Mounting a fish finder transducer on a kayak presents a unique set of challenges. You need an arm that is not only strong enough to withstand the rigors of the water but also versatile enough to provide the perfect angle for optimal sonar readings. A secure and adjustable mount is crucial for clear imaging and to prevent losing your valuable electronics overboard.
The right transducer arm will keep your gear safe while giving you the flexibility to deploy and retract it with ease. From universal ball arms to specialized mounting plates, the market offers a variety of solutions designed for different kayak setups and transducer models. This roundup reviews nine of the best options to help you find the ideal mount for your kayaking adventures.
Our Top Picks for Kayak Transducer Arms
- FPN Double Socket Arm with 1″ Double Ball Adapter
- RAM Mounts Track Ball with T-Bolt Attachment
- YakAttack Camera Ball | 1″ Mounting Ball
- 7400931 MHX XNT Transducer Bracket
- Velpaw Kayak Fish Finder Mount for Garmin Striker 4
- JERBOR Transducer Mounting Plate for Lowrance
- RAILBLAZA Kayak StarPort HD Rectangular Mount Base
- VAZESWIN 2.25″ Ball Mount Base with Aluminum Alloy Plate
- YakAttack Omega Pro Rod Holder | Track Mount
FPN Double Socket Arm with 1″ Double Ball Adapter
This double socket arm is a fantastic foundation for building a custom transducer mount. Its durable construction from high-quality aluminum alloy ensures exceptional stability, which is vital for preventing vibrations and keeping your transducer steady in moving water. The robust materials promise a long lifespan, making it a reliable component for your kayak setup.
The arm features universal compatibility with any device that uses a 1″ ball head, including many popular transducer arms and holders. Its enhanced flexibility comes from dual 360° rotation capabilities, allowing you to fine-tune the position of your transducer to overcome limited mounting locations and achieve the perfect angle for optimal sonar performance.
RAM Mounts Track Ball with T-Bolt Attachment
For kayaks equipped with a track system, the RAM Mounts Track Ball provides a simple and secure connection point. It is specifically designed for track mounting systems like the RAM Tough-Track, offering a streamlined way to integrate a ball mount directly into your kayak’s rails. This eliminates the need for additional bases and keeps your deck clean.
The installation is straightforward; you simply insert the stainless steel T-bolt into your track and twist the 1″ rubber ball clockwise to tighten it securely. Made from high-strength composites, this component is built for durability and reliability in demanding marine environments, ensuring your transducer arm stays firmly in place.
YakAttack Camera Ball
The YakAttack Camera Ball is a versatile mounting point that is compatible with GoPro & DJI action cameras, but it also serves as an excellent adapter for certain transducers. It ships with a GoPro-compatible adapter, providing multiple mounting options from a single, sturdy base. This makes it a multi-purpose tool for the kayak angler.
It features a standard 1/4″-20 threaded stud for cameras and other accessories, and it fits 1″ ball sockets perfectly. This allows it to work seamlessly with a wide range of mounting arms and extension poles, giving you the flexibility to position your device exactly where you need it for stable and clear performance on the water.
7400931 MHX XNT Transducer Bracket
This is a specialized transducer mounting kit for XHS model transducers from brands like Humminbird. It is engineered to genuinely support the sensor, which can lead to a significant improvement in your fish finder’s performance. By holding the transducer securely, it helps provide a clearer scan image, making it easier to locate fish.
The bracket offers great compatibility with a long list of specific transducer models, including the XNT 9 20, XNT 9 SI 180 T, and many more. It also supports various Humminbird HELIX, SOLIX, and other series units. This dedicated design ensures a perfect fit and stable operation, helping you get the most out of your electronics.
Velpaw Kayak Fish Finder Mount
The Velpaw mount is a comprehensive system that includes both a track and an adjustable arm. It features a universal kayak fish finder mount with a 1.5″ ball base that provides a secure 360° adjustment. The package includes stainless screws for a durable installation on virtually any kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
Its durable transducer mounting plate is made from a high-strength composite with a non-slip rubberized coating to keep your device stable. The adjustable kayak fish finder system includes an extendable transducer arm that ranges from 14.3 to 18.8 inches, allowing for both deep and shallow water scanning with multiple screw hole patterns for a wide fit.
JERBOR Transducer Mounting Plate for Lowrance
This mounting plate offers universal compatibility for a specific and popular setup: pairing a Lowrance Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer with a Minn Kota trolling motor. It is designed to fit all Minn Kota trolling motors that have built-in US2 sensors, allowing for seamless integration and a clean installation.
Crafted from premium waterproof material, the mount is made of high-quality ABS that performs reliably in diverse water conditions. By securely mounting your transducer to the trolling motor, this plate can contribute to enhanced fish detection, providing precise underwater scanning to help you locate fish more efficiently.
RAILBLAZA Kayak StarPort HD Rectangular Mount Base
The RAILBLAZA StarPort is a versatile base that acts as a practical replacement for pre-existing external mount bases from brands like Scotty and RAM. Its rectangular, four-point installation design is consistent with the North American industry standard, making it an easy upgrade for many kayaks.
This base is compatible with the same hardware that is currently used to keep your old base mounted, which simplifies the installation process. Once installed, it opens up a world of possibilities with the RAILBLAZA ecosystem of accessories, allowing you to create a custom mounting solution for your transducer arm and other gear.
