Quick answer
Mount the RAM Track Ball Transducer Mount by sliding the track ball into your kayak's accessory track, attaching the 18" aluminum rod, and securing the transducer so it sits below the waterline. Test deployment and retrieval before you fish.
Why the 18-inch rod changes your setup
The 18" aluminum rod gives you reach beyond the hull, which helps keep the transducer clear of kayak turbulence and lets you deploy it over the side. That extra length also means you need to think about stowage and rod flex before you drill or clamp anything.
Track mounting is the main advantage here: you can slide the assembly fore or aft to find cleaner water without permanent holes. If your kayak lacks a track, this mount is not a direct fit, and you would need a different base.
When a track mount is the wrong choice
If you regularly paddle through heavy brush or surf, a fixed through-hull transducer may be more protected than a deployable arm. The RAM arm is designed for quick deployment and retrieval, but it still presents a lever that can catch on obstacles.
Also consider your track's load rating and the space it occupies. A long rod and transducer can interfere with paddle strokes or rod holders on narrow kayaks, so plan the location around your existing accessories.
Installation steps
- Choose and clean the track location: Pick a track section that lets the rod extend over the side without crossing your paddle stroke. Clean the track and remove any existing accessories from that section. Check that the rod can swing from stowed to deployed without hitting the hull or your seat.
- Insert the track ball: Slide the Track Ball into the track from the end or a cutout, then position it at your chosen spot. Tighten the track nut by hand until the ball is secure but still adjustable. Do not overtighten before you have tested the rod angle; you may need to reposition.
- Attach the 18" aluminum rod: Connect the rod to the Track Ball arm according to the mount's assembly. Set the initial angle so the rod points slightly downward toward the water. Confirm the rod is fully seated and the joint is tight before adding the transducer.
- Mount the transducer: Attach your transducer to the rod end using the supplied hardware. Route the cable along the rod with clips or ties, leaving a small service loop at the pivot. Make sure the transducer face is level and unobstructed when deployed.
- Route and secure the cable: Run the cable back to your fish finder along the kayak, avoiding sharp edges and moving parts. Leave enough slack for the full swing of the rod. Test the full deployment arc to ensure the cable does not pull taut or snag.
- Test deployment and retrieval on water: Launch in shallow water and practice lowering and raising the rod from your seat. Check that the transducer stays submerged at paddling speed and that the rod does not flex excessively. If the transducer lifts out of the water, adjust the rod angle or move the track ball forward.
Product facts
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RAM® Track Ball™ Transducer Mount with 18" Aluminum Rod: Deployable transducer arm for kayaks that enables quick deployment and retrieval while protecting the transducer from damage. You can raise the transducer before beaching or launching, reducing the chance of impact damage.
RAM® Track Ball™ Transducer Mount with 18" Aluminum Rod