How to Put a Fish Finder on a Boat

Fish finders are often installed on large or small fishing boats.

The fish finder is a valuable tool for spin and fly anglers. These devices are available with numerous features, including sounders, depth finders, thermometers and GPS units, all designed to help anglers reel in the big one. The installation process consists of a clamp for the base and an inducer that attaches to the trolling motor. Some units are installed with the inducer through the hull of the boat but the motor mount option requires less work and is equally effective.

Things You'll Need

• Head unit
• Mounting bracket
• Marker
• Drill
• Bit
• Transducer
• Transducer cable
• Cable cover
• Cable straps
• Battery cables

Instructions

1. Determine the area where you want the head unit installed, preferably close to the motor to allow visual readings while driving. Having it near the battery power source is also ideal for most fishing boats.

2. Place the mounting bracket on the mounting area. Placing it near the seat or side of the boat will suffice. Use a marker to record the screw hole locations on the boat surface. Use a drill with a bit to create a pilot hole in each screw location. Use the product manual as reference for the bit size as it changes by the model.

3. Align the bracket with the pilot holes and use the drill to install the screws included with the bracket. Unscrew the pivot rod from the bracket and insert the rod through the hole on the back of the head unit. Screw the rod back into the bracket to secure the head unit to the boat.

4. Locate a safe installation area for the transducer on the trolling motor. The point behind the prop is ideal because it does not interfere and the inducer is capable of obtaining a clear reading. Feed a cable tie through the slots on the transducer and hold the unit on the bottom of the point. Fasten the cable tie to secure the transducer to the motor.

5. Feed the transducer cable through a cable cover. Hold the cover against the side of the motor arm and use cable ties to secure it in place. Run the cable to the head unit and plug in the cable.

6. Plug the power cord into the side of the head unit. Attach the positive end of the cord to the positive terminal on the battery and attach the negative end to the negative terminal. Launch the boat and test the unit.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult with a professional if you want to mount the transducer inside of the hull. This process requires expert skills to ensure the hull is not damaged.

• Do not use the fish finder outside of water. The transducer may become damaged if it is not fully submerged.

References

• Garmin: Fishfinder 300C Installation Instructions
• Humminbird: Installation Preparation