7 Best Marine Electronics Mounting Solutions for Small Boats

Table of Contents

• Marine Electronics Mounting Solutions for Small Boats: Quick Comparison
• 1. RAILBLAZA Fishfinder R-Lock R with MiniPort TracMount
• 2. RAILBLAZA Fishfinder R-Lock S with MiniPort TracMount
• 3. RAILBLAZA Hexx Sonar 360 Mount
• Marine Electronics Installation Tips for Optimal Performance
• Dual Graph Mounting Systems and Multi-Display Setup
• How to Install Marine GPS on Small Boat Consoles
• NavPod and Scanstrut Solutions for Flush Mounting and Pedestal Mounting
• Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated: September 26, 2026

Marine Electronics Mounting Solutions for Small Boats: Quick Comparison

Small boats present a unique challenge for marine electronics mounting. Space is tight, consoles angle awkwardly, and you're working with limited real estate for displays, GPS units, and transducers. The right marine electronics mounting solution keeps your gear visible, accessible, and secure without compromising console integrity or creating clutter.

Elliott's Tackle & Rigging provides high-quality marine electronics specifically curated for serious Pacific NW anglers, Great Lakes, Eastern Seaboard and Gulf of America fisherman. Every product is hand-selected by an experienced captain with forty years of fishing expertise, ensuring that only reliable, field-tested equipment makes it onto your boat.

Quick Picks:

• Best for Kayaks & Small Boats: RAILBLAZA Fishfinder R-Lock R, tool-free adjustability with rock-solid holding power
• Best Transducer Mount: RAILBLAZA Hexx Sonar 360, 90-degree pivot for fast deployment
• Best for Larger Displays: NavPod PowerPod Pre-Cut, flush-mounted protection with swivel viewing angle
• Best Budget Rail Mount: Scanstrut ROKK Midi Fixed Rail Mount, corrosion-resistant aluminum for under $60

1. RAILBLAZA Fishfinder R-Lock R with MiniPort TracMount

The RAILBLAZA Fishfinder R-Lock R with MiniPort TracMount uses friction joints and R-Lock technology to keep your sonar display secure in rough water. Adjust the viewing angle in 15-degree increments without tools. The removable U-shaped bracket lets you drop your fishfinder in when fishing and slip it out when you need console space back. Supports displays up to 4 pounds (Fish Finder Mount R-Lock R with Miniport Tracmount).

Pros: Tool-free repositioning, compatible with most kayak tracks, supports displays up to 4 lbs, 15-degree angle increments for uneven surfaces

Cons: Limited to lighter displays; heavier chartplotters need a different solution

Best for: Kayak anglers and small-boat owners who want adjustability without tools or permanent installation.

2. RAILBLAZA Fishfinder R-Lock S with MiniPort TracMount

The RAILBLAZA Fishfinder R-Lock S with MiniPort TracMount is the compact sibling of the R-Lock R, handling displays up to 3.3 pounds with the same friction-joint technology and 15-degree angle increments. The smaller footprint makes it ideal for cramped console setups while maintaining tool-free adjustability and security.

Pros: Smaller footprint than R-Lock R, tool-free adjustments, 15-degree angle increments, removable bracket design

Cons: Lower weight capacity (3.3 lbs vs. 4 lbs); won't support larger 7-inch displays

Best for: Anglers with limited console space who run lighter sonar displays and need tool-free adjustability.

RAILBLAZA Fishfinder R-Lock R →

3. RAILBLAZA Hexx Sonar 360 Mount

The RAILBLAZA Hexx Sonar 360 Mount features a 90-degree pivot arm for fast transducer deployment and stowage. Built from marine-grade aluminum and glass-reinforced plastic, it resists salt spray and UV exposure. Compatible with Humminbird MEGA 360 and other static transducers, the included HEXX Base accommodates track mounting, deck bolting, and other configurations.

Pros: 90-degree pivot for fast deployment and stowage, marine-grade construction, multiple mounting configurations, tool-free installation

Cons: Primarily designed for static transducers; not ideal for active sonar systems requiring constant repositioning

Best for: Jon boat and kayak anglers who want fast transducer deployment without permanent console modifications.

Marine Electronics Installation Tips for Optimal Performance

Correct marine electronics mounting combines secure hardware, proper cable management, and thoughtful positioning. Assess your console space and weight capacity first. The mounting surface must support the weight without flexing, flex causes loose connections, water intrusion, and failure. If your console is thin composite or fiberglass, add a backing plate to distribute the load.

Cable routing matters as much as the mount itself. Run wires down the center of your console or along the underside of the helm, not across open areas where they'll snag on fishing lines. Use cable ties and conduit to keep everything organized and seal cable entry points with marine-grade silicone to prevent water intrusion.

Vibration dampening extends component life. The friction joints on RAILBLAZA mounts and double gasket seals on NavPod systems absorb vibration rather than transmitting it directly to your electronics.

Position your display at a 15- to 20-degree tilt to minimize glare and avoid neck strain. Adjustable mounts like the RAILBLAZA R-Lock systems let you dial in the perfect angle without permanent modifications.

Dual Graph Mounting Systems and Multi-Display Setup

Running dual fish finders or stacking displays requires careful planning. Don't assume your console can support the combined weight, a 7-inch display (2 lbs) plus a 9-inch chartplotter (2+ lbs) totals 4+ pounds. Verify your console can handle this before committing. Use backing plates behind each mounting point on composite or thin fiberglass consoles.

Vertical stacking uses less horizontal console space than side-by-side mounting. Mount your primary sonar display at eye level, then stack your secondary display above or below it to minimize scanning motion.

Run all wires through the center of the console or along one edge, never across the helm. Use separate power runs for each display if possible so one display stays operational if the other loses power.

Consider the viewing angle for each display independently. Tilt your sonar display slightly downward for easy glancing; tilt your chartplotter more upright for menu navigation. Adjustable mounts like NavPod systems provide this flexibility.

RAILBLAZA Fishfinder R-Lock R →

How to Install Marine GPS on Small Boat Consoles

Installing a marine GPS or chartplotter requires secure mounting that protects your electronics from water intrusion and vibration while keeping the display accessible.

Step 1: Choose Your Mounting Location Select a spot that offers good visibility without blocking steering or instruments. Position slightly above eye level to glance down without moving your head. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent screen glare.

Step 2: Verify Console Strength Press firmly on your proposed location. If the console flexes, you need a backing plate. Thin fiberglass or composite consoles require reinforcement to prevent cracking.

Step 3: Mark and Drill Mounting Holes Use the mounting bracket as a template. Mark your holes with a pencil or marker, then drill pilot holes slightly smaller than your mounting bolts. Pilot holes prevent the drill bit from slipping and cracking the console. Start with a small bit and work up to your final size.

Step 4: Install Backing Plate (If Needed) If your console is composite or thin fiberglass, slip a backing plate behind the mounting holes before tightening bolts. This distributes load and prevents the console from cracking around the holes. Use stainless steel bolts and washers to prevent corrosion.

Step 5: Mount the Bracket Slide your GPS unit into the mounting bracket and secure it according to the bracket's design.

NavPod and Scanstrut Solutions for Flush Mounting and Pedestal Mounting

For anglers running smartphones or handheld GPS units, the Scanstrut ROKK Mini Mount Kit with Rail Mount and Suction Cup Mount options provide modular flexibility. Install in minutes, adjust as needed, and move your phone or GPS between different boats. Both kits include the universal phone clamp and adjustable arm, engineered to withstand high shock loading.