Installing navigation electronics on a boat is not just a matter of convenience, but a necessity for safe and efficient fishing or cruising. Boat sonar stand It is a key element of this system, ensuring that expensive equipment is reliably fixed in conditions of constant vibration and contact with water. Incorrectly selected attachment can cause the device to fall, damage it or, even worse, to fail the entire onboard network when short circuit.
During the operation of the boat, whether it is a PVC model or an aluminum boat, the equipment is subjected to serious dynamic loads. bracket It was made of durable materials and had a very thoughtful design, and in this article we will go through all the nuances of the choice, compare the different types of holders and consider the technology of their own manufacture.
Criteria for choosing a reliable holder
The first and most important option is the fabrication material. The market offers solutions made of plastic, aluminum and stainless steel. Plastic models are often cheaper, but under the influence of ultraviolet light and salt water they can become brittle in one season. Aluminum alloys with anode coating are the “golden mean”, providing lightness and corrosion resistance.
The second criterion is compatibility with a specific model of your sonar. The fasteners on the back of the device should match perfectly with the holder's response pins or screws. Universal brackets They often have adjustable geometry, which allows them to be used for different devices, but specialized solutions are always more reliable.
And the way you install it is also the way you do it, because you need to drill a side or a transom, which is not always acceptable for inflatable boat owners, and in these cases, you can use removable structures that are fixed on the side or cylinders with the help of clamps. For inflatable boats, it is critical to use holders with wide and soft paws of attachment so as not to damage the PVC fabric under load.
Types of constructions and methods of installation
There are several basic design types, each with its own setup features: Rotating brackets allow you to change the angle of view of the screen depending on the position of the sun or the height of the operator; fixed models are cheaper, but less convenient to use if the boat often changes owner or is used by different people.
- 🔹 transom holders: They are attached directly to the plane of the transom, suitable for rigid housings.
- 🔹 Onboard brackets: cover a hinge timber, ideal for PVC boats and aluminum cossacks.
- 🔹 Embedded consoles: require cutting holes in the dashboard, providing maximum aesthetics.
When choosing a method of attachment, it is important to consider the thickness of the material on the side. For thin aluminum or PVC, you need to use wide pressing washers to distribute the pressure of the screws, otherwise the metal can deform, and the soft material of the balloon can break through.
Features of installation on inflatable boats
When installing on a PVC boat, never use metal clamps with sharp edges. It is recommended to put pieces of dense rubber or special tape under the paws of the bracket to protect the cylinders from rubbing.
Special attention should be paid to telescopic racks that allow you to remove the device inside the boat or raise it above the level of the board, which is convenient when passing thickets or locks, when the risk of catching the sensor or screen is especially high.
Materials and corrosion protection
The aquatic environment, especially salty seawater, is an aggressive enemy of metal. stainless steel AISI 304 can be subject to spot corrosion with prolonged contact with salt, so for marine conditions, it is preferable to use AISI 316 steel or specialized marine aluminum alloys.
All fasteners — bolts, nuts and washers — must have the appropriate protection class. A conventional black fastener will rust in a matter of days, staining the side and jamming the mechanism. Use only galvanized or stainless fasteners, additionally treating threaded joints with graphite lubrication.
⚠️ Warning: Never combine aluminum parts of the holder with copper wiring elements or fasteners without insulation. In the presence of electrolyte (water), galvanic vapor will occur, which will lead to rapid destruction of the aluminum.
If you choose a plastic holder, make sure it is made from ABS plastic or polypropylene with the addition of UV stabilizers. Cheap plastic in the sun becomes brittle (fragile) and can burst from the impact of a wave on the board.
To further protect the metal parts of a homemade bracket, use zinc treads by mounting them next to the mount, and they will take over the corrosion while keeping the base metal intact.
Instructions for self-production of the bracket
Making a stand yourself allows you to perfectly adapt it to a specific boat and sonar. To work, you will need a strip of aluminum 3-4 mm thick, a set of drills, M6 bolts and metal bending tools. The process begins with creating a drawing or a template from cardboard.
☑️ Checklist of preparation for manufacture
Once the holes are placed under the fixture, the metal must be bent at the right angle, so you can use a vise and a wooden bar to avoid damaging the aluminum surface, and it is important to ensure smooth curves, avoiding sharp angles that can become points of concentration of voltage.
Sequence of action:Marking of the holes centers (step 50-70 mm).
Drilling of holes with a drill d = 6.5 mm.
3. Marking holes under the secret heads of bolts.
4. 90 degree profile flexibility.
5. Installation of rubber gaskets.
Finishing involves grinding the crops and installing rubber gaskets between the metal and the sonar body, which will prevent the vibration from being transmitted to the electronics and eliminate rattling on the go.
A homemade 4 mm thick aluminum bracket is often stronger and more reliable than many cheap factory counterparts if flexible and corrosion-resistant technology is followed.
Comparison of popular holder models
There are many ready-made solutions from different manufacturers on the market, and to help you decide on your choice, we have compiled a comparison table of the specifications of the most popular types of fasteners.
| Type of holder | Materials | Weight (g) | Compatibility | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The turning Ram Mount | Plastic/Metal | 250 | Universal. | High. |
| transom fixed | aluminum | 180 | Specific | Medium |
| On-board clamp | Nerzh. | 400 | PVC/Borth | Medium |
| Embedded flash | ABS plastic | 100 | Panel | Low. |
Modular systems such as Ram MountsThey allow you to create complex configurations by adding smartphone holders or GPS navigators next to the sonar, but they are much more expensive, and reliability depends on the quality of the plastic hinges.
Fixed aluminum brackets benefit in reliability and durability. They have no moving parts that can shatter, and last for decades with minimal maintenance.
Maintenance and safety of operation
Regular maintenance of the mount will extend the life of both the holder and the sonar. After each release to the water, especially in salt water, it is recommended to rinse the mounts with fresh water, this will wash away salt and prevent the formation of corrosion foci.
Once a season, you need to check the tightening of all bolt joints. Vibration has the property of unwinding even reliably fixed nuts. Using a thread fixing compound (anaerobic sealant) will significantly reduce the risk of spontaneous unwinding.
⚠️ Warning: Always check the safety of the sonar before you start driving at high speeds. In case of detachment, the device can get under the screw, damage the engine or cause injuries to people on the boat.
You also need to look at the condition of the insulation pads, if they crack or lose their elasticity, they need to be replaced, and if metal is in contact with metal or plastic with metal without a damper, the surfaces will wear out quickly.
What to do if the mounts are rusted?
If the bolts are stiff, don't try to pull them off by force, you can break the hat. Treat the joint with penetrating lubricant (WD-40 or analog) and leave it for a few hours. Warming the joint with a building hairdryer also helps break down the rust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a wooden stand for a sonar?
You can use wood, but only if it's treated with special yacht varnishes and impregnations, but the tree absorbs moisture, swells and eventually rots, which can lead to the fall of expensive equipment, prefer metal or quality plastic.
How to secure a sonar on a boat without drilling?
To do this, there are special suction cups with powerful clamps or clamps that are attached to the hinge bars, magnetic bases are also popular, but their reliability on water is questionable due to the risk of tearing off when hit by a wave.
Do I need to remove the sonar with a stand for the winter?
The sonar itself must be removed and kept warm, and if it doesn't interfere or damage the appearance, you can leave it with a pre-lubrication of the moving parts with conservation lubricant, and if the stand is removable, you better put it indoors.
What is the best screen angle to look at?
The optimal angle is the angle at which the screen is perpendicular to the operator's line of sight when sitting, usually a slope of about 15-20 degrees from the vertical, which also minimizes glare from the sun.