Whether you fish just for fun only on the weekends, or fishing is your greatest passion, or even if your livelihood depends on fishing, you will want to use a fish finder. It tells you where the fishes are under the water. How great is that?
But first, you need to know how to install a fish finder, so that you can use it on your fishing trips, or some extra pointers if you already know how to. Because you may own one of the top fish finders ever, but it will be of very little use, if it is not in a place you can see and use properly.
This article on how to install a fish finder, explains to you the basics of mounting a fishfinder step by step, so read along to know.
The Place to Fix your Fish Finder
This is the most important part of the entire installation process.
1) For Transom Mount Transducers.
You can fix it up on your own using tools you can find at your home.
2) For Thru Hull Transducers
You should maybe call a professional because the process is harder with this one and you also have to cut a hole into your boat.
Although some people argue that finding a place for your fishfinder first is smart, it is wiser to find a place for transducer first. This way, you can see how far the wires can go. You can always move around your fishfinder unit, but the transducer must go on the transom.
Give your Wires a Test-Run
Before you screw in the transducer, you should run the wires from the transducer to the main unit as trial and from to the battery from the main unit. Giving your wires a test-run after you have finished fastening, may cause your sealant to loosen because of any accidental pulls or tugs.
Do NOT cut any wires, if they are a little longer. Doing this will make your manufacturer’s warranty legally invalid.
Fix the wires using ties close to the main unit and NOT the transducer.
Fixing the Transducer
After you have picked out a good place, place a plastic block on it. You should fix your transducer on this block so that you do not have to make any unnecessary holes in your boat. Stick the plastic block with strong glue and leave it for some time to dry and harden.
Place the transducer on the block as, mentioned above and indicate the holes with a pencil. You will be drilling here.
If you want to mount the transducer directly on the block, then make two holes. Screw in the transducer using fixing hardware you will find in the box. Then apply a good amount of silicon sealant.
INSIDE AND OUTSIDE.
You should apply sealant, even if you have used a plastic block, just in case.
Running the Wires
You can run the wires, either: through the transom or above the transom.
1) Secure the wires after about every 17 or 18 inches.
2) Run the cables to the main from the power source using the manufacturer’s already given fuse. If there is not one, you can install a fuse.
When you connect to the power source: red equals to positive and black equals to negative.
3) After you finish your installation, leave the terminals as disconnected.
Fix the Fish Finder
By now you should have:
i) An installed fishfinder
ii) Wires going from the transducer to your fishfinder location
iii) Wires running from the power source to your fishfinder.
There are fishfinders that have alternative in-dash mounts that you can buy, which you can use if your boat has a dashboard. Mark the area on your dashboard with a pencil, and cut out that portion very carefully. There is no recovering from a hole cut too big!
Most instructions on how to install a fishfinder are really easy and simple to follow. Just make sure that you understand the jargons and steps.
Remember to give the sealants you used sufficient time to harden.
Now
Now that everything is installed in place, you can take out your boat and start fishing using your fishfinder.
You can turn and tweak the settings and systems as per your requirements and the styles you want. It is your wish really.
Best of Luck!
