Bowducer install on Bass Tracker! Install a bow mount transducer without using the trolling motor.

Bowducer - amzn.to/34Mr5jm
Overhauling my Dad's 2006 bass tracker pro tx 170. I wanted to mount a transducer up at the bow, but didn't have a trolling motor that would work with my transducer. After some research I opted to try the Bowducer from Fishing Specialties Inc. In this video, I show how I chose to install the Bowducer with a Lowrance 3 in 1 transducer.
The one thing I did wrong in the video that Mike pointed out to me is the tether line. The tether line should be attached to the mounting plate that the pole sits in. That is the part that will get lost if the thumbscrews break from hitting something. So having the tether on that plate will save them from getting lost. You can just pull it back up and use some of the provided extra thumb screws and you are back in business.
This video and description may contain affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which means that if you click on one of the products links, I'll receive a small commission.

[@user-cm9sp6ng7w]

*This makes my old motor look like a toy **enjoyable.fishing** recommend it's well built. I haven't had it on the water yet, but I'm very sure it will perform just fine.*

[@Qbal8]

Nice tutorial and thanks for posting.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@waynedarnell2269]

I think the tether cable attaches to base plate you will loose base plate if shears off , pole is attached to Lowrance

[@BooneDownSouth]

Wayne, you are absolutely correct. I found that out after I made the video and then updated the comments to reflect that. But yep you are correct. BTW.. I have some of the screws sheer loose when I hit something and it works well.

[@chrissmits3215]

I wonder if this would be better for side imaging....I just got a 93sv and I don't want interference...I like that it stays stationary

[@BooneDownSouth]

Yea where it is positioned I don't get much interference at all. I just didn't want to mount to the trolling motor itself for fear of that very thing.

[@chriskoffend5253]

So you're sharing the trolling motor power source with the fish finder, have you encountered any anomolies as a result of that - electronic cross-talk or anything? Thanks for the video, glad to see it was a fairly easy install, all things considered. Is there any adjustment on the transducer holder to insure a proper horizontal orientation (or is it necessary to shim the bracket to deliver a horizontal install)? I am torn on a bow mount finder/ducer and have a tough time buying into a TM mount - especially for SI combined spot lock turning of the TM. I'll check out your recommended site to see if they offer something that provides a single pole system for both SI/DI imaging and also for Live or 360.

[@BooneDownSouth]

@Chris Koffend - Yes I am sharing the power source. I have not seen any issues with that. It works fine. As far as adjustment for horizontal that is going to depend on the model you get. He makes them specific for different fishfinders and transducers. He makes specific ones for 360 as well. So I can't remember on mine if I can adjust horizontally or not. I'll have to go out and look at it after work. I did see on his website there are some setups where you can adjust the horizontal setup. If you are interested in the product I would call the guy up and talk to him. He is real helpful in helping you figure out what you need for your setup and helping you figure if it will work in your situation.

[@chriskoffend5253]

@@BooneDownSouth Thanks Boone, yeah, I plan to go that route . . . but first I need to decide on my set-up for the bow. Just SI or also live or 360 - and then of course the model/brand. My terrova has the built-in US2, but that seems somewhat a step back in performance . . . I definately will be going to bowducer. Since you've not seen an issue with sharing the TM power, that makes me feel better versus having to run new dedicated power lines for the FF. I am in the upper midwest, ie. grassy/weedy lakes and I am not sure yet whether I trust either the live view options or the 360 as being much good/usable. It seems on many boards, there is not much positive to say about the live view options with weedy lakes - I don't need to pay $1,500+ to see weeds live and in (in)action!

[@BooneDownSouth]

@Chris Koffend - I gotcha. I didn't want to run new power, cause I already re-placed the breaker panel and their ain't much working room on this bass tracker and I really didn't want to open everything up again. It's weird most of the lakes in my area don't have many weeds at all it seems like so I haven't really thought about that aspect but I can see how it can impact your view on the live or 360. And you are right - it is a good chunk of money to drop down on it. Good luck to you.

[@gfour20]

Does that pole need to be removed while driving down the lake with the big motor?

[@BooneDownSouth]

Yes. I pull that up when I pull my trolling motor up. It’s quick and easy though.

[@vtxdaryl]

What keeps the transducer from turning, I wonder why they didn’t install a handle on the pole?

[@BooneDownSouth]

So the when you put the transducer pole into the slot, it has a pretty snug fit, and then there is a latch that you rotate over it. I haven't had any issues with mine moving. If I am not mistaken they make different models depending on what unit and transducer you have and I think they do have a handle on the models for the live scope type transducers.

[@vtxdaryl]

@@BooneDownSouth Thanks, good to know.

[@darthjar9117]

Silly question and maybe you’ve answered it in the video, can this be used to bow mount a transducer that’s supposed to be transom mounted? Would mounting a transom transducer work?

[@BooneDownSouth]

I would think it would work but you can call the company. The guy that does sells this is the one that engineered it. You can actually get him on the phone and he is super helpful with questions.

[@donscott4384]

What power plug did you install on the bow?

[@BooneDownSouth]

@Don Scott - I wired in these two pieces to create the plug and adapter for the fish finder: Connector - amzn.to/2UqGdzP Quick Disconnect plug - amzn.to/2V0oPC2

[@jrm163]

How does it work when using TM?

[@BooneDownSouth]

@Justin - It works great. I have no complaints.

[@mci828045]

Can you supply a link to where you bought it?

[@BooneDownSouth]

www.fishingspecialties.com

[@mikedog9746]

Should of got a Humminbird

[@BooneDownSouth]

I have a humminbird on my other boat., but I already had this Lowrance so I repurposed it instead of buying something new.

[@darthjar9117]

Good thing your opinion is the only one that counts.

[@mikedog9746]

😆 🤣 😂 Don't take it so personal!!