VAZESWIN 2.25″ Ball Mount Base
For those who need an extremely robust foundation, the VAZESWIN base is an excellent choice. It is sturdy & durable, constructed from marine-grade 6061-T6 aluminum alloy that is CNC machined and hard-anodized. This ensures maximum reliability and longevity, even in the most challenging saltwater environments.
The product offers a wide application with its large 3.7-inch diameter round plate that features industry-standard AMPS hole patterns. It boasts universal compatibility with RAM Mounts and any other components designed for a D size 2.25″ ball, providing a rock-solid connection point for heavier transducer arms and displays.
YakAttack Omega Pro Rod Holder
While primarily a rod holder, the YakAttack Omega Pro demonstrates the flexibility of a good track system. It features universal compatibility, securely holding spinning, casting, and fly rods of all sizes. Its robust build and secure locking mechanism make it a trusted piece of gear for many anglers.
The holder includes a 360-degree rotating collar and a quick-secure reel capture system that prevents unwanted movement. Its LockNLoad mounting system offers three modes—locked, adjustment, and removal—for quick positioning and rock-solid security on most kayak track systems, showcasing the type of reliable mount you can expect from the brand.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Kayak Transducer Arm
I’ve spent a lot of time on the water, and figuring out how to mount my fish finder’s transducer was one of the first big hurdles. A good arm is more than just a metal stick; it’s the critical link that keeps your expensive electronics safe and your data accurate. When I’m looking for the best arms for a transducer on a kayak, I focus on a few key things that make a real difference out there.
First up is material and build quality. You’re going to be smacking this thing against rocks, dragging it through weeds, and it’ll be constantly submerged. I always look for marine-grade aluminum or stainless steel. These materials resist corrosion from saltwater and won’t rust on you after a season. The last thing you want is a flimsy arm that bends under the water’s pressure or snaps when you accidentally bump a log. The joints and clamps need to feel solid, too. Wobbly connections mean a wobbly transducer, and that leads to noisy sonar readings and a constant fear of it falling off.
Next, I think about adjustability and ease of use. Water conditions change, and sometimes you need to tweak the transducer’s depth or angle. A good arm should offer tool-free adjustments, or at least be simple to modify with a single Allen key. I prefer arms with multiple pivot points because they give me the freedom to position the transducer perfectly in the water, whether I’m in a skinny fishing kayak or a wider recreational one. Also, consider how you’ll store it. Can you swing the arm up and out of the water when you’re paddling through a shallow area or loading the kayak onto your car? That feature has saved my transducer more times than I can count.
Finally, don’t forget about the mounting system itself. How does the arm attach to your kayak? The most common and versatile method is a track mount. If your kayak has track rails, you’re golden. You just slide a compatible track bolt into the rail and tighten it down. If not, you might need a mount that uses a gear track or even bolts directly through a scupper hole. I always make sure the mounting hardware is robust and includes locking nuts or a solid clamping mechanism. A secure connection to the kayak is non-negotiable. After all, the whole point is to have a stable platform for your gear. Taking the time to choose the right arm means you can focus on fishing, not fussing with your equipment.
FAQ
Why can’t I just glue my transducer inside the hull?
You actually can for some kayaks, using a method called “through-hull” or “in-hull” mounting with a special epoxy. This protects the transducer from damage. However, I find it doesn’t work as well for all frequencies, especially higher ones like CHIRP, because the signal has to pass through the hull material. This can weaken the signal and reduce detail. For the best possible performance, especially for side-scanning or down-imaging, having the transducer in direct contact with the water on one of the best arms for a transducer on a kayak is the way to go.
How do I prevent my transducer arm from rotating or slipping?
This is a common frustration. The key is in the clamping force and the design of the joints. Look for arms that use large, knurled knobs you can really tighten by hand, or that require an Allen key for a super-secure lock. Adding a little marine grease to the threads can also help you get a tighter seal without cross-threading. For track mounts, ensure the track adapter is the correct size for your track and that the locking mechanism is fully engaged before you tighten everything down.
Is a scupper hole mount a better option than an arm?
Scupper hole mounts are a popular alternative. They sit lower in the water and are very secure. The main trade-off is flexibility. With an arm, I can easily deploy and retract my transducer. A scupper mount is generally a fixed position. If you fish in very shallow water or areas with lots of submerged obstacles, a scupper mount is more vulnerable to hitting the bottom. An arm gives you the ability to quickly lift it clear, which is a huge advantage.
What length of transducer arm do I need?
This depends entirely on your kayak’s width and hull shape. A wider, flatter-bottomed kayak might only need a short arm to get the transducer deep enough. A narrower, V-hulled kayak might require a longer arm to reach past the turbulent water created by the hull. A good rule of thumb is to measure from your planned mounting point to where you want the transducer to sit—typically a few inches below the hull line. Most quality arms are adjustable, so you have some leeway.
Can I use the same transducer arm for different kayaks?
Absolutely, and this is one of the biggest benefits. If you have a track-based arm system, it’s usually as simple as unbolting the entire unit from one kayak’s track and sliding it into another’s. This is perfect if you own multiple kayaks or like to rent them. Just make sure the new kayak has a compatible track system or that you have the right adapter plate. It makes your fish finder setup truly portable.