See full version: How To Install A Fishfinder On A Fiberglass Boat
Next, run the wiring of the transducer to your dash. With the wiring pulled through, coil any extra line inside, making sure to secure with clamps and never to cut the wire for length, as it may affect the way your fishfinder performs. Keep the transducer wire separate from the engine’s wiring harness as well as the VHF cable. [links]
Once you have the holes in place, you can use silicone sealant to seal the holes. Install the binnacle, give each bolt a little bit of sealant, and then secure the bolts.
What’s the difference between hoping for the best and ensuring that you give yourself the best possible chance to catch a fish? Simple: a fishfinder. Yet, too many fiberglass boat owners are worried that installing a fishfinder on their boat will be too complicated for them to handle. But there’s good news: you can do it yourself. Here are the best practices for installing a fishfinder on your fiberglass boat.
Seal off the wiring hole you drilled earlier—the one behind the binnacle mount—using a clamshell vent so that it’s water-tight but still accessible. With the wiring properly pulled through in the previous step, you should be able to finish the connections and place the fishfinder into its spot! [links]
Using the exit hole that you’ve already drilled through the back, feed the power leads through. There should be enough slack on the plug—but not so much that you have to make extra space for wiring. Using tie-wraps or clamps, secure the wires every one and a half feet.
It doesn't look to me like there is any suitable location on this boat. Not every boat can be used for trolling with downriggers. If you do alot of trolling you should have a kicker motor too and that would be near impossible with this rig. You could use a longer boom and swivel base but that would probably look stupid especially with only one rigger. I'm sure you don't want to fish bad enough to get another boat so stick to bait fishing would be your best option. Hope this helps some.
The ice is off Friday, I hope and I've got a new downrigger to install. I am not sure of the best mounting location so any advice would be appreciated. I have a Four Winns Sundowner 225 Cuddy, 25ft stern drive. I plan to troll using a Cannon Compact Manual Downrigger with a 24 inch boom.
The option of the j hook sounds interesting too, but I don't understand how the j hooks would hold the tracks securely to the cleats.
Track mount is the word. Cannon makes them but so do a lot of others. Some people use a bolt/j hook and fasten the track mount to the cleats
My guess is that hole is around 3 - 4" above the water line. here
Scott, be careful. If the cable is secured running left using adhesive and that adhesive comes off, do you have a loose cable close to your drive? I'd speak to a marine supply store to see if they have a better way to secure the cable. [links]
Scott I'm no expert in drilling holes through transoms. I just know how mine is done. It's hard to orient myself in that tie down photo. Anyhow, first thing is the transducer placement should be carefully considered to avoid turbulence and prop wash. Go online and you will find lots of advice on this. From there my cable goes straight up to the highest point possible on the transom and they drilled a hole straight through, inserted an eyelet and fed the cable through before sealing.
However as Kysean said through hulls are actually a very good option. If installed properly they work better than transom mounts. This is because the entire hull of the boat can now pick up the sonar signal as the transducer becomes one with the hull. You do have to carefully install them and ensure no bubbles when the transducer is mounted down, but if done right they are great.
That's the reason why they want the cable to run straight up and tight. Also the eyelet locks the cable down so it can't pull through from the engine compartment and go into the drive plus open up the hole in the transom. [links]
Re: Transducer Install on New Tahoe Help. [links]
I had the same issues with my new Q5. I pondered and pondered shooting through the hull and finally mounted the transducer on the transom. I agree the screws that come with the bracket are too soft, twisted them both off and had to improvise. I drilled a hole vertically in the part that is below the diving deck. Went to Home Depot and got a rubber plug to insert into the hole. Had to trim it to size and cut it to where the cable would fit into it. Pressed it in with silocone with no issues nor leaks. [links]
Re: Transducer Install on New Tahoe Help. [links]
Re: Transducer Install on New Tahoe Help.
Re: Transducer Install on New Tahoe Help. [links]
Re: Transducer Install on New Tahoe Help. here