FISHING SPECIALTIES Bowducer User manual

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Bowducer Installation
Instructions
THANK YOU for ordering our Bowducer assembly!
If you need assistance or clarification during assembly, please give us a call at
719-284-2220

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Table of Contents
Preface: Typical parts in a Bowducer Kit................................................................................................................................ 3
Installation/Setup of Baseplates: .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Positioning the Bowducer Assembly on the boat. ............................................................................................................ 4
Installation of Rail mounts................................................................................................................................................. 5
Pedestal assembly:............................................................................................................................................................. 5
Movable pedestals ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Baseplate accessory parts .................................................................................................................................................. 6
Baseplate Tether Kits (MUST INSTALL)............................................................................................................................. 6
Rubber Bumpers ................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Installation depth of Downrods......................................................................................................................................... 6
Downrod Extensions: ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Magnetic Stabilizer............................................................................................................................................................. 8
Handle Assemblies: all scanning sonars. ......................................................................................................................... 8
Installation of the Transducers .............................................................................................................................................. 9
General Instructions:.......................................................................................................................................................... 9
Lowrance Transducers: ........................................................................................................................................................ 10
Lowrance LSS, TotalScan and Structure Scan & 3in1 .................................................................................................. 10
Lowrance Livesight ....................................................................................................................................................... 11
Lowrance Active Target................................................................................................................................................ 11
Fishing Specialties Alternative Active Target Transducer Mounting.......................................................................... 12
Humminbird Transducers:................................................................................................................................................ 13
Humminbird XHS & XTM 9 HDSI series........................................................................................................................ 13
Humminbird Mega Side view Gen2 and Gen3 Series.................................................................................................. 13
Humminbird Mega Live.................................................................................................................................................... 13
Garmin Transducers ......................................................................................................................................................... 14
Garmin GT2x, 4x, 5x, Series Transducers..................................................................................................................... 14
Garmin Livescope LVS 32 ............................................................................................................................................. 14
Dual Garmin Transducers............................................................................................................................................. 15
Fishing Specialties Garmin LVS32 Perspective Mounting ........................................................................................... 15
GARMIN LVS34 Mounting ............................................................................................................................................ 17
SPECIAL ACCESSORIES .......................................................................................................................................................... 18
Strain Relief Ring .............................................................................................................................................................. 18
Extra Downrod Cone ........................................................................................................................................................ 18
Downrod Extensions ........................................................................................................................................................ 18
Index Piece ........................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Warranty And Questions/Assistance: ................................................................................................................................. 19

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Preface: Typical parts in a Bowducer Kit
Baseplate Assembly Index Piece (Si/Di only) Clamping Mount Bracket
Subplate Pedestals Rail Mount brackets
ONLY USE 2 Nylon THUMBSCREWS WITH All MOUNTING SYSTEMS!
Downrod with cone assembly:
Solid or Telescoping
1” OD, 1.25 OD or 1.5 OD
Refer to your Transducer section in this manual for setup.
Strain relief rings for top of Downrod and finally:Downrod Cones 
Assorted Downrod Ends (specific to your transducer):
Transducer to downrod adapter for your transducer
(Style may vary depending on transducer)

