How to Install Fish Finder Transducer
It’s not your fault if you find a fish finder as a complicated instrument. These devices have long been considered as a piece of sophisticated equipment for expert anglers. However, anyone can successfully install a fish finder transducer with some practise and patience.
But how to install a fish finder transducer on a boat? You might ask. Don’t worry, the complete step by step guide below will help you immensely in the process of installing a fish finder transducer. You can learn about the entire process of mounting the binnacle mount, which is the display of the fish finder.
You will further learn about the transom mount, which is the most common type of transducer mount. A well-installed transducer will not get stuck in bunks and makes your fishing more productive. Go through the following steps patiently and take your time to plan and mount the fish finder transducer.
Step 1: Connection Layout
The fish finder must get connected to an electrical power source. There are two cables positive and negative that must get run to the fuse box or the cranking battery. The other connection is from the fish finder to the transducer to provide sonar data.
Furthermore, other connections to a Chartplotter or a networking device can get made. But two connections is enough to run the transducer.
Step 2: Installing the Binnacle Mount
Firstly, find a place to station the binnacle mount. The fish finder should be as close as possible to the helm. This position provides the best viewing angle. The unit should be between waist- and shoulder-high for non-fatigued vision.
Don’t put the unit on an overhead position. After finding the right spot for fixing the binnacle mount, you will need to inspect if it has enough clearance or not. Check if the binnacle mount doesn’t get in the way of other components like the steering.
Leave some space for wiring. The fish finder should also be able to tilt or rotate for comfortable viewing. Next, you can place the binnacle mount at the location and mark the point for drilling screw holes. Then mark extra hile as the exit point of wires. Double-check the wires if it is large enough to pass the wires.
Do not twist the wires unnaturally as this may break the wire. Run the power drill for a clean hole. Use full force as slow drilling might cause the surface to splinter. Add some sealant on the gaps and pull the wires to fix them later. You can then adjust the mount and screw it with stainless steel bolts.
Fasten the bolts with the wrench. Add some more sealant on the bolts to seat them off against any moisture. Now plug the wires to the fish finder. You can estimate the length of the cable required. Stick duct tapes in the mounting region and cut a hole in it around the cable hole. Put some sealant in the cable hole.
Step 3: Running the Power Leads
Additional fuse blocks is generally connected to the cranking battery. Experts advice connecting the marine grade dual conductor wire to connect battery and fuse. The significant advantage of the double cable is that it has a protective coating that safeguards from external elements.
Mount the fuse block under the console. You can use stainless steel nuts and bolts for the mounting process. The ideal location for mounting the fuse box is the one where it gets protected from external elements but easily accessible for repair and replacement.
Decide whether you want to connect the fish finder to the cranking battery pr the fuse block. Next, run down the wire to the destination. You will need to secure the cable every 20 inches with clamps or zip ties. Keep the wiring and trolling motor away from each other as they can cause interference.
Take it slow and set up the wiring on the first try. Protect the fuse block with liquid electrical tape or dielectric grease. Do not switch in the power terminals until you have completed the wiring process.
Step 4: Installing the Transom Mount and Transducer
In this step, we set up the transducer and transom mount. The transom mount gets placed in such a way that the transducer just submerged in the water. Generally, the transducer should get mounted parallel to the surface and extended ⅛ inch beneath the fibreglass hulls or ⅜ inch below aluminium hulls.
However, you need to make sure that the transducer is away from the propeller for safety. You can hold and mark the holes to fasten the mount. Then, route the wires from the transducer to the fish finder. You can take the help of a manufactured manual to ensure necessary connections. Firstly drill holes in the marking made for the mount.
Put sealant generously on the hole. Fix the transducer mount and adjust the position of the mount to perfectly horizontal to the ground. Place the transducer to check the position.you should then seal the nuts and bolts of the mount again. The sealant prevents water from getting into the transom. The moisture may rot the core of the boat.
Step 5: Test Run
The sealant takes around four days to dry off and seal out the holes. Make sure the moisture do not enter the electrical circuit and connections. You can take the fish finder when the sealant completely dries.
Check if you can find the signal from the fish finder. If you get the signal, then your job is done, you can take off on your boat and start fishing. I hope this guide helped you to install a fish finder transducer with ease.
