Install Depth Sounder (in hull) -- what kind?

[vampirefish]

Howdy all. I am looking to buy an indash depth sounder (HDR610 Digital Depth Sounder with Puck Transducer). Should this work sufficiently?<br /><br />Also.... what would be the best way/best place to install this? I have a 1995 Bayliner Capri 2050 i/o. How to I get to my hull to install this?<br /><br />Any advice would be mucho appreciated.

 

[cuzner]

Re: Install Depth Sounder (in hull) -- what kind?

If instaled properly, it should work fine. Best spot to mount it is close to the stern as possible, reason for this is its in an area that always has contact with the water.A good area for you should be under the engine, away from your bilge pump as close to the center line as possible. remember it must lay flat on the bottom, and have no air bubbles in the adhesive.<br /><br /> Jim

 

[QC]

Re: Install Depth Sounder (in hull) -- what kind?

I have this unit and it has been very good. The only time it has been flaky at all was in the muddiest water that you can imagine. Stuff was almost as thick as Chocolate Milk . . It works well even at 50 MPH.<br /><br />I have the puck epoxied in the bilge. Biggest problem I had was the puck slides down toward the very bottom of the Vee if you let it go before the epoxy sets. Thought I was gonna die trying to hold it still curled up in the engine compartment with my hands down under the engine. I recommend you use something to keep it in place once you get it where you want it.<br /><br />I would try and install the puck as low and as far aft as you can go . . . The destructions recommend the same. Not sure what you mean by "get to my hull", but it is as hard as getting to anything under the engine . . . I've got to believe you can at least see into the bilge under there? You just have to figure out how to get a big glob of epoxy down there and keep the puck still . . . It will slide like a snail downhill.

 

[vampirefish]

Re: Install Depth Sounder (in hull) -- what kind?

Thanks for the advice. Regarding, 'my hull', I was meaning where to put this thing! I think I have an idea now...THANKS!

 

[vampirefish]

Re: Install Depth Sounder (in hull) -- what kind?

Hey all, I bought the indash HDR610 Digital Depth Sounder with Puck Transducer! Haven't tried to install yet but fixin' to now. My question is what is the 'best' way to install the gauge in my dash (without damaging my dash)? I have a 95' Bayliner Capri Bowrider. The dash is (of course) plastic. I realize I should try to remove the dash (I can see some screws to do this, I think ). But what is the best tool to use to cut a hole for the gauge? I dont' want to crack or ruin the dash face. Thanks!

 

[KaGee]

Re: Install Depth Sounder (in hull) -- what kind?

Hole saw, but cover the area with masking tape so keep the dash looking good.

 

[vampirefish]

Re: Install Depth Sounder (in hull) -- what kind?

Thanks, KaGee. What about running the wires.... ? Seems like it may be the biggest pain in the a$$. I'm hoping that I can find the others in the harness and easily group the new wire with them. Haven't really looked yet to see how embedded my wiring harness is...

 

[KaGee]

Re: Install Depth Sounder (in hull) -- what kind?

At the worst, you have to run a new pair but there will be 12v at the ignition switch.

 

[erikrs301]

Re: Install Depth Sounder (in hull) -- what kind?

Just installed a Lowrance 334Ci with a shoot-thru-hull transducer in my Trophy 1802. I dropped the trans in the rear just off of centerline. The boat had a small flat area to mount it. I ran the cable using a 50' fish tape from Home Depot (in Electrical) for about $15. Avoid running the cable near other electrical lines to avoid interference.

 

[vampirefish]

Re: Install Depth Sounder (in hull) -- what kind?

Thanks all... so when I wire this... if I just use an empty slot in my fuse box, I can run the power from there, correct? And ground at the box too?

 

[erikrs301]

Re: Install Depth Sounder (in hull) -- what kind?

I'm running mine off the boat's fuse block without a problem. Although I wouldn't suggest sharing the connection with another accessory.

 

[vampirefish]

Re: Install Depth Sounder (in hull) -- what kind?

Hey thanks for this... I do have a power port (for power accessories - like a cig lighter) that I plan on wiring as well... I think I only have 1 open fuse. I was told to go no more than 10a for the depth sounder and 15a for the acc. power. Would it be ok to run the acc. power from another source? If so, which would you suggest?

 

[SeaHorse]

Re: Install Depth Sounder (in hull) -- what kind?

I mounted an angled puck tranducer in the stern and it works great. Humminbird exchanged it for free, shipped to me free. First, make a short cylinder from a plastic glass just bigger than the transducer. Duct tape this to the bottom of the boat from the outside. Make sure there can be no leaks. Mix the epoxy (comes with the Humminbird transducer) and put a big blob in the cylinder and a big blob on the transducer bottom. Set the transducer inside the cylinder, then weight it down with a big socket or similar. It takes a long time to harden so allow two days. Remove the plastic cylinder and you're done.

 

[vampirefish]

Re: Depth Sounder - power accessory??

Re: Depth Sounder - power accessory??

Thanks all so much for your advice! SeaHorse - your advice was awesome! It TOTALLY worked - no headache waiting for it to dry in place! 8)

Ok, so here's my next question:

I installed it all... and it powers on (yahoo)! But (isn't there always?) I hooked it to my fuse panel but the opening that I used keeps it constantly powered ON. I fear that my battery will drain fast, backlit this thing is Humminbird!

In the Humminbird manual it reads "if the unit is wired through a fuse panel, make sure that the panel is powered, as accessory fuse panels are often controlled by a separate switch, or even the ignition switch of the boat".

This is a confusing statement to me... is this saying, hey stupid, make sure it's hooked to the ignition so that it turns off when you turn off your boat? And if this is the case... how do I do that? THANKS

 

[vampirefish]

Re: Install Depth Sounder (in hull) -- what kind?

Ok, well, after leaving it 'on' all night.... after work today I went to start up the boat and didn't have a problem. I do have a switch on my dash 'Accy' that doesn't seem to do anything... like it's an open switch to use, but I can't figure out which open fuse to use for it. I will try all of the remaining open fuses (2 I haven't tried yet) tomorrow morning...that way I can control it... still, any advice would be mucho appreciated.

 

[vampirefish]

Re: Install Depth Sounder (in hull) -- what kind?

Ok, last update... figured out that my 'Accessory' switch was not being used.... and by feel (couldn't see anything cuz it's up there in a hard to reach/see place) was able to hook my depth sounder to the switch, then run another wire from that to my fuse panel.... now I can turn it off and on!! Gives me peace of mind that it won't be draining my battery!!!