Amanda Knapp
Installing a fishfinder on a fiberglass boat can be a daunting task, especially when it involves drilling holes in the hull or helm. However, with the right tools and know-how, it is a straightforward job that can be completed in a few hours. The first step is to determine the best location for the fishfinder, ensuring enough depth and space on the helm. Then, the wiring must be addressed, with two jobs involved: the power lines and the transducer cable. After marking the spots for drilling, the next step is to drill the holes and seal them with an adhesive or silicone sealant to create a watertight seal. Finally, the fishfinder can be secured and the wires connected, ensuring they are protected and properly clamped to prevent vibrations and chafing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Choose a location that is easy to see from the cockpit. Ensure there is enough room to install it and that there are no accessories or wires behind the dash. |
| Mounting | Install a binnacle mount. |
| Wiring | Ensure there is a way for the wires to access the fishfinder. Look for pre-existing holes, or drill a new hole if needed. Use silicone sealant to seal the holes. |
| Transducer | Run the transducer wiring to the dash. Coil any extra line and secure with clamps. Keep the transducer wire separate from the engine's wiring harness. |
| Connections | Connect the power leads, then plug the power and transducer wires into the fishfinder. Use heat-shrink tubing to protect the connections and create a watertight seal. |
| Securing | Use tie-wraps or clamps to secure the wires at regular intervals to prevent vibrations and chafing. |
| Testing | Allow the sealant to dry completely before testing the fishfinder in the boat. |
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What You'll Learn
Finding the best location for your fishfinder
Ease of Viewing:
Position your fishfinder in a location that is easily visible from your usual spot in the cockpit. This ensures you can quickly glance at the display without obstructing your view or causing any inconvenience while navigating the boat.
Space and Depth:
Ensure that you have sufficient space on the helm for the fishfinder. Measure the required space accurately and cross-check it with the available space on your boat's helm. Additionally, verify that there is enough depth behind the chosen location to accommodate the fishfinder's mounting and wiring requirements.
Accessibility for Wiring:
Consider the wiring accessibility when selecting the location. Look for existing holes that can be utilised for wiring or determine if you need to drill additional holes. Keep in mind that you'll need to secure the wires with clamps or tie-wraps to prevent them from shaking or loosening during the boat's operation.
Transducer Location:
If your fishfinder has a transom-mounted transducer, choosing the right location for it is crucial. Avoid areas with through-hulls, strakes, or any irregularities in the hull bottom forward of the transom, as these can create turbulence and impact the performance of the transducer. Aim for a spot as close as possible to the bottom of the V in the hull to prevent the transducer from riding up and out of the water when the boat is in motion.
Binnacle or Flush Mount:
Decide on the mounting approach, whether you plan to use a binnacle mount or opt for a flush mount. The binnacle mount is a common choice for fiberglass boats, while the flush mount involves cutting holes in the fiberglass. Consult manufacturer guidelines and consider your comfort level with cutting and drilling before making a decision.
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Securing the transducer wire
Firstly, identify the best location for the transducer wire. Stand behind the transom and look for an area on the hull that is deep and uninterrupted by strakes, through-hull fittings, or other objects. The goal is to avoid anything that disturbs the water flow and creates turbulence, which can negatively impact the fishfinder's performance. Mark the location of the transducer bracket's mounting holes with a pencil, ensuring the face of the transducer is horizontal and slightly below the running surface of the hull.
Next, run the transducer wire to the dash. This step should be done before mounting the transducer to avoid damaging the sealant. If you have an old fishfinder, you can use the existing wire to draw the new wire through the wiring chase. Drill the necessary holes for the wire to pass through, ensuring they are sealed with an adhesive or sealant to maintain a watertight seal.
Now, it's time to secure the transducer wire. Use the small wire clamps provided with your fishfinder to attach the wire to the back of the transom and the rigging tube. Secure the wire every 12-24 inches to prevent any droops or looseness. If your boat has wiring under the gunwale, use tie-wraps to secure the wire along its run. Ensure that the transducer wire is kept separate from the engine's wiring harness to avoid electrical interference.
Finally, finish the wiring connections. After connecting the power leads and plugging in the power and transducer wires into the fishfinder, allow the sealant to dry completely before testing the boat. This can take up to a week, depending on the conditions, to ensure there is no water intrusion.
By following these steps, you can securely and safely install the transducer wire for your fishfinder on a fibreglass boat.
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Drilling holes for the mount
Firstly, determine the best location for your fishfinder. This will depend on the length of the supplied wires and the need to avoid any accessories or wires behind the dash. Use a tape measure to ensure you have enough free space, and choose a spot that is easily visible from the cockpit. It is also important to avoid areas with through-hulls, strakes, or other irregularities that can create turbulence and affect the fishfinder's performance. Mark the spots where you plan to drill with a pencil or masking tape. Remember that fibreglass chips easily, so be gentle when drilling and avoid pushing too hard.
