I am not sure how many folks are still using these legacy B&W units from nearly a decade ago.  I think they are still relative for canoe country use and are still one of the best low power options.  They can often be picked up quite inexpensively these days on the used market as traditional boaters upgrade to more flashy color units.

Anyway, I have been tinkering with my 3D printer and have come up with a ball mount which fits these units.  I have uploaded the files to a popular 3D print website, Cult3D in case anyone would like to print one for themselves. 

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3D printers have been around for a while now, but I feel like they have really become more mainstream technology in the last 5 years or so as prices have come down.  I think of it as similar to CNC where you might take a digital file and mill down a block of metal, a subtractive process.  3D printing is just the opposite and is an additive process where you are laying down layers of molten material, usually a type of plastic, to create your shape from a digital file.

My sons turned me on to YouTube a few years back which is where I primarily learned about 3D printing.  Once the pandemic hit and my work commute became zero I decided to invest some time and learn how to use a 3D printer.  It is a bit of a slow process and requires some babysitting, but it has worked out well.  Then, once I got comfortable printing existing downloadable files I dabbled in designing my own creations, which I find very satisfying.

Wally13, I thought you were still using an X-4, good to hear it has worked well for you. 

I know RAM makes a wider base plate that you can mount to the stock units base.  You may have something different that has been discontinued?
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Previously I was able to adapt a standard round ball base plate by custom drilling 2 new holes and aligning a 3rd existing hole. Aluminum is soft and easy to drill using a drill press.  This accomplishes basically the same thing and is real sturdy. Functionally it works just the same, but I wanted to streamline it a bit and reduce some of the bulkiness and maybe just a bit of weight.  It is a subtle difference, but I think an improvement.
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What inspired me was what RAM had available for the Hook 4/5 units, which basically plugs in and locks the ball into the unit and has a very clean look.  Hook 4 on the right for comparison:

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I have been using a Hook 4 the last couple years, but I think if I wasn't doing a base camping trip, I might opt to go lighter with the X-4. 

Yes, I agree, it is fun when hobbies overlap.

It is actually 5 separate 3D printed pieces, plus a nut and bolt.
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I have seen some clever fish finder setups on this and other forums.  Is that Velcro on your setup?

I really like the ball mount setups as they are easy to position and remove. Got some sun glare on your screen?  Easy, adjust the angle as needed.

Oh um no. The black is bike tire inner-tube. Kinda sticky, kinda squishy depending on the tightness of the two velcro straps that hold the whole thing to the thwart. Plus that's what I had handy at the time.