$15 Panoptix Livescope Rotating Mount Build for a Boat

For a full list with purchase links of all the gear I use go to: www.southernre...
Ok, so this is the setup that I came up with for my Center Console Boat. I have a Key West 230 BR Bay Boat and I wanted a solution that fit me for the Panoptix Livescope from Garmin. I have previously set this up on my kayak and used what I learned to upgrade the mount to work on a boat.
The $15 price tag does not include the Ram Ball mount part of my build. That part retails for $90 and I used it because I had purchased it for a previous reason and ended not using it at that time. There are many ways to adapt this to work with your boat cheaply. I explain other solutions at the end of the video.
Parts Breakdown:
Outer Pipe: www.lowes.com/...
Inner Pipe: www.lowes.com/...
Ram Mount that I used: mounts.factory...
Upper Inner Pipe Fitting: www.lowes.com/...

[@hammerdown3876]

Love it. I wonder why out of all the PVC installs I see on live Scopes ....why nobody runs the transducer wire inside the pole? Seems to me it would be a more protected, out of the way, cleaner look...

[@buddytrent1351]

Manufactures recommending no zip ties. Oddly enough the cables are very fragile. Recommending waterproof electrical tape great video

[@jordanmassey2725]

Great video! Maybe mount a transducer mounting board with 5200 on the rail instead of drilling into the boat. Still semi permanent. Also I would do a 90 elbow at the top with a short tail handle so you know where it is pointing without looking for an index mark.

[@awcr5128]

Thanks for the parts list, very good info and I'm going to utilize it to re-do my mount. I have a question though, why do you have the transducer index pointing more upward if that makes sense? I thought the top of the transducer should be level, not canted? I'm sure you have a reason and I like to learn. Thanks again for your great videos.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

I was able to scan shallower water with it in that position. It was something i discovered playing with angling the pole.

[@davidatkins6919]

Great video with plain easy to follow explanations; also a great way to mount the transducer very inexpensively, Thanks, Jesse!

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

You're welcome

[@denhaire]

Go to menu, scroll down to transmit and select. That turns the transmission of the LiveScope off. Keeps you from turning the unit on and off. When you drop the transducer back in merely hit select again (it should still be on transmit).

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

THanks for the tip!

[@erichubbard7754]

I've read that the transducer may overheat if left on while out of the water. I believe I read it from Garmin somewhere.

[@denhaire]

Eric Hubbard That is a fact particularly if it is hot out like in Texas in the summer. I turn off “transmit” if I am going to be more than 10 minutes from the next waypoint. It is not that difficult.

[@steveking8548]

Now THAT'S how you make a "how to" video - and to top it off, there are links to the parts in the description!!! What a great job and foolproof!!!

[@theguideschoice429]

This is frickin awesome, exactly what i was looking for. Thank you for making this video. I am mounting on my 24 Ranger bay. It has a cap so I have to figure out how to fish the wires to that same location. I am a Charter Captain in Buras/Venice La. and always have clients 2-3 on my front deck. Wanted to be able to see unit from the center console. Where is your black box and battery? Thanks again Capt. Vic Southern Exposure Fishing

[@7citiesfishing]

The fishing macgyver!

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Lol! That's great! I loved that show when I was a kid...

[@jasonbunn786]

Awesome! I have a 2019 KW 210 BR and was trying to figure out how to go about mounting the livescope before I buy it. You just saved me a bunch of time! Thanks! Fish on!

[@jasonbunn786]

Any tips on pulling the transducer cable through the bilge on a KW BR?

[@douggilpin2880]

awesome tutorial. i just purchased the livescope. cant wait to do this for my kayak. Also, whoever invented the ram ball mounts deserves an award!!!!

[@fend952]

where did you buy your support for your tube that holds your pvc pipe on your boat its what the no support thank you its well done

[@SeattleRingHunter]

One minor modification is to put a 90 degree on the top instead of a basic cap. This will provide a supper obvious visual orientation from a distances what attitude your transducer is set to and provide a mechanical advantage when twisting the PVC pipe if your hands get slippery or cold. Obviously there is very little drag on and small effort to rotate the PVC slip shaft. Cheers, #SeattleRingHunter

[@woodsnwaterjcd]

Thank you! I've tried 3 different mounting applications. This one solves the issues I experienced.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Cool glad it helped!

