Prevent Side Imaging Transducer Installation Mistakes on Fishing Kayak
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- Опубліковано 6 лип 2024
- I made every mistake possible in trying to find the best place to mount my transducer on my fishing kayak using the RAM Mount. Check out all the mistakes I made as I struggled to transition from a portable fishfinder to my Humminbird Helix 7 high tech model that not only has side imaging but regular sonar and a down imaging view as well. According to the Field Marketing Manager at Johnson Outdoors, a side imaging transducer cannot be mounted for through the hull use - it has to be external. I am glad he reminded me of that because I missed the obvious warning in the installation instructions that stated the same thing.
More on fish finder installation/reviews in this playlist: • Kayak Fish Finder Inst...
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The Kayak Hacks Fishing channel covers kayak, wading, shoreline, spin and fly fishing. It features interesting gear mods to make kayak fishing more comfortable, efficient and enjoyable. In addition, I share many tips, tricks and "how tos" for more effective spin and fly fishing regardless of whether you are fishing from a boat or on your feet. Please subscribe! Thanks!
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Do not apply any suggestion if it will ruin the appearance, function or structural integrity of your kayak. You are solely responsible to determine if the ideas expressed are appropriate for your boat and we disclaim any responsibility for your actions and decisions.
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It goes without saying that fishing is dangerous as a result of the fast water, slick rocks and other hazards that occur at random, unexpected places. You need to exercise caution, particularly in the spring when the water is high or during rapid changes in tide, before you fish anywhere. You should always wear a life vest when fishing. In addition, a wading staff will help you keep your balance as you walk on the shoreline or wade.
The bottom line is that you must make your own judgment in terms of acceptable behavior and risk and not rely on the opinions expressed here. The regulations governing legal access to fishing locations may change at any time and it is your responsibility to understand the law. Nothing expressed should be construed as encouraging you to trespass on private property or violate a regulation. - Спорт
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More on fish finder installation/reviews in this playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PL8egn41J7Go80EC7VgwwA58dume-25vuM.html
In general, the TI units are faster in response to inputs. This is seen when quickly switching between sonar, downscan, chart, and split screens ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxeAxH15LxhjGlg5-CRYqjTGTEH0tbY4vk recommend The Hook units will show some lag on button pushes and screen switching. The big ticket item though is maps. If you install a mapping card such as Navionics or the free C-Map Genesis which has a lot of map detail, then moving around the map with the cursor or when running down the lake can lag significantly on the Hook units, but is seamless with the TI units.
Thank you for your great attitude and willingness to self deprecate to help us others out!
Pretty easy for me! Also adds some humor.
Nice job- appreciate it! I just bought a fish finder and RAM mount so your comments are really very helpful!
That's a very solid tip you e given me somethings to think about because I was going to mount my transducer on the anchor trolley side as well. Thanks for sharing
Glad I was able to save you the time and trouble of moving it. I am on the 3rd spot now and, hopefully, the last!
Thank you for sharing your experience, and for taking the time to make a video about it, I have not post any videos, when I do so, you will be my example on how to make videos and laugh about our mistakes, thanks again
I really appreciate the encouragement!
Thank you for making this video I just finally bought a lowrance 4x hook and need a place to mount the transducer and was thinking right on the side but now thinking the front of the boat.
It is amazing how sensitive these things are... to pick up a paddle is amazing.
Yep! The Hook-5 can even "see" your lure going down to the fish that won't bite! Haha!
Thank you so much!!!! You just saved me a lot of headache!
Lessons learned!
Good info , I’m going to try a thru the scupper hole mount , just have to pay attention when dragging or loading /unloading . We will see tomorrow when I start rigging out my first kayak. Set the hook brother
You the man! Appreciate the trials and tribulations I am doing this project right now on a Garmin 7sv trying to get the right pieces for the puzzle
lol! I made all the mistakes!
Thank you, you saved me a lot of trouble.
This is exactly the video I needed today! Thanks!
Happy to help!
Thank you Sir, for sharing this with us is , this is great! I was going to mount mine exactly where my Anchor trolly was!
