If you plan on using one set up for 2 boats I would definitely go with a pole for your transducer. You can use a heavy-duty Ram mount and would only have to have a spare knuckle ball for the extra boat. You would have to figure out what to do about the differences in pole height. Check out Greg Finn On Youtube at Camo River Guide Service in Texas. He has an ingenious way he mounted his transducer and pole on his pontoon. As far as the black box and unit just build some kind of a self contained box to move from one boat to another. Tip on Livescope....Don't skimp on power supply. They like good clean, dedicated power not hooked to anything else. Use 10 gauge wire also. Very, very important! Make sure to leave enough slack where needed for the pole to turn without binding up the transducer wiring. And never attach transducer cable to pole with anything besides electrical tape. No zip ties or hose clamps. Hope this helps!