[@derricksanders3019]

What stops the 1" pvc pipe from sliding down. I know you said 1" pipe fits into the 1 1/4" pipe and at the top I see a slip to female thread is that 1 1/4" then it looks like you have a 1 1/4" slip to male thread with a 1 1/4" cap on the slip part?? is that correct? What is connected to the 1" pipe at the top? Thanks for your help.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

The one inch pipe is glued into the threaded upper fitting and that holds it from going down. THe Transducer mount keeps the pipe from going up. Nothing is glued to the 1 1/4 pipe

[@Colonel1Bravo]

This is the best solution that I have seen...will copy one for myself. Thanks

[@alsellers5657]

Thanks for the awesome idea ! I used my ice transducer mount that came with my Ice Bundle package for the center pole. Works perfectly ! I probably would have never thought about using a ram mount. Thanks again

[@southernexposure123]

Thanks for the video. Nice idea. I especially like your storage system. I have an 8 ft plastic boat I don't want to drill. I'm thinking about fastening things to the boat with thick wall PVC and contact glue.

[@johnboyd2360]

This is amazing

[@lannydecamp7460]

Great video thanks

[@thomasedenbeck2392]

What size are the u clamps

[@randymorton4772]

Wondering about the Ram mount. Probably worrying too much, but shows weight of 4# max. Will this hold it. Model 111-d. Your thoughts please. For a boat, not a kayak.

[@rjakabigbase5024]

Thanks been waiting for this video great job

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Hope it helped

[@lakeslam697]

Question...on your kayak video, you mount the panoptix sideway... whats the difference between this mount and the kayak mount? I juust bought one and looking for diy and its kinda confusing on how to mount the duecer now .i have a boat should i mount the panoptix this way or like the kayak way?

[@alananderson2961]

Absolutely wonderful video. Thank you so much very informative. This is one of the best pole mounts for live scope I have seen. I plan on getting the live scope but I want to get the mount like you have installed first. Have a blessed day and may God bless you. Day

[@ChefRov]

Nice. Spent $95 on my first removable separate transducer mount cause I was sick of fighting w/ my spot lock and cables getting all twisted up! I've got some removeable pretty solid rod holders I plan to use for mounting and using your pipe fittings w/ maybe a small handle to see which way front is pointing. :o) Thanks!

[@wannabeangler]

Pretty cool set up! A bit windy on the bay today, but the evening was filled watching pelicans nailing a big school of fish the the channel between HRBT and Thimble Shoals Buoy. Just a bit of insight. Take it easy, Jesse.

[@fishquestcrew]

Thank You Sir this will work perfectly for me and my setup. Be safe and good fishing

[@damondiehl5637]

Instead of that top cap, you could mount a 90 degree elbow and a short straight pipe, and that would make it even easier to tell which direction your transducer was pointing.

[@laketawakonifishingguides]

Awesome concept bud great video.... one question though I was told not to use zip ties on my transducer ..any thoughts

[@grat3aya]

I need to know how to wire into my Ranger boat accessory switch. Love your set up.

[@jjohnston6645]

Just remember Tywraps void warranty because it may cut into cable, use tape instead per Garmins, nice setup

[@jigginwithjeff3050]

That’s cool 58 mph pvc 😂😂

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Lol, yeah I know it seems crazy to use PVC on this nice if a boat, but no one makes a mount that suits what I am looking for

[@emamihaelagimpirea6136]

Very user friendly product. Stores rods and reels perfectly!!!

[@russelldevane5434]

Genius!!! Gave me a great idea for the front of my boat. I bought the terrova trolling motor and have Garmin depthfinder. I want to use my Garmin transducer so I still get DI, SI. I will be doing something close to this up front of the boat. Thanks.

[@bronsegura3362]

How did you run the transducer wire to center console I’m doing the same thing but I can’t get it through

[@av8r1999]

$15 if you already have the $75 Ram mount.. LOL. Still a great idea

[@XploreAz]

Well that's what he said in the description.

[@av8r1999]

@@XploreAzthx!

[@InsaneClownFpv]

Get ya some 3d prints to cover that sharp edge up!

[@baileycoach]

What size/ram mount did you use??

[@vasilivanov4562]

Браво пич!!!!👍

[@iamremy-kl3xm]

why your pole is so far away from your bow? trolling motor interference?

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

I like it by the console, so I can steer the boat and see the Screen of the chartplotter while rotating the livescope looking around

[@noobsearn2die342]

Any issue with it? Would you recommend someone to build it too?

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

I still use it to this day. No issues at all

[@noobsearn2die342]

@@SouthernReelsFishing thanks for the reply, I created one as well but I added a shower curtain pole inside the 1in for less flex

[@Usefullinformationphilippines]

I use the large ram mount with claw. Thigh a similar setup

[@rwp2418]

I’m going to make me one. For that hole rubber Grommet at hardware store

[@JS-gf6uc]

Cable Ties will crush that very sensitive cable. Use electrical Tape per Manufacturers' Recommendations.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Yeah if you tighten them too tight. Common sense helps there. Just rig them loose and no problems. 2 years still using zip ties and no issues.

