Thread: Humminbird 899 mounting questions

You could spend another $200 or so like I did, and put a TM transducer and mount at the bow. When I pull in to fish, I just power the head unit down and move it to the TM. Power it up and go.

At first I thought I would do what you are saying.....swivel the unit around. But take it from someone who's tried that....trying to fish and also turn around to watch a sonar don't go well together.

Originally Posted by vic n

You could spend another $200 or so like I did, and put a TM transducer and mount at the bow. When I pull in to fish, I just power the head unit down and move it to the TM. Power it up and go.

At first I thought I would do what you are saying.....swivel the unit around. But take it from someone who's tried that....trying to fish and also turn around to watch a sonar don't go well together.

Thanks for reply, but i longline looking backwards most of the time. I do not like a transducer on the trolling motor. I have a 787 on the bow. I like using the Side Imaging and Larger GPS at the console. SI just works better for me at speeds of 2-4.5 MPH. When I am fishing I mark the spot then go back and scout. Just would like to use the larger GPS screen to follow contours better. Talquin has a lot of stumps and a narrow channel in many areas.

Originally Posted by crappielimits

I want to mount my 899 at the console and be able to swivel it to be seen at the bow while trolling. What is the best affordable way to do this? I have looked at the Johnny Ray and liked it. Not many reviews. RAM 111 worries me on strength and there composite is affordable, but aluminum is over $100. Saw some custom mounts I liked, but again over $100-200! Has anyone fabricated their own. Just spent $2500 on trolling motor and this unit. Need to be effective, but reasonable.

I have a 898c si unit. It is mounted at my console and I can swivel it towards the front so I can view it while at the bow of the boat. I use the ram mount. I believe it is the 111 model. I can only say positive things about it. The mount is very sturdy and well built. When tightened down, it does not move. No need to worry about strength or reliability. I don't think you will find one that works better.

Thanks are you using the aluminum or composite version?

Originally Posted by crappielimits

Thanks are you using the aluminum or composite version?

I went to www.rammount.com . It says the components for the 111 is powder coated marine grade aluminum.

You can only buy composite material in the ram mounts which fit the 100-700 series, including the piranhamax. These are considered the "light use" mounts.

I longline also. I happen to use a RAM mount.

What i did was put a RAM ball on the transom and a US2 ( ?I think?, they sell US3 now ) switch near the console. The switch is used to point the transducer from console to transom. When I find an area that I want to long line, I turn off the HB, flip the switch, move the RAM arm and everything to the transom, and power up the HB.
I did have to get another power cord and cable collector, but what I can't remember is how I got my GPS signal back there. There is a way, but I'd have to go digging in my boat to help me remember. Whatever it is, it works as I track my speed on my terrova remote and my HB.

The drawback is that now the screen is facing backwards. So what is on the right of the screen is on your left and vice versa. Long lining, you will get the knack for that.

But, Whoa Nelly!! If you go to a 360 transducer, WOW! For me, it's a little more complicated. For some reason, my brain has a harder time registering that something a little off to the right on the screen means I need to be moving a little to the left. I think as i get practice with it, it'll come.

The ram mount is solid. I have my 688DI mounted on the ram mount made out of powder coated aluminum and its not going anywhere. I actually have my ram mount mounted to the war eagle fishfinder bracket that can be slid anywhere i want it along the T-rail system in my Xpress. I got my ram mount at gander mtn for under 40 bucks. I think it was priced incorrectly but never the less, for the money you cant beat ram products.