Thanks! Appreciate it!
Very helpful thank you... I hadn’t mounted mine yet.. thank god I saw this first...
lol! Learn from my mistakes!
Useful tips right from the beginning! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Great video!
Awesome tip, thanks for a no B.S. Also. Ive learnt they call it port side for good reason.
👍
Huge help! Thanks!
This is why in the end I done a thru hull install on my kayak. Bit of a pain setting it up at first but in the end it worked very well. Less setting up when launching, less cables to manage and one less thing to get in the way
Yep. The sad thing is side imaging does not work through the hull. I would love to have been able to do a hull mount with this.
Thanks so much for this video. I've been trying to decide which route I wanted to go with the transducer mounting. At first, I was totally opposed to the arm mount style but I'm starting to rethink that method. YakAttack has new one called a Switchblade I'm considering. I thought about mounting it in-hull (scupper hole not an option), but for the money I'm spending on my FF, I wanted to reap the max benefit from all the features. However, I still can envision myself forgetting to bring it back in the kayak before beaching or getting into areas with lots of structure....lol
Ouch! That's the challenge of side imaging. It has to be fully exposed to the water and below the hull.
This is the way I'll have to go, as we have a canoe. Thanks for the video!
Nice helpful video.😀👍
Awsome! This was a big help. Do you by chance have a video on anchoring your kayak? how to anchor and retrieve.
I have a bunch - this search shows many - ua-cam.com/users/results?search_query=kayak+hacks+anchor
Great tips! Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Keep up the good work
I really appreciate that! I'll work even harder!
Awesome video! I wish you were my neighbor!
I'm thinking a colab video on a magnet mounted transducer when I get my new fish finder next month!!
I would be interested in watching that!
Thank for the tips ....
Always welcome
Thanks for sharing
You bet. School of hard knocks!
This is why the FeelFree Lure 11.5 is a good choice because it has a center mount sonar pod between your feet. The unit mounts to the top of the pod and the transducer fits in a cavity undernearth.
Will the transducer sit in the water below the hull? Through the hull works fine for traditional sonar. I was using a sidescan unit and it cannot have anything other than water around it. It would be great if that model solved the problem.
Use ipx67 electrical gland mounted ( 16 mm hole ) in your kayaks hull tunnel and mount under floor . Use marine goop for extra insurance . Also a wedge of material ( plastic , wood ) as protection in front of transducer . Can use supplied transom mount screwed into long piece of plywood and glue this to underside of tunnel . Rough area before glue ( marine goop works ) Good luck Steve
Won't the tunnel get in the way of the signal?
Are there any Through Hull transducers for kayaks? I am about to delve into this and am hopeful the answer is yes. Thanks for posting your experiences.
Through the hull is only an issue with side imaging transducers. There are many normal sonar models that permit inside the hull installation (and you can see plenty of videos on how to do that). You should check with the manufacturer or kayak dealer before buying to make sure and confirm how the transducer should be attached to the hull. For example, I seem to recall there are some models that do not recommend epoxy.
I mounted mine through the front scupper hole which I enlarged it sits about 1" below the hull now and is well above the twin hulls so doesn't scrape. It's a pretty tidy setup
Glad it worked for you - traditional sonar does not require a side view. Mine was side imaging so it had to be totally below the bottom of the boat, so it would scrape if I tried your solution... which I wish I could have used!
My next add on will be a fish finder/GPS. looking for different ways to mount it as well.
Take heed of my lessons. Now, if you do not have side imaging, you can do a through the hull install.
My buddy has the thru hull. I will probably go with the same as his.There was also a few times I wish I had a GPS.
Wayn Jul GPS is great for storing waypoints. I would get it.
Great videos and great info, by the way where did you buy that arm for the transducer looking to buy one. Thanks and keep the videos coming.
I got the transducer arm directly from RAM with the mount. Thanks for the kind words!
I really like your video if for no other reason your positive attitude
I really appreciate that! I'll work even harder!