[@rcamoonpie648]

Great mount you came up with! I’ll be utilizing your ideas on my recent purchase of the livescope system plus 2 94sv units. One plus with a B150M thru hull and a UHD with GT56 and the livescope. I hope you’re still happy with the Livescope being at the side of the boat vs the bow? I hate fishing from the bow and feel like the gunnel mount option is better. Enjoy your videos by the way! I’m from WNC

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Thanks! I do still love the setup. I will be making a few slight changes this year but nothing major.

[@wlayne111]

Nice project! How do like the 230BR? I have a 2018 model and love it. Just curious, but what length did you cut the 1 1/4" pvc pipe for the livescope?

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

I love the boat, it is amazing! And I think the pipe is full length, 5 ft I believe

[@jboze]

Do you fish in Saltwater? I've read that the Livescope doesn't work well in saltwater. Any input?

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Works like a champ for me. I fish strictly salt water and brackish water

[@thomastabor5333]

Very informative video, where did you get your ram arm, and where would you look for a reasonable price for livescope, thanks

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

I got the ram arm of amazon. As far as the livescope the prices are pretty much the same no matter where you get it

[@troybelanger974]

The adapter (upper Inner Pipe Fitting) is flush on the outside with the 1 1/4 inch pipe. You have a link for a 1 inch adapter, is this really suppose to be an 1 1/4? Thanks

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

The upper pipe fitting glues to the inner pipe. Nothing is glued to the outer pipe.

[@andrepadron2343]

I am really late to see this awesome video as well as your previous ones. Because I just got a Livescope. I hope you're still able to reply. What is that mount that is holding the transducer? It doesn't look like the aluminum U bracket you had on your previous design. It looks like you're not in Perspective mode there. But will that setup allow P mode?

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

This video was before the perspective mode was available

[@dustincanty4077]

Hell yah man nice boat and great idea man maybe I'll see you fishing this summer cbbt I'm always out there spear fishing

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

For sure man, just wave me down if you do!

[@mrseeingspots]

Do you use perspective mode with this set up? It doesn't appear to have the bracket. I watched your kayak set up and love the idea of the u shaped mount. Does that setup not work in current or when driving around?

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

I use the u shaped bracket to this day on both my boat and kayak setups, and it works in all situations. I am sorry if the videos confused you, to be honest it was a learning process for me at the time.

[@iamremy-kl3xm]

nice setup

[@w0nd3rb0y]

Check out the Blue Sea Systems Cable Clam for that transducer cable hole.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

I'll check it out

[@tskarzin]

Very nice, I have looked at many how to videos. This is a great way to stow when not in use or transporting the boat, going to do something similar. Thanks for posting.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bentleyfatheree1616]

1st question How far forward can you see with your live scope? Do you have the pole deep enough to look under your boat? Can you turn the transducer to look at your trolling motor?

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

You can go up to 200 ft, yes it will look 360 degrees around the boat. Naturally that would include whatever direction your trolling motor is in....

[@jmarrs7239]

I'm a bit late to the party and and to say ks for a great DIY video. One question, Does the transducer tilt toward the boat or away from the boat? I see many where it is tilted away from the centerline of the boat but yours appears to be tilted toward the centerline (under) the boat.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

The tilt angle can be changed, not sure what you mean by forward. I always have my rotated up to the forward scan position

[@brianpresmyk7902]

Never use zip ties. Tape only. Read the instructions

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Never had any problems with them. Of course I'm bright enough to know not to synch them down tight.

[@magic2066]

wow, u r the best. thx.

[@doctorxring]

Good job !! Thanks for sharing.

[@IheartBass]

Dude.... So basic, so effective. Beautiful build.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Thank you!

[@BillaBong1]

Nice i been looking through youtube the hole day today and this video pop up on my notification. I was like heck yea perfect. Thanks i will be making one asap

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Cool man! Glad to help

[@jameskarr5550]

Nice Job!!

[@richardziegelmeyer3663]

how and where do you mount and connect an on and off switch on the Live scope system

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

On the power wire going to the livescope. Mount it wherever is convenient for you

[@richardziegelmeyer3663]

hey jesse what are the parts at the top that controls the rotation I understand the pvc poles but not the top section of what to use

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Its just a fitting that glues to the inner pipe. I used a threaded adapter that I then found some other fitting that fit it and set it up to where it was comfortable for me. I have a parts list in the description of the video

[@daviddincler7494]

I notice from your other pole you use a t pvc would this be ok with a boat or do you need the bracket thanks

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

It might be ok, but depends on if you plan on idling in gear with the setup deployed or if you are fishing in heavy currents.

[@Viper531]

Brilliant!

[@Viper531]

Have you tried trolling with it?

