How to Install a Fish Finder on a Pontoon Boat
Pontoon boats are a good choice for families that need a large watercraft that can do a little bit of everything. By rigging your pontoon with a fish finder, you can fish effectively while the kids are swimming or sunbathing on deck. The raised deck of a pontoon boat does present special challenges when mounting a transducer. The easiest option is to mount the transducer to the boat's trolling motor, that way you can avoid drilling unnecessary holes in your boat.
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Things You'll Need
- Trolling motor transducer mount
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat tip screwdriver
Instructions
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Purchase a transducer mounting kit for your trolling motor. You can find them online, or at stores that carry boating accessories.
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2
Attach the fish finder's transom mount transducer to the transducer mount by unscrewing the attachment screw that holds the mounting bar. Slide the bar back, then position the transducer so you can slide the bar back in through the holes on the transducer.
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3
Screw the attachment screw back in, making sure it is secure. Use a flat tip screwdriver to detach the large hose clamp on the transducer mount.
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4
Position the transducer mount on the trolling motor, just ahead of the propeller. Slip the hose clamp over the transducer mount and the head of the motor, then tighten with the flat tip screwdriver.
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5
Mount the body of the fish finder in a convenient spot in the boat using the hardware supplied with the fish finder. The steering area is a good choice, but it can also be screwed to a railing.
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Connect the power leads from the fish finder to your boat's electrical system. Refer to the boat's manual to find the location of the connection points.
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Tips & Warnings
Be careful to route any wires into wiring channels and locations where they will not be tripped over.
References
- Photo Credit pontoon tour image by Thomas Tanner from Fotolia.com