I have a Field & Stream Shadow Caster and I used G E silicone calking and stuck it to the inside, bottom of the hull. It's below the water line, just aft of the front hatch and has worked fine for 3 years. Still stuck!
I wish I could have put this on the inside, but it is a side imaging and cannot work through the hull.
I wish I watched this a hour ago.
oh no!
Have you come with any ideas on how mount the si transducer to your coosa Fd. I have the Hummingbird Helix 7 mega si unit. It was going work great in a front scupper hole on a Peception Pescador Pilot kayak using pvc sch 40 pipe moving it down below hull so beams would work and pull up pvc and stow transducer back in a protected area, ,but now am in a 2018 Jackson Coosa Fd and sratching my head on how i can cleanly make it work. Coosa transducer holes are right under the pedals and the flex drive drops down would block it as well for the pvc idea.
Ouch. I can't really help. I gave my Helix to my brother for his bass boat since I decided the side imaging was not useful for me since I end up in shallow water all the time. I use the Deeper Sonar now (traditional sonar) since it is light and I can use it to both position my kayak next to channels as well as cast the unit to search a deep channel.
Will downscan be affected by mounting inside the hull like side imaging? Or would I just be better off getting regular sonar? Thanks so much and great informational video!
From everything I have seen, normal sonar is not impacted by the hull as long as you do not have air gaps between the transducer and the hull. Humminbird recommends against doing down imaging through the hull as a result of loss of signal strength. They do have schemes to drill holes through the hull and mount the transducer externally. www.humminbird.com/Category/Support/FAQ/SI_ShootThruHull/
okay i have a pelican predator bass boat. want portable unit and a side mounted removable transducer unit. advice please
The key words you used were portable and removable. Assuming you do not want sidescan, you should take a look at the Deeper. You can get a mount that attaches to the boat to float the unit. ua-cam.com/video/NuWhwZ96YnE/v-deo.html
Hi. great tips. Thank you. I also want to take advantage of side imaging technology. Local kayak dealers are telling me to just get DI and not SI. How is it working for you on kayak? Is transducer below hull? Any problems so far?
No problems so far. Here's the SI decision ...and ... actually the decision on a fishfinder. If you fish where the water is routinely deeper than 5 feet, SI will make a difference. It allows you to see out to the side and in that shallow water, DI is kind of worthless. The deeper the water, the greater the benefit of SI. The RAM mount keeps the transducer below the hull and has been pretty robust. I whack it with my paddle to reposition it after running into shallows where it bounces off the bottom and it drops back into position without any problems.
Great video sir, where can i get that flexible arm for the transducer?
I got it directly from RAM - www.rammount.com/search?search_type=search&query=transducer+mount
Will this unit make the transition over to your new Jackson?
Yes!
I watched this video a year ago and just got my first side scan... had to watch it again so I didn’t mess up lol
I just wish side imaging would work through the hull.
You rock, dig all your vids. I wonder, do you think a side-scan transducer in a thru-hull installation would work ok?
Thanks! No, sidescan cannot work through the hull. It has to have a clear shot.
What are your thoughts on transportation when your transducer is installed on the kayak. I am worried that I'll damaged the transducer since it has to stay in the yak. I've seen all-in-one box setup with the transducer and finder in one but I'm not crazy about how it works. Would the transducer be the proper location each time with each setup?
Mine is mounted on a RAM ball. I just rotate it up and out of the way, laying it against the inside of the kayak. No problems with that approach. It falls right back into position when I change it back.
Hi ! Great Video! im actually looking to get a Helix 7 SI G2, However i was looking to trade in the compact transducer that come with it for the HDSI transducer for a little extra. Did you consider the HDSI transducer, i know its bigger then the compact version, however i dont know if it will fit on my Ram transducer mount as the compact transducer since they dont seem to use the same mount system.
I did not consider getting the HDSI transducer since the Helix 7 does not support the 800kHz freq. I should provide better performance at 455kHz, but I did not think I needed that. Pls let me know if I got that wrong.
Great video. If I have my transducer closer towards the bow, it angles more toward the center of the bow rather than facing straight ahead when in the water. Is that something I should be concerned about with accurate readings? It’s a bullet transducer.