Next, select the appropriate drill bit size. For a standard installation, a 1/4" drill bit should be sufficient. Drill through the bracket in two spots, following the markings you made earlier. If your fishfinder requires additional holes, such as for the transducer or power cords, be sure to drill those as well. It is recommended to use a rubber grommet to cover the holes for a neat finish and to protect the cords.
After drilling the holes, it is important to seal them to create a watertight seal. Use an adhesive or silicone sealant to coat the screws and the insides of the holes. This will prevent water intrusion and protect your fishfinder from damage. Allow the sealant to dry completely before proceeding, as this can take some time depending on the conditions.
Finally, attach the fishfinder mount to the bracket using bolts and nuts. Don't forget to add washers to distribute the weight and protect the fibreglass from ripping. With the mount secured, you can now run the transducer and power cords through the holes and connect them to the fishfinder, following the manufacturer's instructions for wiring connections.
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Running the wiring
Firstly, identify the path for the wires to reach the fishfinder. Look for existing holes that can be utilised, and if none are available, carefully drill a new hole behind the mount. Seal the holes with silicone sealant to maintain a watertight seal.
The next step is to install the binnacle and secure the bolts with sealant. Feed the power leads through the exit hole behind the mount, ensuring there is sufficient slack on the plug without excess wiring. Use tie-wraps or clamps to secure the wires at regular intervals of approximately one and a half feet to two feet to prevent vibrations and gravity from causing damage over time.
The power wire connection is established by tapping into the fuse box or breaker bar behind the dash. Connect the positive and negative leads accordingly, and don't forget to use heat-shrink tubing and liquid electric tape for a watertight seal.
Additionally, the transducer cable must be routed separately from the engine's wiring harness. Secure the transducer wire with the provided clamps up the back of the transom to the rigging tube, ensuring it is secure and free from droops or looseness.
Finally, seal off the wiring hole behind the binnacle mount using a clamshell vent to maintain water resistance while keeping it accessible. With these steps completed, you can now finish the connections and confidently place your fishfinder into its designated spot!
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Sealing the holes
First, it is essential to determine the best location for your fishfinder. This involves considering the length of the supplied wires and whether they need to be lengthened or shortened. It is imperative to ensure that there is enough depth behind the fishfinder and sufficient space on the helm itself. Take careful measurements to ensure that there are no accessories or wires obstructing the chosen spot.
Once the location is marked, use a drill to create the necessary holes. Remember to drill slowly as fibreglass can chip easily. The number of holes will depend on the type of fishfinder and the mounting approach. For a flush mount, you will need to drill holes for the monitor's bracket, typically three or four holes. If you are using a binnacle mounting approach, you may need to drill an additional hole behind the mount for the wires.
After drilling the holes, it is crucial to seal them properly to ensure a watertight seal. Use an adhesive or sealant to coat the screws and the insides of the transom holes. You can also apply a small amount of silicone to the holes for added protection. Secure the bolts, and if using a binnacle mount, apply sealant to each bolt before securing them.
For the wiring, seal off the wiring hole behind the binnacle mount using a grommet or silicone sealant. Cover the sealed hole with a clamshell vent to make it watertight yet accessible. Run the wires through the exit hole, ensuring there is enough slack, and secure them with tie-wraps or clamps every one to two feet to prevent vibrations and gravity from pulling on them.
Finally, complete the wiring connections by connecting the power leads and plugging the power and transducer wires into the back of the fishfinder. Allow the sealant to dry thoroughly before testing the fishfinder in the water, as this can take up to a week.
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Frequently asked questions
Choose a location that is easy to see from your spot in the cockpit. Ensure there is enough room to install it and that there is plenty of depth behind it. Stay away from areas that have through-hulls, strakes or any other irregularities in the hull that will create turbulence and ruin the unit’s performance.
Look for previously existing holes first. If there are none, you may have to drill an additional hole behind the mount. Once you have the holes in place, use silicone sealant to seal the holes. Install the binnacle, add sealant to each bolt, and then secure the bolts. Feed the power leads through the exit hole. Secure the wires with tie-wraps or clamps every 1.5 to 2 feet.
Secure the transducer wire with the small wire clamps included with your fishfinder up the back of the transom to the rigging tube. Ensure there is no looseness in the wire and that it is separate from the engine’s wiring harness.
After making sure the battery is switched off, connect the power leads and plug the power and transducer wires into the back of the fishfinder. Ensure that the sealant is completely dry before testing the boat.
