Lund Bow Sonar Power

[filovirus]

I am considering installing a bow sonar. There is already power cables ran to the bow. I was wondering how best to route the power up to the unit. On the dash, the cords run up behind the unit through a rubber seal. Not sure what this seal is called.

What is recommended for the bow? I don't mind drilling holes as long as it well thought out and safe. If anyone has any pictures, that would help out.

Run it from the bow storage out the front without any new holes drilled?

or

Drill a horizontal hole in the wood where the sonar is and run it up?

or

Drill a vertical hole to the right of the bow front storage (to the right of the buttoned cover) and use a plug system.

Thanks,

Filo

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: Lund Bow Sonar Power

I'm assuming this regards your new 2011 Lund 1750 Tyee.

One of the nice features about Lund boats is the SporTrak system which pretty much negates the need to ever drill holes to mount accessories. You're probably already planning on using a SporTrak bracket for your sonar, but wondering how best to run the wiring to the unit. There will probably be two wires, one for power and one for the sonar data cable.

As it happens, I did the same project last year on our Fisherman. When in use, the wires to our sonar simply go through the large opening provided by the canvas cover in front of the bow storage area. To keep things tidy, there's enough slack in the wiring to route between the snaps on the canvas and keep the cover shut. When not in use, the sonar unit unsnaps from the sonar mount on the SporTrak bracket and it along with its wires go back into the storage area.

You probably don't need help with the bracket, but in case others see this and are curious, here is how a simple "L" bracket purchased from Home Depot worked on a blank SporTrak bracket for our bow-mounted sonar unit:

The long roundish part came with the sonar. There is an identical round "button" on the other side which, when the two are squeezed together, allow for the sonar/fishfinder to be installed or released:

While I drilled two holes in the "L" bracket to mount the sonar base, I only used one with a nut and bolt. That allows for the sonar to be twisted from side to side when fishing:

View from underneath:

Also, if I recall, your boat came with a MinnKota trolling motor that probably has a built-in sending unit for the sonar, so then it's just a matter of finding the correct adapter cable for your sonar/fishfinder.

 

[filovirus]

Re: Lund Bow Sonar Power

Thanks Navy. I had forgotten about using the sporttrak. I just need to go pick up the cables, a blank sport trak, an L and I am set.

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: Lund Bow Sonar Power

Lund usually ships two SporTrack brackets with the boat when it leaves the factory. They're kind of pricey at about $27. Try double checking your glove box or other storage areas. If not found, it might be worth a call to your dealer.