If you are handy with tools and want to save a few $$, installing a Fish Finding unit is not difficult and can be a source of pride. These directions pertain to a TRANSOM mounted transducer only. For Thru-Hull and Shoot-Thru-Hull you may want to have these custom installed instead. Also, whenever drill in locations that are below the waterline make sure that you use a silicon sealant in all holes (use clear for a clean look). If you decide to drill a pass through hole for you cables make sure that they are as high above the waterline as possible, this will reduce water intrusion in heavy seas or back-trolling.
Before starting the process below, you will need to determine a good location for your unit. Make sure that there is adequate room to attach the Transducer, Speed and Power Cables (especially if you remove the Control Head during usages - highly recommended to reduce possible damage. Also, ensure that you can see the Control Head from as many locations on your boat as is reasonable or possible.
Another consideration you may want to make is to use an adjustable Control Head mount. This allows for viewing adjustments that are not available using the mount that comes with your unit.
IMPORTANT - Read the manufactures instruction manual regarding installation and operation, this information is provided as a service and is not intended to reflect all of the requirements for your particular unit.
Step #1 - Installing the Transducer and/or Speed unit
To determine the location of the best place to install the transducer you must consider a few things. As a boat moves through the water, rivets, ribs and imperfections in the hull create turbulence and air pockets. Choose a sot on the hull to install the transducer that is free of these protrusions, nice and flat and free of ribs. You also want to keep it at least 15" away from the prop. The mounting area must stay in contact with the water at all times for the transducer to function properly. Make sure that the transducer is not in the way of the bumpers when you are trailering the boat or damage to the transducer could occur.
Most Fish Finders come with mounting templates. Locate the template and follow the instructions provided, or follow these easy steps.
Hold the template where you determined to place the transducer and make sure it is level and aligned vertically so the arrow on the template is at the point where the bottom of the hull meets the transom wall. Mark the location of the mounting holes on the template with a pencil or some punch or marker. Using a 5/32 drill bit, drill the holes for the mounting bracket. Drill only in 1 ". If drilling a fiberglass hull, use a smaller bit to start the pilot hole so the finish will not crack or chip off (you may want to consider using a through screw with a fender washer and nut rather than a self tapping screw - this is more durable and trouble free. If choosing this route make sure that the drill bit size is adequate to pass the screw through by placing the drill bit along the shank of the screw, you should not be able to see the screw threads, keep the drill bit as small as possible and test the first hole by pushing the screw through the hole prior to drilling any others).
Your fish finder should come with some mounting hardware package. Attach the transducer to the bracket. Align the holes up with the bracket and the transom to assure they are aligned. (dry fit) Apply some silicone sealant to the drilled holes to prevent leaking. Attach the bracket and transducer to the hull with the screws provided and screw just tight enough that you can still make adjustments. Make your final adjustments to the height of the transducer and screw tight.
You are now finished with the first step. You can move on to step #2 when you are ready. Your transducer is now installed.
If your unit comes with a speed unit also, repeat the above process for installation.
Step #2 - Routing of Cable
The next step is routing the cables from the transducer to the control head (fish finder body).
If the fish finder does not come with clamps for the cable, you can purchase them at most hardware stores or electronic store and they are very inexpensive. There are two basic methods to route the cables. #1 - over the transom, or #2 - through the transom with a 5/8th " hole. Both methods are fairly easy.
To mount over the transom you must secure the cable in the route to the control head with cable clamps. Any holes drilled for the clamps must be sealed with silicone sealant to prevent leaking. Once the cable is over the transom and into the inside of the boat, you then run the cable through or along the internal conduits or channels, also securing the cable, until you reach the control head.
To mount through the transom you want to drill the hole 5/8" and make sure it is well above the water line. Secure the cable with clamps the same as with over the transom. Run the cable through the hole and follow the conduit or channel the same as over the transom. Make sure you fill the hole with silicone. Run the cable to the control head and secure the cable and neatly roll up and secure any excess cable to be neatly put away.
- Keep cables as far away from VHF radio antenna or Tachometer cables as possible.
- Do not cut cable to try to shorten it. Coil excessive cable and secure with cable ties.
- If you need longer cable, It can be purchased from the dealer.
Step #3 - Installing the Control Head
Next step is to install the control head (Fish Finder), the main item, the screen.
Since you have already installed the transducer and routed the wires, you must have a good idea where you want the control head to be installed. You must also have a good idea where the power source (Battery) will be installed. The cable for power must be able to reach the control head.
The first thing you would do is assemble the base to the mounting brackets on the control head. This is usually per instructions for each different item. The units are similar but they are not all alike. The bracket mounts or screws on to the base assembly. The control head attaches to the base, usually by a screw or pins with wing nuts or something similar. Attach the base to the place you specifically picked out for the unit to be monitored. Screw down the base and attach the control head. Make sure it is in a position that is easy to monitor and not in the way, where it could get bumped or hit and damaged.
Step #4 - Making the Power Connection
The last part of the installation is running and hooking up the power source (Battery).
The power source can be hooked up in two ways, #1 - directly to the battery or #2 - hooked up to the fuse panel of the boat (recommended), if it has one.
If you use the fuse panel method, you need to get crimp on type connectors, that match the connectors in the fuse panel. Attach the (DO NOT HOOK THESE WIRES BACKWARDS) black wire to the ground or negative (-) side and the red wire to the hot or positive (+) side of the (12 volt) source. Be sure to use a one amp fuse in the connection. To cut down on interference you would be best to use a battery strictly for the fish finder.
The final step is to plug in the two connections. Once the connections are made you can turn on the unit and find some fish. (make sure the transducer is in the water when in use.)
HAPPY FISHING!!!