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

It will hold at idle on the big motor

[@josephmcguiness6452]

Hey that's really cool. You're gonna be set up great this year. Look forward to all the action.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Thanks! Ready to get filming if the wind will ever stop blowing on the weekends lol

[@rwp2418]

Made me one but I put a round bubble level on top so I could keep it vertical!

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Nice mod! Hope it works well for you

[@mistapikkles]

Damn that's slick! Very nice.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Thanks

[@jordanmassey2725]

Is there a better alternative to zip ties? I hear they can cut into the transducer cord.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Just don't tie them so tight

[@dennisfox935]

Nice setup. This helped me decide how to do my boat.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Glad I could help

[@Viper531]

Brilliant!

[@michaelslay858]

Thanks. Great video!

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Glad you liked it!

[@bigfin007]

Great job,

[@lonniehall9006]

I have mine the same way, go into your garmin buttons, and you will see sonar transmit, just toggle that on and off as needed, and you will never have to shut down completely again. Good show, Kentucky.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Yeah I know about that setting. Even with it off though I have had the transducer give me an overheat warning during summer when it is out of the water.

[@lonniehall9006]

@@SouthernReelsFishing wow, glad to know that.

[@CornerCamper]

Just got my Ram Mount in today, thank you!

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Glad I could help!

[@user-tireauction]

where did you find the rod holders

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

They came on my boat

[@nlessis2073]

Great Video. I like your setup

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Thanks, it is a work in progress

[@Therapy-n-Session]

💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@richardziegelmeyer3663]

THANKS FOR EMAILING ME THE INFO

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Any time!

[@burneybaker1293]

I have a 210 BR and need advice on how you ran the transducer cable once it went inside the compartment that the fuel fill is in to the console. I dont have speakers in that cavity like you do and was wondering if there was a conduit for the speaker wires that you used to run the transducer cable or what? Thanks!

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

There is a cutout in the supporting runners that I found looking around in he hull with some mechanic mirrors. I pulled the speakers and managed to fish the cable through the cutout and up through the drain in the console for the front seat cooler

[@burneybaker1293]

@@SouthernReelsFishing Thanks Jesse! I will get to work on it

[@kennyfloyd4801]

Great idea thank you for sharing

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Thanks hope it works for you

[@rlup77]

So couldnt you just mount the transducer to the transom pointing outward? Or does it need to be on a swivel?

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Yes you could do that, but you wouldn't be taking full advantage of what this setup can do. Its hard to explain until you use it, my first mount was fixed and I saw very quickly why being able to rotate it was so beneficial

[@rlup77]

@@SouthernReelsFishing gotcha makes sense. Im thinking of adding it to my Garmin just not sure how I want to mount it..

[@DLXSKIFFMITCHELL]

Hey bud I just built the same pole and it looks great. I’m going with the garmin 93sv and livescope. I’ve seen some people use a lithium 12v 10ah battery. My unit will actually be portable. Just wondering what battery you are using when the livescope is on your kayak and how long it will run. Thanks again for the great ideas!!

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

In my yak I run 4, 10 anp hour Nocqua's wired together. I have never run the system dead yet, even after spending 14 hours out on the water. A single 10 amp hour battery would last around 3 to 4 hours constant use I would think.

[@DLXSKIFFMITCHELL]

Thinks bud. I might grab 2 and have one dedicated to livescope and one dedicated to the unit.

[@DLXSKIFFMITCHELL]

Also wondering. If I run each off there own battery would a 7ah work or should I stick with the 10ah

[@masfitnessoutdoors9657]

Looks good great mount

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

So far so good

[@JimMFishing]

Very nice setup on a sweet boat.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Thank you sir!

[@RandyRemington]

@@SouthernReelsFishing What boat model/size is that?

[@jonathanmorale3977]

Where is the parts list?

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Should be in the description

[@katiesadventures1223]

Looks awesome 👌

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Thank you 👍

[@mivison]

awesome job !

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Thanks!

[@simwilliams5358]

Nice setup

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Thanks Sim! You should go fishing with me one day if you ever get a break

[@timrussell89]

Nice setup and a beautiful boat

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

Thank you

[@timrussell89]

@@SouthernReelsFishing np

[@darrenshequen5551]

Thanks for the design using the u-shaped metal bracket for the perspective mode too. I was using the set up yesterday on my boat and found that went I was going 2-3 mph that the tube would rotate. I tightened the ram mount handle a lot as well. What is the max speed you can troll at using this? Note: it worked well bottom bouncing around 1.2 mph.

[@SouthernReelsFishing]

My boat idles around 3 mph and this will hold fairly well in that depending on the currents. I do use a size D ram mount which is the 2.25 inch setup.