Bow mount locator

[JDH_STL]

Newbie here when it comes to boats and recently got my first boat. It has a locator on the console but that's it and I'd like to install something up front. Can anyone tell me what I'm in for? Do these units come with a transducer or do I need to buy that seperately? It looks like the transducer can be mounted on the trollimg motor and if so how? Do I need any kind of mounting hardware for that? Also does anyone have any recomendations for something around $200
thanks for any help,

Jim

[SUPERCHUGBUG]

i would go with the humminbird with the side finder if your budget allows. try posting this on the electronics board. doug can answer alot of questions for you about finders.

[bmas13]

When you buy your unit you are going to need a trolling motor mount for the transducer (around $15). Other than that, everything should be included: sonar unit, power cable, transducer, mounting bracket). There are a lot of good, basic models available out there for around $200, but you ill get a lot more unit if you go up a bit in price (if you can afford it). Check in the swap and sell forums for some great deals (http://www.bbcboards.net/zeroforum?id=70) - this is the time of year that guys upgrade their electronics and are selling some very good stuff at very good prices.

When you route your transducer cable down the trolling motor, you need to leave about 4" of slack where the motor shaft turns so that it doesn't stretch the cable when the motor turns. Check with John on the trolling motor forum (http://www.bbcboards.net/zeroforum?id=15), I'll bet he has a diagram.

[JDH_STL]

thanks for the tip superchugbug, I copied and pasted over there as well

And thanks for the quick repsonse bmas. That sounds just like what I was looking for.
I agree that checking the swap and sell section would be the way to go and god knows I've spent enough money in there the last few months but I currently have a gift card for Bass Pro that I was hoping to put towards a locator. But if I see something too good to pass up I may have to jump on it and use the card for something else

thanks again guys,
Jim

[Rudeman]

For the money it is hard to beat the Eagle FishMark 320 or 480. They are high resolution, 5" diagonal screen units with built-in temp. I have a 320 on the bow of my Ranger. If I replace it it will be a color unit with GPS but it works so well I'm in no hurry yet.

There are a couple of 480's posted on the Electronics For Sale/Swap Forum.

[AmesHusker]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Rudeman &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">For the money it is hard to beat the Eagle FishMark 320 or 480. They are high resolution, 5" diagonal screen units with built-in temp. I have a 320 on the bow of my Ranger. If I replace it it will be a color unit with GPS but it works so well I'm in no hurry yet.

There are a couple of 480's posted on the Electronics For Sale/Swap Forum.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I'll second that! A new 320 is $150 at BPS, I believe, and it comes with the TM mounting bracket. All you'll need is a big hose clamp to secure the mounting bracket and some electrical tape or plastic ties to secure your transducer cable to the TM shaft.

[JDH_STL]

Thanks for all the advice guys, I've got a lot better idea than I had before.
One other question as far as mounting goes. I have a Tracker 175 and wondering should it be mounted on the flooring/carpet or on the metal directly in front of the floor?
Rudeman, thanks for the headsup about the Lowrance 480 on the buy and swap forum. Sounds like a pretty good deal.

Jim

[arfishnut]

I picked up a hummingbird 525 a Wal-mart for around $125.00, you may try looking there as well. Just a thought.

[AmesHusker]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JDH_STL &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">... should it be mounted on the flooring/carpet or on the metal directly in front of the floor?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

That's going to be up to your own personal preference. Personally, I don't like the extra clutter on the floor - figure I'd be kicking it or tripping over it all the time - so I mounted mine on the topcap by my bow nav. light.

Whatever you decide, I STRONGLY recommend that you use a Ram mount or a Johnny Ray mount rather than mounting the unit directly to the boat.

[Neilslure]

I mounted my Lowrance X125 just to the left of the TM pedal, I like it there rather than being flushmounted in the bow.