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.