How to Install a Fish Finder

Avid fisherman find that fish finders can make the sport of fishing even more enjoyable. When fishing in the ocean it's a good idea to install a fish finder on a saltwater kayak. Follow these steps to learn how to install a fish finder on a kayak.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Drill and bits
• Sandpaper
• Small file
• Philips screwdriver
• Box wrench
• Wire cutters
• Marine goop
• Cellophane packing tape
• Sharpie
• Pencil
• Scrap pieces of wood
• Stainless aircraft nuts
• Stainless aircraft bolts
• Stainless fender washers
• Electrical crimp connectors

Install the Mounting Base

1. Purchase a fish finder. You can purchase any brand that you like for the money that you are willing to spend. Check eBay or craigslist if you would like to save money.

2. Decide where on the hull of your kayak your fish finder is going to go. Make sure it doesn't interfere with your feet, your rod holder or access to any compartments. Place the mounting base where you are going to mount the fish finder display and mark the location of the bolt holes.

3. Place the transducer cable in the center of the four bolt holes and trace it. Outline the transducer cable and bolt holes with a Sharpie so that you can identify them better.

4. Use your power drill and bit and drill two holes, side by side, to make a hole for the transducer cable and bare wire power cable. The wires should fit snugly. Feed the transducer cable up and through the hole from underneath and feed the power cable down from the top.

5. Drill holes for the mounting bolts that are the same size as the bolts themselves. Apply goop to the holes in large amounts to keep out saltwater. Attach the mounting base with the stainless steel bolts by putting fender washers and stainless aircraft nuts on them through the hull and tightening them with a box wrench.

6. Attach the wires to the plug head. Attach the retaining clip, then screw the front part of the plug head onto the mounting base.

7. Flip the mount head forward to feed extra cable through the hole. Tape the hole around the wires from inside the hull. Squirt goop in the hole.

Install the Transducer

1. Scout out a flat surface inside of the hull to permit the transducer to angle straight down. Put it near the scupper hole in order to leave the center of the hull open to store your rod. Sand down the area where the transducer will go to rough it up for better adherence with the goop.

2. Squeeze out a large amount of goop in the sanded area. Hold the tip of the tube in the goop as you squeeze out a puddle the size of the sanded area. This will keep out air bubbles that may cause the transducer to malfunction.

3. Lower the transducer into the goop slowly. Hold the back edge of the transducer and place it in the goop on its back edge. Rock it down in a slow, twisting motion while pushing down firmly to force the air bubbles out.

4. Wedge a piece of wood between the transducer and the top of the hull to help secure the transducer in place and allow the goop to set for over 24 hours.

5. Buy a battery and a dry bag or a Tupperware container to store it in. Crimp some connectors onto the pre-stripped power cable. Crimp each connector twice using the matching color on the wire cutters.

6. Connect the wires to the battery. Connect the red wire to the red terminal and the black wire to the black terminal. Put the battery in the dry bag, roll up the edges and clip it shut. The wire will roll up with it.

7. Roll up the extra transducer cable and zip-tie it.

Tips & Warnings

• Installing a fish finder can void your warranty or cause your kayak to take on water. Make sure that you are skilled in the use of power tools before attempting to install a fish finder.

Resources

• Buy a fish finder for you kayak on eBay.
• Get good deals on fish finders for kayaks by checking craigslist.