.e. a transducer arm mount solution, most likely it would have to be on the side I don't have the anchor trolley. Sounds correct?
Mounting solution: Well, there's a few options here, with their pros and cons.
a) The super simple way is to use a magnet or suction cup. It works for a starters but isn't ideally in the long run - major reason is simply when you hit shore or very low water levels. An arm will let you swing up the transducer, a magnet or cup means you have to crawl across the deck to physicly remove it. Not great.
b) Arm mounted to a RAM ball or a gear track. Tried and tested method. Will work for sure
c) Arm mounted to a H-Rail.. now this is what I'm considering. I want to install the 21" H-Rail upgrades at the front left/right on my Outback, so I can quickly snap on and off and adjust position of the Lowrance unit, some rod holders for trolling, the transducer, maybe even a camera arm. It's a similar solution to the b) I just mentioned, just more flexible, should be "better" in my eyes. I'm thinking of mounting the transducer arm to a H-Rail Mounting Plate (Art.nr: 84622001).
Important question on the mounting position tho: How far down do I need to position the TotalScan? Below the hull levels obviously, but in proximity to the fins? If I use an arm and mount it at a rods length front/right of me, there's a chance it'll end up not too far off level with the fins..
Buy vs DIY:
Obviously there's a bunch of arms that will do similar to what I want it to. There's the RAM 18" Transducer LSS-1&2-mount, there's the Scotty arm. Both flexible/adjustable length. In Sweden (where I live) they cost a fortune tho, we're looking at generally 60 USD or more plus shipping.. so it's just making sense to build your own. I'm thinking a simple L-shape arm. One thing I'm considering: to buy the 15mm magnet-transducer fast-attachment, for use in boat, then when I'm in the kayak I will just have a transducer arm with a plate at the bottom where I attach the magnet. Major question there is the stability of the arm so it's not flexing too much.
What do you think about my thoughts on this, am I missing something? Ideas? Your own experiences?
Thanks!