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Installation/Setup of Baseplates:
Special note: Securing Bowducer to Sub plates, Pedestals, Mounting brackets, etc.
The Bowducer is set up with a 4-hole pattern for thumbscrews. If all 4 thumbscrews are used,
they will be stronger than the marine board baseplates (and not quite so “handy” for
aluminum baseplates). Do not use all 4 mounting holes, USE ONLY 2 THUMBSCREWS
DIAGONALLY from one another. This lowers the holding strength of the thumbscrews to be
below the strength of the marine board baseplates. It also allows the user to immediately
remount the baseplate should the thumbscrews break away, as intended, when the downrod
hits an underwater obstacle. The immediate replacement of the baseplate will keep you
fishing until you get back and can deal with the broken stubs of the thumbscrews.
REMOVAL of Broken Thumbscrew Stubs
Broken thumbscrew stubs are generally easy to remove however should one be somewhat
stuck in the mounting plate; the easiest removal method is to heat the tip of a small
screwdriver and melt a groove in the top of the stub. Once that cools, you should be able to
turn out the thumbscrew using the screwdriver.
Do NOT replace the nylon thumbscrews with stainless screws. The nylon is a strain relief point
and will prevent damage to your baseplate and downrod and transducers.
Magnetic Baseplates
Mounting is very straightforward.Attach the baseplate to the magnetic plate by turning the
switch to the on position. If the baseplate lifts off the mounting, be sure to turn off the
switches or when you attempt to remount the baseplate it will slap down onto the mounting
plate with a lot of force.
Positioning the Bowducer Assembly on the boat.
When selecting the downrod location there are several things to consider – but remember
convenience is the number one consideration:
1. Ensure that the downrod will be over the edge of the boat. Do not place it directly
behind the trolling motor propwash as this may interfere with the sonar returns. Try to
be at least 12 to 18 inches away from prop wash.
2. If you have scanning sonar (Livescope or Active Target) make sure that the handle will
clear potential obstacles – fences on pontoons, displays, etc.

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3. Above all else, make sure the downrod is convenient to use. Remember with scanning
sonars you will be scanning with the downrod while watching the screen for the sonar
return.
4. Check to be sure that the baseplate assembly will not cause interference with stowage
of trolling motor or other items.
5. It is recommended to dry fit the assembly to the boat to make sure that everything fits
and clears nicely!
Pre-assemble the baseplate and mounting system (sub plate, pedestal, bracket, etc.).
Then, place the downrod into the baseplate cup and hold it in the cup with the top latch.
Place the completed assembly on the boat at your desired location.
Ensure that the downrod clears the rub rail of the boat and that the downrod will be in a
good location for use.
Outline the mounting location for sub plate/pedestals with masking tape.
Utilize the mounting plates as a drill guide (pedestal users see below) and secure these
items to the boat.
Installation of Rail mounts (Tracker/Lund/Lowe/War Eagle etc.):
Rail mounted Bowducer assemblies use appropriate hardware/plates to secure to the rail of
your boats. Installation is generally very straightforward with the bracket mounting to the rail
and the Baseplate assembly mounting atop the brackets with nylon thumbscrews.
Pedestal assembly:
Pedestals are available in single location versions or
optional movable versions.
1. The top plate has 4 threaded holes for the
thumbscrews or is the Magnetic top plate.
2. Bottom plates have 4 holes close to the
corners for mounting.
3. Assemble the bottom plate to the center
extrusion and then mount to the deck.
Finally, add the top plate.
4. Users with very tall pedestals > 6 inches, should consider the use of a through bolt and
nut with fender washers mounted under the deck. Use
# 10 stainless steel hardware.

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Movable pedestals (OPTIONAL at time of
order):
Movable pedestals utilize two mounting
plates (a) on either side of the boat. The
pedestal/baseplate assembly can thus be
used on the most advantageous side of the
boat. Secure the mounting plates to the
boat and then use the red thumbscrews to
hold the pedestal to the mounting plates.
Baseplate accessory parts:
Baseplate Tether Kits (MUST INSTALL)
Baseplates with removable sub plates, track and rail mounts, and
pedestal mounts are supplied with a tether. The nylon thumbscrews will
tend to snap when an obstacle is accidentally hit. Baseplates will flip into
the water. The tether will hold it to the boat and prevent you fishing the
baseplate from deep or murky water. One end of the tether cable is
uncrimped so you can decide what length may be best for your boat. To
crimp the ferrule simply slide it on and crimp use your fishing pliers or
flatten the ferrule with a hammer!
Rubber Bumpers
15 inch Marine Board baseplates are supplied with small rubber
standoffs as there will likely be some flex in the baseplate assembly. The
rubber standoffs are to protect the boat gunwale. Aluminum 15 inch
baseplates are supplied with stick on bumpers.
Replacement thumbscrews and other parts available from our website:
www.fishingspecialties.com/product-category/bowducer-parts/baseplate-accessories/
Installation depth of Downrods
Downrods utilize a tapered “cone” bushing that sits in the baseplate. That bushing sets the
depth of the transducer. To get a good depth for your transducer it should be deep enough to
see past the boat without being blocked by the hull. The transducer also should not be so
deep as to be likely to hit underwater obstacles.

