The correct installation is needed for the proper functioning of the Fish Finding unit installed in your craft. Without the proper installation, even the most expensive fish finder will be ineffective.       Read the following instructions and follow those to the best of your ability and you will have a functional fish finding set-up that is second to none, as if a professional did it for you, only without the high cost.

1.  The first step, and most important step in the entire installation, is the installation of the transducer. There are many kinds of transducers and all the manufacturers have simple instructions with them on how to install them in the different configurations. The thing that they don’t really cover very well is the location of the transducer for the transom mount.

     When you are looking for the best location to install the transom mount transducer, you must take into consideration the following things; the flow of the water when the boat is moving through the water. How does the water move by the ribs of the bottom of the boat? Are there any imperfections in the hull or cracks or rivets that make turbulence or bubbles? You want to choose a spot on your transom that is flat, free of bumps and ribs and at least 15 inches away from the propeller or prop.

     Keep in mind that the transducer must stay in contact with the water at all times, even when the boat is moving. This is critical because the transducer only works when submerged or contacted with the water. Keep in mind that when you load and unload the boat from the trailer, that the transducer isn't in the way or it can become damaged if rough handled.

     Most fish finders come with a mounting template. When you have picked the best location, mark it on the hull with a pencil using the template provided as When you drill the holes, make sure you use a pilot hole on fiberglass to avoid cracking the finish.

     Apply the mounting hardware to the hull and dry fit it to make sure it is a perfect fit. When you are satisfied with the placement of the transducer, then apply a small amount of silicone sealer to each hole, this will keep the hull from leaking through the drilled holes. When screwing the screws into the hull after the silicon is applied, make sure that you have the transducer in the proper position and height before you tighten the screws all the way. Once you tighten the screws you are finished with the most important part of the installation, the transducer install. You are now finished with step #1. You can now move on to step #2.  

2.   The next step in installing your fish finder would be to route all the cable from the transducer to the control head and from the battery to the control head. This is an important step in the cosmetic and professional appearance of the job. You want the cables to be hidden as much as you possibly can.

     There are a few ways to route these cables. 1. You can route them over the transom, and 2. You can route them through the transom from the transducer.

     To mount the cables over the transom, you simply run the cable over the transom and secure it with cable clamps. Any holes you drill should be sealed with silicon sealant by the same method as the Transom mounting holes were sealed. Run the cables along conduit or under rims to hide the cable and secure it along the way with cable clamps until you reach all the way to the control head.

     To mount the cable through the transom you must drill a 5/8" hole to run the cable through (MAKE SURE THE HOLE IS ABOVE THE WATER LINE). Run the cable to the control head the same way you did for the over the transom mount. When you have excess cable, roll it up neatly and store out of sight and out of the way.

     Now the cable for the power source must be run to the control head. You can connect the wire directly but it is better and safer to install an “in line” fuse between the power source and the control head. Run the wires hidden as you did with the transducer cable. Remember when hooking up the power source that the black is negative and the red wire is positive. To insure the best quality performance out of your fish finder, it is best to use a power source for the fish finder that is JUST for the fish finder. This reduces interference with the unit. You have now completed the 2nd step of the installation and you are ready to move on to step three which is to mount the control head itself

3.     The final step in installing the fish finder on you craft is to install the control head itself. There are some things to consider when choosing the right location for the control head that need to be addressed. Of course these decisions have to be made ahead of time before all the cables are routed.

      Make sure the cables you installed have enough length to reach the location of the control head. If you need an extension cable, order one, but DO NOT try to splice cables together or you will severely hurt the quality of the fish finder's functioning. Most units are similar but are not exact. These instructions can be used for most units. First you must assemble the mounting bracket on the control head. Follow the instructions that come with your unit. The base usually screws down to the surface of the mounting area, depending upon where you intend to mount the unit. Place the control head with the bracket attached to make sure that the unit fits and is a good location. A good location would be one that is easy to monitor and is not in the way where it could be bumped or hit while moving around the deck. When the correct placement is achieved, disassemble the bracket from the control head and secure it to the surface that you have selected. The base usually attaches to the control head by wing nuts or screws that are easily taken on and off. When the base is completely secure, you may attach the control head and take the final step of plugging in the cable for the transducer and the power source. You are now fully assembled and ready to use the unit. This completes the 3 part series of installing a fish finder.

All fish finder products, when purchased at www.fishfinder4U.com, come with the proper manuals, and you should always mount your transducer while your boat is out of the water. If unsure of your skills, refer to a qualified boat mechanic.