Mounting the FF.  Given the relationship between OK and Hummingbird FFs, no surprise the boat is ready to receive a Hummingbird FF.  I have taken a liking to my trusty Lowrance Mark 4 though so I had to figure that out.  After help from Yakhopper, Sonoramike and others; this is what I decided on...

The scupper hole will take a Lowrance transducer bracket; however, unlike the Ultra 4.3 there are not Andy threaded inserts to screw the bracket into.  I also have prior experience with the Lowrance transducer kit and Im not a fan of the plastic bolt and wing nut.  So I explored something similar with metal bolts.

First, I had to drill another hole in the transducer bracket so I would get a straight pull when tightening it down.  This proved to snug the transducer bracket against the hull nicely - rock solid. Next, I used a 1/4" x 6" "J" bolt to hook the nut and drilled the center of the Lowrance scupper cap bracket to receive the "J" bolt.  I pushed the "J" bolt through the scupper to measure the bolt and cut to length. I inserted an elongated plastic washer over the top bolt.  This keeps the bracket from bending when you tighten down the bolt and covers up the bolt threads to protect the transducer cord.

Next, I ground down a washer on one side as to not interfere with the Lowrance scupper cap slot where the wire threads through. Finally, assembled and put on the Lowrance cap.I used a Western Marine Through Hull wire cap to the right for the cords to run through; and finally another wire cap on the hatch itself to connect to the FF. I am very happy with the results, but I will keep an eye on the transducer as it does not fully into the scupper.  It will be protected to a degree, but I will have to be mindful of loading, unloading and not dragging the kayak when not necessary.  the worste thing that can happen? I'll have to buy a Hummingbird.

My K.I.S.S. rigging is now complete.  

As soon as I saw the handy mounting plates on the PredatorI began thinking of a way to recess some tracks.  Within a few days I saw YakAttack had a prototype mounting plate with tracks.  I contacted Luther in hopes I could get my hands on some; unfortunately, there just was not enough time before the upcoming Albion Derby.  Fearful of trying to cut the mounting plates myself without spares on hand, I began thinking of other mounting options.  Scotty Mounts, Mighty Mounts, tracks - you name it.  In the end it came down to a simple RAM ball - One hole - one bolt - DONE.  What I like about this arrangement is there is "nothing else".  The ball rests directly on the plate.  One note, you do have to put a couple screws on the backside so the "T" bolt end stays put.                                                                                  

So, she's ready for Derby fishing.  I may change things up later or might be content with things the way they are.  In part, thats what makes the Predator special - Innovation in the market. If you want to try something different - toss the old plate over your shoulder, grab a new one and go for it!

Kenny Perkins enjoys salt and freshwater fishing in Northern California