I am not an expert, but I do not think that would matter. See what readings you get.
Have you thought about mounting the transducer inside the kayak. I know that will effect the water temp. Any thoughts?
I did. But this system included side imaging and side imaging will not work through the hull.
Does the transducer have to be lower than the bottom of the kayak or can it be just at or a little below the water line, I'm trying to figure out if my transducer will read correctly if its not below the hull of the kayak
if it is a side scan, it must be below the hull. If it is a regular down scan, it just needs to be in the water
How does the side imaging work with a side mount arm? Does it reach below the kayak to get a clear view?
Yes, you can adjust the side arm so the transducer is below the level of the hull. The arm is very flexible.
I already figured thast one out. I love your video's. Just curious. What were you in your previous life(before retirement)???????
I was a soldier (US Army) for 20 years, IBM for 15 and my own company for 4. Three careers!
I have mine on same side as anchor trolley. The arm i have can raise and lower. I just raise it if i need to while anchored or just use anchor trolley and dont position the anchor where it will do that.
I wish mine worked like that. I ended up giving the entire system to my brother for his boat
At what depth do you feel a depth finder is of use other then depth of water? I mean the cone angle is so small don't you need like 30ft depth to get a 5 ft of coverage? Don't mean to sound harsh or anything just looking for info as I am considering getting one and when I fish its only like 15ft or so.
Your point is exactly the reason I wanted to have a side imaging unit. It shoots out to the side and finds fish quite a distance away. The SI gets better the deeper the water. Theoretically, it can be used in as little as 2 feet, but I find 10 feet is better.
Can sidescan/downscan transducers shoot through the hull? This is how I run my regular transducer.....saving for sidescan!
Unfortunately, the sidescan technology needs a clear view and it cannot work through the hull. It also needs calm water and must be positioned ahead of your pedal or paddle.
A positive note is that with it toward the front. You see fish as you approach them not as you pass them.
I am getting ready to install my first fish finder on my kayak I have never had one before. I have a question how difficult of an install is this going to be. Better yet how difficult was it for you or is it pretty forward and simple thanks
It is pretty easy. Just figure out where to run the cables and be sure the transducer is in the right place. I used a RAM mount for my transducer and that made everything easy. I believe it is more difficult if you try to do an in-hull installation (which will not work if you have side imaging).
I’m curious as to what you opinion is on scupper mounts as opposed to side mounts. I’m undecided 🤷🏼♂️. Thanks Colonel 👍🏻
The primary reason to side mount is if you are using side-imaging, the transducer has to be below the level of the hull. If you do that with a scupper mount, the transducer is sure to scrape as you hit obstacles or launch. With a side mount, you can pull it up when launching or it will just bounce when hitting something.
Kayak Hacks Fishing I have a Garmin Striker 4 does side scan work with through hull install?
Sadly, no.... the side beams need a clear shot. I wish it were not so...
How do you feel about mounting the transducer inside and on the hull of your boat? I've been thinking about adding a fish finder for a while now. Never really used one in the past, but I know it's a handy tool.
I could not do that with this model since it was side imaging. SI requires the transducer be below the hull. Otherwise, if it had been normal sonar, I would have looked for the inside solution.
What do you think about mounting through a scupper hole?
Side imaging requires the transducer head be below the bottom of the boat for it to work. I thought about doing it through the hole, but decided not to since I would not be able to pull it out when beaching. I did not want to scrape up the head.
Whoops, back out to the shed!!!
Thank goodness I bought a kayak with an integral transducer mount underneath. Pretty sure you could mount them inside the hull as well...
The issue with this one is it is side-imaging. That technology does not go through the hull and has to be below the water line.
@@KayakhacksFishing good point!
I have a Garmin Side imaging sonar unit. Do I need to get the 18" ram transducer arm or the 24". Ram says that the 24" is for side imaging units.
Definitely get the 24 inch since it accounts for different heights from the water better. You can always cut it off with a hacksaw if the transducer sticks too far below your kayak.
