Title: Kayak Depthfinder Install
Post by: FlatsNBay on March 11, 2024, 01:26:29 PM
Post by: FlatsNBay on March 11, 2024, 01:26:29 PM
First off, I got a Garmin Echomap UHD2 53cv depthfinder which comes with a 5 inch screen. I looked at bigger screens but wanted something small and more out of the way while fishing. The 5" screen was perfect for what I was looking for.
The reason for going with the Garmin Echomap is that the mapping is very good with all the Echomap models. The Echomap comes pre loaded with Navionics inland lakes and also has the ability to make my own maps with the Garmin Quick Draw feature. I'm very excited about mapping out some of my little ponds and rock pits.
I purchased a YakAttack fish finder mount that easily attaches to any track system. The mount is easily maneuverable up and down and back and forth in a variety of positions. The mount can be quickly removed and attached by a quick mount.
Wiring up the depthfinder was very easy but yet nerve racking. Drilling holes into a boat can be very scary. Measure a hundred times and cut once!
Fortunately Old Town Sportsman kayaks come with a transducer mount that hides and protects the transducer in a channel in the hull. The Garmin transducer bracket sits the transducer just a tad too low for my liking so I purchased a special Garmin Old Town bracket from Navarre Kayak Fishing that tucks the transducer higher and protects it better when sliding the kayak into or out of the truck or water.
Next, I ran the transducer cable up the scupper hole and drilled my first 1" hole into the front compartment. A YakAttck wiring grommet covered the hole in a professional looking way.
Next I ran both the transducer cable and power cable to the port side of the boat and drilled a second hole with another YakAttck grommet.
I powered up the Garmin with a YakAttck Nocqua 10 amp battery in the forward compartment. Powered everything up and it works great!
The reason for going with the Garmin Echomap is that the mapping is very good with all the Echomap models. The Echomap comes pre loaded with Navionics inland lakes and also has the ability to make my own maps with the Garmin Quick Draw feature. I'm very excited about mapping out some of my little ponds and rock pits.
I purchased a YakAttack fish finder mount that easily attaches to any track system. The mount is easily maneuverable up and down and back and forth in a variety of positions. The mount can be quickly removed and attached by a quick mount.
Wiring up the depthfinder was very easy but yet nerve racking. Drilling holes into a boat can be very scary. Measure a hundred times and cut once!
Fortunately Old Town Sportsman kayaks come with a transducer mount that hides and protects the transducer in a channel in the hull. The Garmin transducer bracket sits the transducer just a tad too low for my liking so I purchased a special Garmin Old Town bracket from Navarre Kayak Fishing that tucks the transducer higher and protects it better when sliding the kayak into or out of the truck or water.
Next, I ran the transducer cable up the scupper hole and drilled my first 1" hole into the front compartment. A YakAttck wiring grommet covered the hole in a professional looking way.
Next I ran both the transducer cable and power cable to the port side of the boat and drilled a second hole with another YakAttck grommet.
I powered up the Garmin with a YakAttck Nocqua 10 amp battery in the forward compartment. Powered everything up and it works great!
Title: Re: Kayak Depthfinder Install
Post by: FlatsNBay on March 11, 2024, 01:27:47 PM
Post by: FlatsNBay on March 11, 2024, 01:27:47 PM
More pics.
Title: Re: Kayak Depthfinder Install
Post by: Donald Garner on March 11, 2024, 02:46:41 PM
Post by: Donald Garner on March 11, 2024, 02:46:41 PM
Flats, the setup looks great. Tks for sharing the install with us. Tight lines during your next outing ;)
Title: Re: Kayak Depthfinder Install
Post by: Princeton_Man on March 12, 2024, 04:51:53 AM
Post by: Princeton_Man on March 12, 2024, 04:51:53 AM
Very clean installation Steve! ~c~
You're qoing to love that QuickDraw mapping feature!
You're qoing to love that QuickDraw mapping feature!
Title: Re: Kayak Depthfinder Install
Post by: Smallie_Stalker on March 12, 2024, 08:20:47 AM
Post by: Smallie_Stalker on March 12, 2024, 08:20:47 AM
You did an excellent job! Looks very professional. 
Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Kayak Depthfinder Install
Post by: J.W. on March 12, 2024, 12:08:14 PM
Post by: J.W. on March 12, 2024, 12:08:14 PM
Nice work. Looks like a nice out-of-the-way mount for the graph, too.
Title: Re: Kayak Depthfinder Install
Post by: Hobious on March 14, 2024, 02:55:21 PM
Post by: Hobious on March 14, 2024, 02:55:21 PM
that battery. dont run it down like they suggest. i have had 3 of them, and they never survive the total run down.
(ALL) mine only charge to 12.11 volts max. super annoying. brand new, they held 12.46 volts easily.
(ALL) mine only charge to 12.11 volts max. super annoying. brand new, they held 12.46 volts easily.
Title: Re: Kayak Depthfinder Install
Post by: FlatsNBay on March 14, 2024, 03:41:00 PM
Post by: FlatsNBay on March 14, 2024, 03:41:00 PM
Thanks for the advice
Title: Re: Kayak Depthfinder Install
Post by: Hobious on March 29, 2024, 08:40:30 AM
Post by: Hobious on March 29, 2024, 08:40:30 AM
man..I am looking for the Garmin UHD 73sv. not easy unless I want to pay full retail. I like how I can use for now, and expand to Forward Facing if fishing gets really difficult for me :D
I want the lake maps, not the ocean. my Hobie is teamed up with Lowrance, so their finders literally drop in, but I think I can over engineer a Garmin install.
I want the lake maps, not the ocean. my Hobie is teamed up with Lowrance, so their finders literally drop in, but I think I can over engineer a Garmin install.
Title: Re: Kayak Depthfinder Install
Post by: FlatsNBay on March 29, 2024, 11:04:21 AM
Post by: FlatsNBay on March 29, 2024, 11:04:21 AM
I know the larger Garmin UHD units are compatible with forward facing sonar so in the long run, it might be cheaper. I've run all of the different manufacturers over the years and everyone makes a great product. I would of went with Hunninbird again for the kayak but they required their extra mapping card ($100) for creating maps. With the Garmin UHD units, the quick draw mapping is included at no extra charge. Sold!
Check Hodges Marine when you get ready. I saved $150 purchasing though them.
Check Hodges Marine when you get ready. I saved $150 purchasing though them.