Choosing the perfect fish finder for your kayak can be a quite daunting task. When it comes to installing the fish finder in a kayak, first of all, you have to read and understand the instruction given by the manufacturer for installing this unit, before you start doing this. This installation procedure will explain to you how to mount the transducer, how to put cables through a deck, how to tuck the cables inside a hull and finally how to install the battery box. However, installing the best kayak fish finder may require some technical skills by following throughout the procedures given below:
Step 1: Mounting The Transducer
Initially, you have to turn the kayak over and then find the flattest area of a hull. This is a place, where you need to mount the transducer exactly on the inside of a hull or just next to the scupper holes, which you can simply reach.
Here, you can use the emery cloth with lightly sand in order to rough up the area exactly, where you are going to mount the transducer. Make sure to wipe the area very clean by using a rag. Even most of the manufacturer is recommended to use the dual part and slow cure epoxy.
However, this will work well even on a hard or rough surface, but most of the kayaks are made up of plastic that is very flexible too. You can also use marine goop that is a silicone-based adhesive that gives you utmost stretch with the bumps of waves, road and also other movements as well.
In order to cover the bottom of a transducer, you just use the marine goop with no air bubbles. Then, you can position the transducer on a specific area by pressing down and moving it from one side to another side.
Finally, you can position a weight on the top of a transducer and let it dry for one day. Therefore, the kayak must be set at a proper level or the transducer will begin moving. Also, make sure that the transducer does not move during the drying.
Step 2: Mounting The Display Unit
Before mounting your fish finder, you have to mount your rod holder first and then choose an area that is suitable for your display unit. Initially, you should place a suitable area for the display unit.
In the next step, you have to be very careful with the knife. By simply using a rubber stopper, you will make a grommet. Then, you can cut the stopper in half and also cut a couple of grooves about 1/8” deep in all the way. Next, you can create a trough in the stopper and drill two or three holes in the stopper based on the unit you have.
Now, you have a custom grommet and pull the cables via a hole in the deck and then put them into the grommet. With the screwdriver, you can work the grommet into a hole and mount the base.
Step 3: Mounting The Battery Box
Now, you can cut the pool noodle in a half and use goop glue to the back of a box. Let’s dry for 24 hours with a weight on a top of the box. Next, you locate the box within the front of a kayak. By using a felt tip maker, you can execute the marker along the hull, when marking the pool noodle.
Locate the battery into a box and use the goop to safe the pool noodle to the box. Then, let this dry for one day. Now, you drill a hole in a box for the cable and save it properly by using a plastic cable clamp.
With the use of emery cloth, you can easily rough up the area and wipe clean it.
With the battery in a box for weight, you use goop to stick the box down in a hull. You should also let this dry for one day. During the first hour, you have to check it and then make a battery box not sliding. Now, you can put watertight and a couple of female flat connectors to the wires.
The final thing you need to do is to tuck up the cables and safe them with zip ties, rubbing alcohol and then zip tie anchoring attachments. In some cases, the peel and stick zip tie attachments do not work well on specific kayaks. In such case, you need to use the plastic cable clamps connected them to a mounting bolt within a kayak.
When you install the wiring harness and route the transducer cable, you should never connect wiring with your assumption like specific colors are for specific things. Before you start wiring the harness, it is better to read the instructions carefully. Some of the fish finders have many wires to power components with other marine electronics.
Step 4: Successful Installation Of Hardware
Once all the holes are drilled, now start installing the hardware. Instead of cutting the corners, you can buy cheaper hardware for this job. All hardware should be a perfectly suitable grade to withstand the atmosphere.
However, it is natural for boats to obtain wet, so if using anything, the water will damage it and become surely fail. If it is necessary, you can buy some additional hardware and ensure your installation is well done without any hassles.
Overall, the installation procedure also considers that the fish finder is the costliest piece of item on your boat. The wiring should also be utilized for the accurate purpose as well as the entire connections should be well sealed and also made well.
Before you start the installation process of the portable fish finder reviews in a kayak, you have to check the manufacturer’s suggestion and also remember to read the manual by paying close attention to the installation requirements. Also, do not forget to enjoy the good days of installation and also look forward to the better days.
Finally, the whole job is completed successfully and your new best kayak fish finder is installed correctly. Now you can hire an Oregon walleye guide and get out and start fishing.