Kayak Hacks Fishing
Thanks a lot! I just tried my ff out this morning and I had it mounted in hull on my Vibe Sea ghost. Long story short the image was horrible. this external arm should help tremendously. Keep up the helpful vids!
Yes, side imaging does not work through the hull. The instructions on my Helix were pretty strong on that!
Take a bungie cord cut it in half.
Mount your transducer to a plastic plate ( uhmw 1/8" thick sized for your transducer).
Mount the transducer to the plastic plate .
drill holes for the bungie.
feed bungie in the hole knot it off.
Now your transducer can be mounted under the center of the kayak in the location you desire.
With no side imaging interference .
Yes you may notice some drag.
This is how I mount my transducer to a STAR inflatable fishing paddle board
Great idea! Thanks!
Thank you for the tips! Could you please tell me more about the arm for your transducer? Did you purchase it? The fish finder I am going to purchase does not have side imaging, but I'm reluctant to mount it through the hull as I've heard that accuracy would be compromised.
I got it directly from RAM. Link below. Through the hull is a lot cleaner if it will work with your kayak. I would check with your dealer on how/where to install if it is possible to not lose accuracy. The side arm like I have is fine, but I always have to pull it up before hitting the shore. Be sure to make sure the mount transducer head is compatible with your model.
www.rammount.com/part/RAM-B-316-18-TRA1-NB
Thank you for your reply and info!
Good luck!
Just a note, water cannot be compressed. What you're seeing is the turbulence echo being picked up by the transducer. You are also able to see the blade strokes in the water from paddling with a side scan unit.
Yes - my bad
How does it attach to the tracking. Do you have to buy an adapter?
If you mean the control head? The Helix came with all the cables. This video shows the installation - ua-cam.com/video/Kw0nQlFd8ZE/v-deo.html
Awesome info.....now how did the side scan work for you?
Side scan works great if there is enough water. It loses utility as the water gets shallow. I gave my Helix to my brother for his bass boat since I found my best inshore spots were all only 2 - 3 feet deep. I realized I was using it to find the channels (5 - 6 feet) at high tide, but not really getting any use from the side scan. So, I just use the Deeper sonar now since it is much less heavy, does not require a huge battery, and will do that function just fine. In addition, I can cast the Deeper to float with the current when I want to recon.
Thanks for the info, I will get a standard fish finder
Do you have a link for the transducer MOUNT?
You can get the one appropriate for your transducer right from Amazon - amzn.to/2F7Cf1n
Alternatively, you can go to the RAM site - www.rammount.com/search?search_type=search&query=transducer
what mount are you using for your transducer?
I bought one directly from RAM. They have different models for different transducers.
Where did you get the arm from
I got it directly from RAM - www.rammount.com/
this is Mr Bear , i just bought a lowrance 7 reveal and im haveing same problen with transducer . i have a ss127 bonafide kayak and have a anchor trooy on port and stabord side. this is going to be fun. i fish out of brasher park in port richy fl and ozelo by cristle river, were are you based out of??? hope you answer
I am in Wilmington, NC - always jealous of you FL folks!
@@KayakhacksFishing thanks for answering always wonderd were you were at.by the way it was 34 were im at in fl.hope to talk to you again, i have only been in a kayak for a couple years ,still learning thank you
Exactly what I was doing yesterday. Installing a Garmin striker 5cv on the Jackson. Now all I have to do is learn how to read it. I was thinking about mounting the transducer inside the hull instead of on a mount outside. (Which I already had from the PO.) What are your thoughts on hull mounting?
the big challenge is to get a flat spot where it will have a clear shot to the bottom. That said, I do not know if CHIRP works through the hull like regular sonar. I don't think I have a flat spot on my Coosa FD.
@@KayakhacksFishing I was looking for a spot that was suitable. The new transducer is rounded on the bottom. I guess I need to do some research to see if chirp will work that way.
@@KayakhacksFishing I also just read something that these transducers produce a good amount of heat and need to be in water to keep them cool. I had no idea.
@@racerx12003r Who knew? Glad you did the research.
