The Garmin Striker 4 and Striker 4cv are two of the best value fishfinders on the market. For the price, the feature set is remarkable: a color screen, built-in GPS, and a transducer included in the box. The Striker 4cv adds ClearVu sonar technology for a more detailed view of what is beneath the boat, which comes at a modest price premium. From a mounting perspective both models are identical and all three mount options covered in this article work with either unit.
There are three ways to mount a Garmin Striker 4 or Striker 4cv. The stock tilt and swivel mount that ships in the box covers most basic installations. An aluminum ball mount with AMPS plates adds full adjustability and portability for powerboat anglers. A YakAttack round base track mount is purpose-built for kayak fishing. This guide covers all three so you can pick the right setup for your boat and fishing style.
Installation Basics
Regardless of which mount you choose, the Garmin Striker 4 requires two cable connections. One cable runs to your boat’s power supply. The second connects to the transducer. Both the Striker 4 and Striker 4cv include the transducer in the box so no additional purchase is needed. Disconnecting both cables is all it takes to remove the fishfinder from any mount below.
Option 1: Stock Garmin Tilt and Swivel Mount
Both the Striker 4 and Striker 4cv include the Garmin Tilt and Swivel Mount in the box. It is a flat surface mount that screws directly to the boat using the pre-drilled holes in the base plate. The pivot joint allows you to tilt and swivel the screen to reduce glare or improve the viewing angle after installation. The Striker 4 locks into the adapter on top of the mount with a twist, similar to the cradle system used on Garmin vehicle GPS units.
Removing the fishfinder for storage or security is straightforward. Disconnect the two cables, twist the unit out of the adapter, and you are done in under a minute. The mount base stays screwed to the boat. This works well for boaters who bring their fishfinder home between trips.
The stock mount is a reliable solution for most recreational fishing setups. Its main limitation is that the base is fixed permanently to one spot on one boat. If you want full adjustability, portability across multiple boats, or a dedicated kayak solution, one of the two options below is a better fit.
Option 2: Aluminum 1″ Ball Mount with AMPS Plates
The Aluminum 1″ Ball Mount for Garmin Striker 4 is a major upgrade over the stock flat surface mount. It uses a medium-length arm with 1-inch ball-and-socket joints at both ends, marine-grade aluminum construction, and AMPS round base plates top and bottom. The bottom plate mounts to your boat’s flat surface. The Garmin Striker 4 stock mount adapter attaches to the top plate using the included hardware. The ball joints at each end allow you to dial in the exact viewing angle and reposition the screen without tools by loosening the single adjustment knob.
The AMPS hole pattern on the base plate is a universal standard, meaning this mount is also compatible with Lowrance and Raymarine fishfinders if you switch brands in the future. The aluminum construction handles the marine environment well and will not corrode or crack like plastic mounts can over time. The medium arm raises the fishfinder several inches above the mounting surface, which improves screen visibility compared to a flush flat mount position.
Portability is the biggest advantage here. When leaving the boat, loosen the arm knob, disconnect the two cables, and lift the fishfinder and arm off the base plate in seconds. The round base plate stays on the boat. When you upgrade to a new fishfinder later, the same base plate and arm carry over with a different top adapter. It is a one-time hardware investment that outlasts any single fishfinder purchase.
Option 3: YakAttack Round Base Kayak Track Mount
The YakAttack Round Base Fish Finder Mount is purpose-built for kayak fishing. It slides directly into GearTrac and MightyMount kayak rail systems, which are factory-installed on many popular kayak fishing models. The round base locks into the track with a twist and the fishfinder sits securely at the end of the arm. Compatible kayak fishfinder models include the Garmin Striker 4, Striker 4cv, and Raymarine Dragonfly 7 Pro. All required hardware is included in the box.
The track-based system is the key advantage for kayak anglers. No drilling is required. The mount slides to any position along the rail and locks where you need it. Repositioning takes seconds. When you reach your fishing spot and want the screen closer or angled differently, loosen, slide, and lock. The round base also detaches cleanly from the track when you want to stow the fishfinder inside the kayak hatch for transport or storage.
If your kayak does not already have GearTrac or MightyMount rails installed, YakAttack sells the track hardware separately. Many kayak anglers add a short section of GearTrac to their bow or console area specifically to mount a fishfinder using this system. It is a clean, drill-free solution that is far more practical on a kayak than any flat surface screw mount.
Garmin Striker 4 Mount Options at a Glance
| Mount | Best For | Portable? | Drilling Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Tilt Swivel Mount | Single boat, simple install | Unit only | Yes |
| Aluminum 1″ Ball Mount | Powerboat, multi-boat anglers | Unit + arm | Yes (base plate only) |
| YakAttack Track Mount | Kayak anglers with GearTrac | Fully portable | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Garmin Striker 4 come with a mount?
Yes. Both the Striker 4 and Striker 4cv include the Garmin tilt and swivel flat surface mount in the box. It screws to the boat and holds the unit on a pivot joint that adjusts for viewing angle. No additional mount purchase is required for a basic installation.
What is the difference between the Striker 4 and Striker 4cv?
The Striker 4 uses traditional sonar. The Striker 4cv adds ClearVu technology, which produces a detailed near-photographic sonar image of the bottom and underwater structure. Both models use identical mounting hardware. Buy the Striker 4cv if you want the clearest possible picture of what is below the boat.
Can I use the Aluminum Ball Mount on a kayak?
The ball mount works on any flat surface so it can technically be used on a kayak if you have a flat console or mounting area and are comfortable drilling. For most kayak anglers however the YakAttack track mount is a cleaner and more practical solution because it requires no drilling and works with existing GearTrac rails.
Does the YakAttack mount work without GearTrac rails?
The YakAttack Round Base Mount is designed specifically for GearTrac and MightyMount rail systems. If your kayak does not have these rails, YakAttack sells the track hardware separately. Alternatively, the aluminum ball mount is the better option for kayaks without an existing track system if you are willing to drill a base plate to a flat surface.
Will these mounts work when I upgrade to a new fishfinder?
The aluminum ball mount base plate uses the universal AMPS hole pattern and is compatible with Lowrance and Raymarine fishfinders in addition to Garmin. The YakAttack track mount is also compatible with the Raymarine Dragonfly 7 Pro. Both mounts are designed to outlast any single fishfinder purchase.
