Best place in pontoon to fish finder

[rdy2go]

I just closed a deal on a 2009 Weeres 18' Fisherman Deluxe with a Yamaha 50. In is replacing an old 1999 20' StarCraft that has started showing soft deck spots. The old one has a fish finder in the console, and I always felt it was a problem when fishing. I will move the Minnkota power drive from the old to the Weeres, and obviously it will be in the front gate.

The question for you guys is what do you think is the best position for the fish finder, in the console or in the front by the chairs.

 

[Underblog]

Re: Best place in pontoon to fish finder

The question for you guys is what do you think is the best position for the fish finder, in the console or in the front by the chairs.

Amidships, forward of the console and visible from it (I use mine all the time for depth readings), on a swivel (along the railing perhaps) and visible from the Minnkota operating position.

 

[mrbusdriver]

Re: Best place in pontoon to fish finder

Put it right in front of where you sit, with the transducer on the trolling motor, did mine that way and it works great.

 

[junkman41]

Re: Best place in pontoon to fish finder

I added a depth finder. I left the one at the console, and I added one up front at the fishing seats, it seems to work great for me

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Best place in pontoon to fish finder

A locator is of no value if you cannot read it clearly. Fishing up front and trying to read a locator on the helm requires a very good set of eyes. Subtle detail on a properly set up locator cannot generally be seen from that distance. If you use the locator of navigation as well as fishing then you need two of them. One where YOU fish and one at the helm. If you are are in command of the troller you are also the one monitoring the locator. Everyone else on the boat who happens to be fishing is going to have the same chance at a hook-up as you so they don't need to see the locator except perhaps to know the depth.

 

[rdy2go]

Re: Best place in pontoon to fish finder

I was suspecting I might end with two. I may start with one in the front and later add a second for navigation. I have been looking for rail clamps, but have found none yet. Do they make them ? I hate to have to drill on the rails. The pontoon is in impeccable condition.

 

[junkman41]

Re: Best place in pontoon to fish finder

I mounted my second depth finder on the floor in front of my fishing seat, and just angle it up, it seems to work just fine for me. and I didnt have to drill into the rails

 

[rdy2go]

Re: Best place in pontoon to fish finder

I was at the marina yesterday, looking at the options with the marina owner. We came to the conclusion that the best option for a first unit is on the console on a swivel. Since it is only a 18' boat, it is much closer to the front chair than one would think. While it is not the same as having the unit next to you while fishing, for now, it is a good compromise, so I asked to have one installed.

Thanks for all the answers. This is a great site.