Anyone know which ram mount this is for the transducer?
This is the one I used - www.rammount.com/part/RAM-B-316-18-TRA1-TRA1U
Have you experimented with an in-hull setup?
I wish I could have gone with an in hull. However, side imaging does not work through a hull. The transducer has to be directly in the water. If I had purchased the traditional fish fisher, I would have done in hull.
That is great to know. Will the in-hull also affect the down imaging as well?
Sometimes. From what I have read, you need to be very careful on how you install it to avoid an air gap. But the hull should not make a difference on traditional sonar. Not sure about down imaging... if that uses the same technology as side imaging, there might be an issue. You should research that.
Ok, same problematic issues with where to install the transducer, ... my EddyGear Kayak, has a place for a Lowrance transducer built into the hull, ... but I own a Humminbird depth/fish finder, with gps, ... & it will not accommodate my transducer, ... so, the only solution I have come up with, (being as I am handicapped, & live with constant chronic lower back pain), is to mount a remote controlled linear actuator to place the transducer where I need it, & also for my MinnKota trolling motor, ... as I have issues with paddling any lengthy distances, ... I can raise, &/or lower them both into position, separately, or in tandem, ... turn them on/off, fwd/rev, ... and steer the rudder with my feet, ... all while playing a fish, as everything must be within arms reach, ... (and yes, I will keep the kayak paddle, just to be on the safer side), ...
Sounds like you have a very cool solution!
John E Osman III I
"While true for regular sonar, but not true for side imaging." Thanks for info on through-the-hull mounting. My Hummingbird PiranhaMax 175 is a "dual beam" sonar - would that be considered a "regular" sonar since its beams generally go straight down?
I am pretty sure yours is a traditional sonar and will work fine through the hull if the hull is compatible (check with the manufacturer) and you mount it without air gaps. It is only the side imaging that requires a clear view below the plane of the kayak.
Allen Crute thank you. I hadn't thought of checking the manufacturer so thanks for the tip on that I'll do that as well.
Great video - to the point without introducing us to your life story or pets, and impressed with your organized garage.
I'll have to tell my wife about the organization. She and her twin sister are fanatics about organization. lol
Dont the fish finder not work very good sitting still (anchored) so why does the anchor trolley matter that much?
You are correct when stationary. However, the anchor trolley gets in the way and catches on the transducer.
Kayak Hacks Fishing
I would think out in front center of you would be best.. when it pops up on screen it's pretty much directly under you or besides you. When you get to your spot have a rope or system to pop up the sonar or drop the sonar when done anchoring..
I forgot what you said was other problems of front mounting? Sorry very short attention span.. what was we talking about lol
Front is best since the paddle stroke or propeller will mess up the side imaging. I do not think there are any problems with the front.
I'm new to this; so when i am drifting on my kayak, the fish finder won't work well? I need to know cause then there is no point in getting one because half of the time i paddle and the other half i try to stay put but usually wind up drifting.
lot of guys seem to use the scupper holes, not sure how well it works
I would worry about the transducer scraping when you hit something.
@@KayakhacksFishing the secret I was taught with the commercial ships is getting it in smooth water. The less disturbance, less pressure and bubbles a better overall signal. Some off the best results were epoxied to the hull interior surface, and never had issues with them. Amazing what is out there but as you know many never get used. The biggest problem is people don't spend the time to learn the machine. IMHO
@@bigrickshaberdashery2759 Learning the machine is key! Thanks for the tips on the water. The real issue with this one was the side imaging. That will not work through the hull.
so do i save my pennies and get a 7 inch side scan.. or buy a 4inch garmin striker
That is the million dollar question! My take is to look at where and how you fish and how you intend to target the fish found. While side imaging will work in 2 feet of water, it really needs more depth to be of any value. So, if you fish where side imaging is useful, it is nice since you can find fish without moving over the top of them. But, if you mostly jig under your boat, regular sonar is fine.