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Once the baseplate is installed. Measure from the keel (or bottom) of the boat to the
baseplate. Then, measuring from the bottom of the downrod tube (without transducer
mounted), set the cone at the measured distance to the keel. Test fit the downrod on the
baseplate to make sure it is at the proper depth and adjust if necessary.
It is perfectly acceptable to drill additional mounting holes for the cone. We predrill a series of
holes for convenience however, if you need a different setting, then just use a 3/16 drill bit to
add another hole for the cone anywhere on the downrod.
Once the depth is set, evaluate the remaining section of downrod (portion above the
baseplate) for a proper handle location. It is good to get in the boat and test the handle
location to ensure it will be convenient to use while fishing.
Downrod Extensions:
Downrod extensions are available to increase the height of the handle.
Extensions are always mounted above the downrod. It is a simple slide over
heavy duty bushing that allows for increased downrod Length. Handles are
typically mounted onto these extensions (see handle assemblies below).
Downrod too long?
If you feel the downrod is excessively long for your boat it can be shortened. To
shorten the downrod it is recommended you remove material from the bottom half
of the main downrod. A chop saw works very well for this. Removing material from the
bottom of the downrod will preserve the pre drilled cone adjustment holes at the top.

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Magnetic Stabilizer
Used with Pontoons that have top of fence railing mounted baseplates
1. With the Downrod in position on
the baseplate.
2. Mount the magnetic stainless-
steel plate onto the boat
side/edge.
3. Place the Retaining Rings and
the Stabilizer Body onto the
downrod.
4. Place the magnetic post into the
body and align with the
magnetic stainless plate.
5. Allow the magnet to attach to
the plate holding the downrod in
position, ensure that the
downrod is vertical.
6. Remove the top screw from the body and use the body as a drill guide.
7. Drill with a 1/8-inch drill into the magnetic post and re-set the top screw.
8. Position the retaining rings above and below the body and Drill 1/8 through the
downrod and then set the screws. The main assembly should be allowed to freely
rotate.
Handle Assemblies: all scanning sonars.
Installation of handles, while mentioned here, is
one of the last steps in assembly.
Handle assemblies slip over the downrod and are
held in place with a set screw.
Install the Handle prior to installing the strain
relief ring as the ring will block the handle bracket.
You will need to drill a Drill a 1/8 inch dia hole to
securely set the handle on the downrod.
1. The existing holes on the downrod are not drilled for the handle! Drill a 1/8 inch dia
hole in the side of the downrod and attach the screw in that hole so that it is tight.
2. Typically for Livesight/Livescope, the handle should point in the same line as the
transducer is facing.

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Installation of the Transducers
WHEN ASSEMBLING DOWNROD PARTS, ALWAYS REMOVE ALL SCREWS SO YOU CAN EASILY
LOCATE SCREW HOLES
The downrods come in several styles. You may have a solid or telescoping version and there
are also 2 standard diameters: 1.5” or 1.25” OD and this is dependent on the transducer
system which was specified on your order. There are also a couple options which may have
been ordered: A second downrod cone or perhaps a telescoping handle assembly.
General Instructions:
1. Place all items (cones, strain relief, handles, etc.) onto the downrod – do not secure
them. This includes the transducer mounting end, the cone, handles, and spare cone if
ordered and the strain relief ring.
2. Remove the screw for the downrod cone to
prevent interference with the connector.
3. Feed the cable through the transducer
mounting end.
4. Secure the transducer to the downrod end
using the general instructions on the following
pages.
Lowrance: If you have a Lowrance transducer
with the blue or black connector, it is possible
to use it with a 1 inch OD downrod with a bit
of modification. You will need to sand the
nubs of the connectors in order to get it
through the downrod as shown.

