GPS/Sounder Installation questions

[Tiki35]

Hi Everyone:

I am about to install a new Garmin GPSMap 520s sounder unit (with the new G2 Vision SD card-has anyone tried these yet and have an opinion?) and have a few basic questions. I have a 1991 Bayliner Trophy 2002.

1) Regarding wiring to the the fuse panel, it says to have a 3A fuse on the circuit. My fuse panel uses plug-in type (blade) fuses, and the available connections now have either 10A or 15A fuses, can I just replace one of those with a 3A plug-in fuse or must I install a in-line fuse just before the connection?

2) It is recommended to install the tranducer on the starboard side of the transom, how critical is that? My port side seems to have less wiring and would hopefully provide less interference.

3) Assuming that the starboard side is definitely the way to go, if I had my transducer wire say at least a foot away from the tach wire and other wires etc, would that be far enough away to avoid any interference?

4) The manual says the internal antenna will be able to receive signals through a windshield or thin canvas. My boat already came with a mounted external antenna, can I just use that instead to receive a better unobstructed signal? I know you can't use an old transducer with a new GPS so I just wanted to make sure I can use an older antenna with a new GPS. It is a BNC type connector.

5) Which is desirable for sealing screws in the transom? Marine-Tex or 3M 5200?

Thanks so much,

Mike
Nanoose Bay, BC, Canada

 

[Sorrento 25]

Re: GPS/Sounder Installation questions

If you can't dedicate one circuit on a 3-amp blade fuse to that unit use the inline fuse provided. I've never heard of one side of the transom being pereferable to the other for a transducer installation, and I've never had interference problems due the proximity of my transducer wire to other wires. 5200 is the better sealer for screws.

 

[dingbat]

Re: GPS/Sounder Installation questions

I have an “blade type” block for accessories and yes you can get small amperage blade type fuses. If you can't find them then use the supplied in-line fuse

Transducer should go on the starboard side unless you’re using counter rotating props. The theory is that the prop is pushing water down on that side and that the turbulence is much less than if the prop is pushing water up and into the transducer.

For additional details see http://www.furuno.com/Furuno/Doc/0/BLVCP5SLQMBK5ES16HH3K4MRB4/Transducer%

Most likely if the cables are a foot apart you shouldn’t have any problems. Just make sure that the cables don’t cross at a right angle somewhere along the way.


GPS antennas come in a varying of configurations (i.e. active and passive) and may or may not be interchangabe between units of even the same manufacturer. You’ll need to check with the manufacturer for compatibly issues.

As for the sealer use 4200 fast cure. 5200 is great but is very hard if not impossible to remove should the need arise. 4200 offers the same sealing capacity but can be disassembled if the need arises.

5200 for permanent applications and 4200 for thing that may need removed or replaced in the future.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: GPS/Sounder Installation questions

Transducer should go on the starboard side unless you?re using counter rotating props. The theory is that the prop is pushing water down on that side and that the turbulence is much less than if the prop is pushing water up and into the transducer.

I would think the reason would be that the starboard side is the closest to the head unit mounted near the captain.

Hard to imagine that prop turbulence could be a problem since the prop is far behind the transom.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: GPS/Sounder Installation questions

Just make sure that the cables don?t cross at a right angle somewhere along the way.

This is actually the prefered method of having cables cross...least amount of electronic coupling.

 

[dingbat]

Re: GPS/Sounder Installation questions

I would think the reason would be that the starboard side is the closest to the head unit mounted near the captain.

Hard to imagine that prop turbulence could be a problem since the prop is far behind the transom.

On a small boat it probably isn?t that big of the deal but on a good size boat with lots of ponies bolted on the back it can be an issue. You?re pushing and pulling a lot of water around back there in high HP applications.

 

[tunaguymarlinfisher]

Re: GPS/Sounder Installation questions

The starboard or port installation only matters in a non-straight inboard application ( being transom mount). The reason is cavitation caused by air bubbles moving by the prop. Stbd side is best on standard rotation and most recomend 18" away if possible.
some vhf and am/fm radios will pick up a tick sometimes solved by farite beads on cables if it happens to you, if persists move ground.
Boatlife is also a very good sealant and if you need to remove it won't pull the gelcoat off too.

 

[miswirvin]

Re: GPS/Sounder Installation questions

be careful of the new garmin 500 series. they just had a recall on a few of there 500 series especially on the 540 series. As far as you ant is concern it comes with a built in ant already. The internal ant will work fine on your boat. You be amazed at what those ant can work through. I've worked with the new g2 software whow look out raymarine! Like the tunaguy was saying and also be careful of any throughhulls in front of the xducer (livewell or rawwater) make sure you seal the hole on both sides for the xducer cable and use a clam sell for looks. any questions feel free to ask.

 

[Tiki35]

Re: GPS/Sounder Installation questions

I ended up ordering the GPSMap 525s (higher resolution screen) which I understand is not one of the models that is part of the recall.
I also bought some 3Amp blade fuses so I will put the unit on a dedicated circuit on the fuse block and not use the in-line fuse holder.
I will also mount the tranducer on the starboard side.
I am reading conflicting advice on the positioning of the transducer however. I read some places where it says to place it as close to the centre of the boat as possible and others say to place it 15 to 18 inches from the edge of the prop rotation. Any confirmation advice?
Miswirvin, can you tell me about your experiences/opinions/reviews of the new G2 Vision cards. I hear the difference is like night and day.

I will also be using 3M 4200 fast set for the screws.

Thanks to everyone here for their advice.

Mike

 

[miswirvin]

Re: GPS/Sounder Installation questions

first thing about the location of the transducer I've found in most cases that if the transducer is mounted in the center of the transom in reverse you loose bottom also another thing to think about is to close to the keel and you might damage it. i would say that 15 to 20in away would be best. most manufactures usually recomend the xducer to be mounted on a chine free from anything that would cause cavitation. Be careful of trailer bunks and/or davit bunks To say the g2 chart gives night and day; I cant say that. Your unit if I'm not mistake comes with a built in world map with navaids red and green markers some soundings What it does though is still worth the $300, It allows you to use the mariners eye features (true 3D navigation), gives you pictures of the harbors bridges, better coastline detail information, and autoguidence. Some real neat features. Any more questions feel free to ask. Mike

 

[miswirvin]

Re: GPS/Sounder Installation questions

i talked to my garmin rep about the recall. what they were having was problems with the internal gps ant and cold weather. go figure. go luck with your install.