How to Install a Fishfinder? (Infographic)

Find a place in the hull that's always underwater. The transducer has to be in constant contact with the water to work. Make sure it is at least 15 inches away from the propeller to reduce the disturbance in the readings.

It is very important that you mount it correctly, which means that it has to be still when the boat moves.

Before you put the transducer into place, you have to test the wires from the device to the batteries. Doing it afterward could complicate the installation process if they don't work properly.

Do not cut the wires if they are too long because that will ruin the warranty. Clamp them into place or tie them up with plastic ties around the main unit, not the transducer.

Don't run the wires close to the engine's wiring harness because that can affect the fish finder's performance.

When you figure out where to mount the transducer, place a plastic block underneath it. Then just drill holes through the plastic.

If you want, you can attach the transducer directly on the transom. Place it where you want it and drill two holes through the marked areas. Make sure you add a silicone sealant on both sides of the holes to prevent the water from leaking.

Use the sealant even if you use a plastic block, in case the drill tip touched the transom.

Since you already tested the wiring out in the previous step, it is time to run them. You can do that in two ways: above the transom or through a hole that goes through it. If you want to go with the second option, the hole has to be well above the water line.

Secure the wires with some clamps or plastic ties. Place one every 15 to 18 inches, to make sure that the wires stay in place. Then, run the cables from the battery to the main device. Do not remove the fuse because it protects the device from a power surge.

When you connect the device to the power source, black is negative and red is positive, remember that!

Your transducer is mounted and all the wires are in place by now so it's time to mount the fish finder.

You can either mount it on the dashboard if you have one. In-dash mounts can be bought separately. Mark the area with a pen and cut the excess part out carefully. If you make the hole too big, there is no way to fix it.

You can find the instructions in the manual that comes with the fish finder.

Before you start the transducer mounting job, read the instructions manual carefully. Here is what a successful mounting look like. There are a couple of different ways you can do this, but we're going to explain the scupper hole installation.

Getting a PVC pipe that can fit through the scupper hole is mandatory, as it will act as a housing for the transducer mount.

The mount has to be placed into the PVC pipe. Then, use a marker and dot the place where you will drill a hole to secure the transducer mount to the pipe.

Carefully drill the hole, making sure that it aligned with the mount perfectly.

When the hole is in place, cut off half an inch deep around it. You should now have two holes and cut off parts facing each other.

The transducer should fit into the cut-off area, but run the wires through the pipe before you place it. Screw the transducer into place.

The pipe should now have the transducer mounted on it and all the wires in place. It is time to push it back through the scupper hole. The transducer should stick out at least one inch below your kayak in order for it to work properly.

With everything in place, seal the pipe with insulation. You should do this with a silicone sealer on both sides of the kayak, to prevent any leaks.

The pipe is now in place, seal it off on the top with a cap.

Your transducer is now in place and it should be working just the way you planned.