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Connecting the transducer to the downrod ends
Lowrance Transducers:
For “conventional” transducers from Humminbird or Lowrance, the Mounting disk shown is
supplied. “Conventional” are defined as those using the transom bracket assemblies shown in
the photo above.
Lowrance LSS, TotalScan and Structure Scan & 3in1
1. Remove the disk from the plate.
2. Run the cable through the disk and the downrod (make sure cones are on the downrod
as well as the strain relief ring and handle if purchased).
3. Reattach the plate to the disk puck – there is an alignment mark for proper mounting.
Do not attempt to mount the transducer yet. Dress the cable so it is short but can still
be routed through the channel and up the downrod.
4. Secure the transducer to the plate.
Make sure that the transducer cable
is tight to the assembly, so it does not
catch underwater obstacles.
5. Finally secure the finished assembly
to the downrod.

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Lowrance Livesight:
The Livesight transducer is only designed for side pole mount. Simply
attach the transducers bracket to the post end the same as if it were a
trolling motor shaft. Align the handle with the transducer and it is
ready to go.
Lowrance Active Target Downrod End
Note: As the downrod is pointed in the direction that
the user wants to search, port and starboard mounting
is not relevant to the assembly. The handle is
ultimately aligned with the transducer, so the handle
intuitively points in the direction the transducer is
facing.
The user should keep in mind during assembly that the
back of the transducer is where the wire exits the
transducer, and the transducer emitters are thus
“forward”. Align the handle along the axis of the
transducer to point the transducer in the proper
direction.
1. Run the cable through the downrod. Ensure that the depth bushing, handle and
strain relief for the top of the tube are all installed.
2. Install the post end and make sure that the cable cleanly goes though the wire
channel. Secure the post end.
3. It will be necessary to leave a loop of about 10 inches to allow the transducer to be
moved to the 3 different views.
4. Attach the Lowrance transducer bracket to the post. The wire channel should be
facing roughly 45 degrees toward the forward view position.
Special Note:
An alternative mount is available that presents less water resistance. This alternative
mounting uses a specially made RAM mounting system. While it does not click into the three
view positions, it does allow for smoother downrod operation in the water where it counts.
Further information is available on the following page:

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Fishing Specialties Alternative Active Target Transducer Mounting
In an attempt to minimize water resistance, we have developed a simpler mounting system for
the Active Target Transducer. Customers buying this bracket will receive a disk end and a
small Ram mounting system that works with the transducer. This small Ram mounting allows
for all 3 available views.
Installation:
1. Install the downrod disk end to the downrod
2. Install the Ram ball with stud end to the transducer – be sure to use the star washer
between the transducer and ball – Ball is mounted to hole on opposite side of the
temperature sensing disk.
3. Run the cable through the disk end and downrod (be sure to have all accessory parts
installed – depth bushing or cone, handle, and top strain relief ring).
4. Leave about 7-8 inches of free transducer cable.
5. Ram ball with disk end is mounted so that the RAM logo is centered over the wire
channel on the disk.
6. Attach the center arm to the disk ball and the transducer ball.
The transducer is positioned as follows for the 3 views:
Special note: The ram ball with stud end is mounted onto the transducer on the opposite
side of the temperature sender disk.

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Humminbird Transducers:
•Humminbird users need to modify the lower transom mount
plate. Drill out the little tab shown in the photo to the right.
•The tab allows for the proper span to the mounting hole.
•Some HBird transducers have a smaller bracket with no tab. It
will be necessary to drill mounting holes for that bracket.
•To secure the transducer follow the steps shown below. Similar
assembly for all transducers using this Humminbird transom
mounting kit.
1. Secure ½ in long screw
lightly so plate swivels.
2. Swivel and secure the
hinged piece. Adjust cable
length and position into
cable slot.
3. Turn into position, tighten
screw and snap closed.
4. Insert second screw ¾ in
long to tab location
5. Tighten the screws
6. Secure transducer to its
assembly.
Humminbird XHS & XTM 9 HDSI series
1. Lock washers are included to be inserted between the tabs of the transducer and the tab on the
mounting puck (only need to use if transducer remains loose after tightening the bolt).
2. Transducer should be mounted so its body is under the mounting puck and downrod.
3. Mount the assembly to the downrod.
Humminbird Mega Side view Gen2 and Gen3 Series
1. Run the cable through the downrod.
2. Ensure the cable feeds through the cable slot in the disk.
3. Use the four forward mounting points of transducer to attach to the
bottom of the disk with the supplied 8-32x1 inch machine screws.
Humminbird Mega Live
The mega live transducer is easy to mount using the standard
post downrod end. The post end slips inside the downrod and is
held with a set screw. Once mounted, the wire channel will
determine the “back side” of the downrod. If you move up the downrod to the handle, it will
also be above the wire channel and the transducer will be looking opposite the wire channel in
forward view.

