bow locator

[V.Johnson]

Just picked up a Eagle 128 for the bow of my 161
Pro mag and was wondering what is the best way to
attatch the transducer to the bottom of my Minnkota foot troller. The brackets in the kit are
designed to mount it on the transom. Thanks vj

[Stu Pedaso]

When I read the subject line, I thought I could be funny and say "The bow should be located near the front of your boat." But, you actually had a good question, so I'll pipe in with what I know.

I have a vexilar flasher, and they have different transducers for trolling motor mounting, transom, through hull, etc. That said, I don't know specifically how Eagle ships theirs, but it sounds as if the "Default" is for the transom. You will either have to buy a trolling motor mounting bracket or a troller transducer, depending on the specifics. Check the accessory literature that came with your Eagle.

[eyewinder]

I'm not sure whether your Eagle is one of the depthfinders that the manufacturer will swap out transducers if the (unusued) one you have is not the one you want. Try contacting Lowrance (Eagle manufacturer) @ (800) 324-1356 to find out if they'll send you a transducer designed for trolling motors in exchange for the one you have.

[Hump]

I would check the transducer you have usually there set up to do both. Check some were on the bracket for two slots a hose clamp could be run through.

[Terry]

Eagle has transducer puck for mounting on trolling motor (about $42) if you want to change; and a mounting bracket to mount your present transom skimmer transducer (about $7)...

[REW]

You might consider saving yourself the headache and expense and simply mount the transducer on the back of the motor.
The only thing that you give up - is the difference between the front and the back of the boat. Not necessarily a big deal unless you fish lots of structure that has lots of very sharp breaks.

The advantages of mounting in the back - is that you will always have a reading - if the motor is up or down, very useful when drifting or trolling without the motor down.

The biggest advantage is that you have no transducer cable tangle running down your motor, getting broken etc. Simply drill a hole for the power and transducer cables and route to the correct spot. Clean and neat.

I went the route of the bow mounted transducer, and even had a switch so that I could run a transducer from the front and back. After several years -- I decided that the difference wasn't worth the extra trouble. I have been happy since - with just the single transducer on the back of the boat - for the bow mounted depth finder.

Take care

REW

[Gone Again]

Lowrance offers a trolling motor bracket that allows mounting a transom transducer on the trolling motor. Cost is $6.49 in Cabelas. I have one and it works great-Tom