I want to target snapper in 8m of water, side scan would be handy for finding structure and fish. They say the miser pays twice, I would like a new 7inch echomap plus, but a 4inch striker is more my budget :( $1300 AUS vs $300.. I have a hobie 16ft adventure, its not very wide. I must say I really really want to have a chart plotter, which then brings the min price up to $500 AU. The old echomap chirp series are on special now, cause the new version has touch screen and is coming through soon...my precious
Tough decision!
Be careful about Garmin Echomap + DownImaging/SideImaging. They were sued by Lowrance and they had to change their transducers. They now interpret their DownImaging from Their sideImaging and it is not as clear in resolution.. That's the buzz anyways...Google it...
Thank you for sharing that!!
I just use a large suction cup for the transducer
Scupper mount minimizes these issues. Great info however thanks
Just buy a Sea Ghost.....it has a recessed area specifically for transducer :)
The problem with my Helix was it had side imaging. SI does not go thru the hull.
Doesn't accommodate Lowrance Tripleshot transducer.
Or get rid of the anchor trolley. Plenty of better anchoring solutions now.
I would love to have a powerpole
Why not mount through hull?
I was surprised by this answer as well. The Field Marketing guy told me that sonar will work through hulls, but for side imaging the transducer must be below the boat to properly ping. So if your finder does not have a side imaging capability, you can mount it thru the hull. Also, the installation directions make a big deal out of having the side imaging transducer level (side to side) for the ping and many kayaks have curved bottoms that prevent that.
The transducer manual is pretty direct about this as well: "The Side Imaging transducer must NOT have anything obstructing the 'view' of the side looking beams. For example, nothing can be in the line of sight of these beams (not a hull, motor, or other transducer, etc"
Couldn't you have just mounted it inside the kayak, maybe with some removable putty?
Sadly, no. Side imaging will not work through the hull.
I would have done all those mistakes
Glad to help you avoid them!
the transducer can shoot thru the plastic of the bottom of you kayak all you have to do is glue the transducer in the inside of you kayak floor that's it
While true for regular sonar, but not true for side imaging. I spoke with the senior rep at Johnson Outdoors (Humminbird falls under them) and asked that question. Sadly, for side imaging, the ducer needs a clear shot. The install instructions say the same thing. Many kayaks come with a spot inside the hull for a finder - be sure the finder is a traditional one and do not spend the extra cash for side imaging if that is where it will be installed. I appreciate your comment since it allows me to make this pretty subtle point!
Live Bait Boat Miami Beach
I love how know it alls don't even watch the video just shoot a comment..
But the DI, SI, and water temp won't work and eliminates most of the reasons you have it in the first place. Great for a cheap sonar only unit though.
Why not just put it in a scupper hole?
My kayak does not have scupper holes. I would never buy it again. You make a good point, though. As long as the transducer is below the plane of the kayak and forward of the paddle stroke, it would work.
Oh wow, Ive never seen one with no scupper holes :/ I have mine mounted in a scupper hole and it works perfectly.
I long for a kayak with scuppers! Just cannot afford to make the switch.
Kayak Hacks Fishing it takes so long to set up a boat how you want it, it makes changing kayaks very expensive and time consuming. At the end of the day, we work with what we have, the fish don't care :)
Sit inside kayaks don't have scuppers, that wouldn't be fun...
Just get a small Jon Boat and be done with the kayaks already...lol
That is in my future when I am old and beat up and need the motor to fish!
Your only old when you think you are so change your attitude
water doesn't compress
Yes. Poor choice of words.
Lol
why not through hull.. with plumbers goop
I wish it would work that way. However, any unit with side imaging has to be below the hull. Your suggestion would work perfectly for normal sonar.
dang nabbit
hmm, i seen a flexi arm for a long type sonar
Long structure/sidescan transducer mount (shown below) Part# RAM-B-316-18-TRA3
slhobie.com.au/images/mounts/RAM-B-316-18-TRA3.jpg
Yes, that is what I use to push the transducer under the hull. The nice thing is that I can rotate it up on the RAM ball when beaching so I do not mess up the installation.
Great video buuuttttt, you don't compress water. Not scientifically possble
Whoops. Wrong word choice. Lol