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Garmin Transducers
Garmin GT2x, 4x, 5x, Series Transducers:
1. Slide disk onto the downrod - do not attach with screw.
2. Run the transducer cable through the disk.
3. Mount the transducer directly to the disk so that the cable at
the top of the transducer runs straight into the disk hole. It
will be necessary to massage the cable into the downrod but
once in the downrod it doesn’t move. Use only the 4
mounting holes surrounding the wire exit on the transducer.
4. Mount the assembly to the downrod.
Garmin Livescope LVS 32
(We STRONGLY suggest bottom of Downrod mounting to
keep transducer vertical and stable when moving through
the water)
1. Run the cable through the disk, downrod, and
handle if supplied.
2. Install Garmin Transom bracket (inside your
Livescope box) to the disk using the supplied Wide
head #8 x 1/2 screws and be sure to add the spacer
using its longer 1 ¼ inch screw (photo to right).
Ensure that the bracket is forward (away from the
wire channel) to allow for as much clearance near
the wire channel as possible. Note: leave about a 8 inch
length of wire as shown in the photo.
3. Mount the metal transducer bracket to the Livescope and
mount that bracket/transducer assembly to the transom
bracket on the disk. Dress the cable to allow it to move
above the disk when in down and forward views. It
should curve without causing excessive bending at the
transducer itself. Ensure that the metal brackets hinge
bolts are “friction” tight to allow the transducer to be
moved from FORWARD view to DOWN view.
oForward view position, Top of transducer is parallel to the disk. Top Photo.
oDown View position, push the back of the transducer up until it contacts the tabs of the upper
bracket.

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Dual Garmin Transducers on a Livescope Downrod:(not generally recommended)
If mounting dual transducers (ie a GT56 and a Livescope), mount the Livescope to the side
of the downrod using the Garmin Bracket. Mount the GT series to the bottom of the
downrod using the transom bracket assembly which is either with your transducer or also
inside the livescope LVS32 transducer box (it is a smaller profile).
See handle assemblies information for further relevant information.
Fishing Specialties Garmin LVS32 Perspective Mounting
If you have purchased the add on kit for Perspective view for the Livescope system, the small
Ram Mount bracket is included allow the user to move the transducer between the three view
modes:
In first photo Handle is on
left and transducer is looking
to the right
In second photo, Handle is on
the right and transducer is
looking downward
In this 3rd photo the handle is
to the right and transducer is
in perspective view looking
to the left

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Mounting the Ball bracket assembly
Step 1
Install the ball onto the transducer. Install
tightly and use the internal tooth lock washer
between the ball stud and the transducer.
Locktite is also a good optional backup to the lock washer.
Step 2
Ensure there is about 9.5 inches of cable from
the edge of the mounting disk to the
transducer.
Step 3
Install the disk end ball to the downrod end
using the screws provided. The RAM logo should be centered
over the wire channel. Be sure to use the supplied #8 wide
head screws (1/2 inch long).
Step 4
Connect the center arm to the two balls.
Perspective mount Hints:
•Quick alignment of the transducer and handle for Forward View can be done by simply
laying the downrod on the deck with the transducer and handle flat. Then tighten the
thumbscrew on the ball assembly.
•To allow easier alignment of the transducer with the handle while in perspective view
use index marks on the downrod disk.
•Always try to center the transducer under the downrod to minimize the potential
rotational effect of moving water on the downrod – the ball arm is generally then
straight up and down as shown in the photos on the previous page..
IMPORTANT HANDLE INFORMATION: When installing the handle with this bracket, the wire
channel for the disk and the handle itself should be on the same side of the downrod. See
handles near the end of this manual.

