Rock-solid, anti-theft swing-arm mount that keeps fish finders secure and steady.
You know the feeling. You’ve dialed in the bite, only to fight glare, wobble, or a thief at the ramp. A stable, adjustable, and secure fish finder mount can save the day. That’s why I put this one to the test on rough water days and long trailering runs. In this VINmounts Anti-Theft Heavy Duty Aluminum Swing Arm Fish Finder Mount Review, I break down how it handled my 7–12 inch units, what stood out on setup, and if the anti-theft design is real peace of mind or just marketing.
Is VINmounts Anti-Theft Heavy Duty Aluminum Swing Arm Fish Finder Mount Good?
Yes. It’s a stout, value-rich mount for anglers who want a secure swing arm with true 360-degree viewing. It shines with 5″ to 12″ fish finders from Garmin, Lowrance, and Humminbird. If you fish bumpy water, trailer often, or worry about grab-and-go theft, it’s a smart pick. My verdict in this VINmounts Anti-Theft Heavy Duty Aluminum Swing Arm Fish Finder Mount Review: it’s a dependable upgrade over plastic or wobbly stock brackets.
I installed it on my aluminum bass boat for a 9” side-imaging unit. The arm locked tight with no shimmy at 50+ mph. On my buddy’s skiff, we mounted a 7” unit. He loved how fast he could swing the screen toward the bow when casting docks. Two trips in, we both trusted it.
My First Impression for VINmounts Anti-Theft Heavy Duty Aluminum Swing Arm Fish Finder Mount
It arrived well-padded with a clean, no-frills presentation. The aluminum felt dense and tough, with tidy machining and smooth edges. The joints and knobs turned with firm resistance, not the gritty feel I’ve seen on cheaper mounts. The base plate looked ready for real loads, and the finish felt corrosion-resistant.
Setup was simple. Mark four holes, drill, add a backing plate if your deck is thin, and bolt it down. The swing and tilt were smooth out of the box. My first test on the lake was a surprise—no chatter and no drift, even while adjusting angles with gloves. My gut reaction: happy and a little relieved. In this VINmounts Anti-Theft Heavy Duty Aluminum Swing Arm Fish Finder Mount Review, first contact screamed “workhorse.”
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
This part of the VINmounts Anti-Theft Heavy Duty Aluminum Swing Arm Fish Finder Mount Review breaks down the highlights:
- Heavy-duty aluminum arm and base for a rigid, long-lasting mount.
- Anti-theft design that locks the arm/base to deter grab-and-go theft.
- 360° rotation plus tilt for perfect viewing from seat or bow.
- Supports 5″–12″ fish finders; compatible with Garmin, Lowrance, and Humminbird patterns.
- Wide base footprint for better load spread and less vibration.
- Positive-lock knobs that hold angle in chop or on plane.
- Clean cable path to reduce snags and keep rigs tidy.
What I Like
Before we go deeper, this VINmounts Anti-Theft Heavy Duty Aluminum Swing Arm Fish Finder Mount Review shines in real use because:
- It stays put. No wobble with a 9–12″ unit at speed.
- Adjustments are smooth and quick with gloves on.
- The anti-theft element adds real peace of mind at busy ramps.
- Install is straightforward with common tools and patterns.
- Aluminum construction handles sun, spray, and salt better than plastic.
- Swings out to reduce glare and shares the screen with a partner.
What Could Be Better
I want this VINmounts Anti-Theft Heavy Duty Aluminum Swing Arm Fish Finder Mount Review to be fair and clear:
- It’s heavier than plastic mounts, which may matter on ultralight setups.
- The anti-theft design is a strong deterrent, but no mount is theft-proof.
- Arm length may feel short on very wide consoles; measure before you buy.
My Recommendation
If you run a 5″–12″ fish finder and want a tough, adjustable, and theft-deterring mount, this one is easy to recommend. It hits a sweet spot for price and build. In short, the VINmounts Anti-Theft Heavy Duty Aluminum Swing Arm Fish Finder Mount Review points to a strong buy for most freshwater and inshore anglers. Measure your space, use a backing plate if needed, and you’ll be set. Value is excellent and availability is solid through Amazon.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Bass boat or tin boat owners with 7–9″ units | Rock-solid hold with smooth swing and tilt for glare control |
| Inshore anglers who trailer or fish rough water | Heavy-duty aluminum and wide base reduce vibration and drift |
| Marina or shared-dock users | Anti-theft deterrent helps protect your investment at the ramp |
Alternative Products You Can Consider
RAM Mounts RAM-D-111U Heavy-Duty Ball Mount
This is the premium tank for oversized screens and brutal water. The D-size ball offers superb vibration damping and flexibility. It’s best for 10–12″+ units or glass-cockpit rigs. It costs more than VINmounts but brings legendary RAM adjustability.
Scotty 368 Universal Sounder Mount
A budget-friendly option for smaller 5–7″ fish finders. It’s light and easy to adjust, though not as rigid as heavy-duty aluminum arms. Best for casual anglers or light lake use. Compared with the VINmounts Anti-Theft Heavy Duty Aluminum Swing Arm Fish Finder Mount Review unit, it trades strength for price.
Brocraft Universal Fish Finder Mount
Solid mid-range pick with aluminum parts and deck or track options. Good for anglers who want decent rigidity without going premium. It’s versatile, but the anti-theft angle is weaker than VINmounts. Best for day-trippers who want simple, reliable mounting.
| Product | Best For | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| VINmounts Anti-Theft Heavy Duty Aluminum Swing Arm Fish Finder Mount | 5″–12″ units; anglers wanting strength and anti-theft | Anti-theft design with swing-arm convenience and 360° rotation |
| RAM Mounts RAM-D-111U | 10–12″+ units; big water and pro setups | Heavier, premium ball system with top-tier vibration control |
| Scotty 368 Universal Sounder Mount | 5–7″ units; budget and light-duty lake use | Lower cost, lighter build, less rigidity |
| Brocraft Universal Fish Finder Mount | Versatile deck/track installs; mid-range budgets | Good value; less focused on theft deterrence |
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you need a tough, adjustable, and theft-deterring mount, the subject of this VINmounts Anti-Theft Heavy Duty Aluminum Swing Arm Fish Finder Mount Review is the best balance of price, strength, and features for most anglers. It’s ideal for 5–12″ units and for anyone who faces chop, trailering, or crowded ramps.
If you run very large screens on heavy hulls, RAM’s D-size system offers elite vibration control at a higher price. On a tight budget with a small unit, the Scotty 368 will work fine in calm lakes. For most people, though, VINmounts hits the sweet spot and keeps your electronics safer and steadier.
FAQs Of VINmounts Anti-Theft Heavy Duty Aluminum Swing Arm Fish Finder Mount Review
Will it fit my Garmin, Lowrance, or Humminbird?
Yes. It’s designed for common hole patterns and works with 5″–12″ units from those brands. Always confirm your specific gimbal footprint before drilling.
How hard is the installation?
It’s simple for most DIY boat owners. Mark and drill four holes, add a backing plate if the deck is thin, then bolt it down. Basic tools are enough.
Does the anti-theft feature fully prevent theft?
No mount can stop a determined thief. This design is a strong deterrent that makes fast grab-and-go theft much harder.
Will it hold up in rough water?
Yes. The heavy-duty aluminum arm and wide base help reduce vibration. Lock the knobs tight and it stays set, even on plane.
Is it suitable for saltwater?
The aluminum build and finish handle spray well. Rinse with fresh water after trips and check hardware for long-term durability.
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