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GARMIN LVS34 Mounting
Using Garmin Bracketing:
•The post downrod end fits into the bottom of the
downrod.
•A wire channel is available to allow the transducer cable
to run inside the downrod.
•The Garmin transducer bracket is connected to the
lower portion of the downrod end.
•C clip retainer is placed over the cable to prevent it from
contacting the edge of the aluminum downrod at the
wire channel.
•
Note this mounting is not recommended due to the excessive
“hockey stick” in the water. It is prone to vibration and wiggle.
LVS-34 Fishing Specialties Multi View Mounting
To center the transducer on the downrod as much as possible we offer
the following mounting. It provides better in water performance (less
oscillation and limits movement of the transducer due to water pressure).
The layout below shows the mounting of the LVS-34 ball bracket. Note
that the ball assembly should be mounted to the same side as the
temperature sending disk on the side of the transducer.
LVS34 Forward view LVS34 Down View LVS34 Perspective

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SPECIAL ACCESSORIES
Strain Relief Ring:
All downrods ship with this ring to protect the cable exiting from
the downrod.Install as shown in the photo. Be sure to run the
cable with the ring installed on the downrod to prevent cable
damage.
Pound the ring onto the downrod as necessary to fully seat the
ring. – it is not seated in the photo to the right.
A dab of epoxy or super glue can be added to ensure it does not
get loose with use.
Note: Install handles first as the ring is slightly larger than the handle and will not allow it to pass.
Extra Downrod Cone
IMPORTANT: Place cone on the downrod prior to running cables through the downrod
The Extra Downrod cone is generally mounted near the bottom of the downrod. Due to different weights of
transducers, we leave it to the user to determine a proper location. Install the cone so that the downrod is
bottom heavy or balanced. Remove the screw, locate the cone, drill 1/8 in hole thru the downrod, reinstall
the screw. Note: DO NOT use the baseplate when travelling at high speed for stowage of the downrod.
When the trolling motor is not being used, the downrod should be stowed safely inside the boat.
Downrod Extensions
Downrod extensions are made to fit tightly to the downrod. They are to be placed at the TOP of the downrod
primarily to raise the handle to a more convenient location. DO NOT USE EXTENSIONS FOR TRANSDUCER
MOUNTING!
Index Piece (do not use with SI. Livesight, Active Target nor Livescope):
The index piece is the cutout portion of the cup (the slot). If you mount it on
the cone (on the downrod), then the downrod can only go into the cup in one
way - thus providing a means of indexing the downrod to have it aligned to the
boat - no matter how the base is mounted to the boat.
If you are using Down Imaging transducer, you may want the index to be
mounted to the cone/downrod. With the downrod in the baseplate, simply align the transducer with the boat
and then screw the index piece into the cone. Then you can only deploy the downrod in the proper direction.
If you are using side imaging, then I suggest not using the index piece as it is very handy to be able to turn the
transducer to look for schools of crappie or other structures. In this case, with the downrod in the baseplate,
align the transducer with the boat. Then on the top drill a small divot (1/4 in drill) in the top of the cone, and
a corresponding divot in the top of the cup (do this from inside the boat so you can see them) and then fill
the divot with a bit of white paint. Then when the dots are aligned, the transducer is in line with the boat.
And, if you are scanning, you will know the transducer direction based on the direction of the dot.

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Warranty And Questions/Assistance:
This Limited Warranty covers any defects in material or workmanship under normal
use during the Warranty Period.
During the Warranty Period, Fishing Specialties will repair or replace, at no charge,
products or parts of our product that prove defective under normal use due to bad
material or workmanship.
What will we do to correct problems?
Fishing Specialties will either repair or replace the Product(s) at no charge.
How long does the coverage last?
The Warranty Period for products purchased from Fishing Specialties is 30 days from
the date of purchase.
What does this limited warranty not cover?
This Limited Warranty does not cover any problem that is caused by impact, improper
mounting, or other damage due to external forces.
For assistance with installation please Call:
(719) 284 - 2220
Fishing Specialties
1545 Vapor Trail
Colorado Springs, CO 80916
US Patents applied for on several products in this manual.
Bowducer trademark and all other trademarks retained by Fishing Specialties.