There are many brands of fish finders and many ways of installing them. There are also many different transducers on the market with anchors of all types.
Below is an example of how to install a LOWRANCE Elite 4X on an Alboran (2015). The support for this transducer is designed for a boat but still can be used for a kayak. Here we look at an easy and inexpensive way of adding the transducer into it's compartment.
If you often paddle in shallow areas, where there's risk of rocks or use a larger size transducer, we strongly advise you to use a traditional installation (fitting it inside the kayak). A transducer installed on the exterior of the kayak is always at risk of direct blows and scratches.
If you have any questions on the type of installation for your needs, or have any questions about how to install a fishfinder, you can contact our technical department on:
Tel: +34 653580696
Email: postventas@galaxykayaks.eu
Installing a fishfinder on a Galaxy Alboran kayak using the G-Track method
1) Start by opening the box and laying everything out so that it's nice and visible and make sure nothing is missing.
2) In addition to the Fishfinder we also need: a 12V battery, charger, cable glands, faston terminals, and nautical silicone. All this material is included when we do your installation (see accessories services).
3) To use the G-track installation we need to cut a third from the grommet to accommodate the three wires of the probe.
4) We drill a hole of 20mm right in the middle of the two g-star mounts on the front of the Alboran just below the G-track. This hole is the same size as the base of the cable
5) Pass all the cables the the scupper hole so that the transducer is below the kayak and then go through the hole for the battery cables to remain inside the hull while the plugs to the fishfinder remain outside.
6) Put the cables in line with the grommet holes. Now seal using a decent amount of marine silicone and screw the grommet to the hull. (We recommend pre-drilling points for the screws to fit at the desired points).
7) Allow to dry without moving the kayak too much
8) Screw the base of the fishfinder to the G-track using the central anchors in the middle and move the four G-stars so that they are on either side of the middle.
9) The anchor of the transducer which comes standard with Lowrance is designed for boats and is quite large. The simplest and cost effective solution we found is to use a simple steel or aluminium angle. Ideally, the hollow screw that is anchored to the transducer is as low as possible in the angle. This way the transducer is protected as much as possible.
It's important not to seal the scupper holes with silicone as they need to still work so that no water can get in.
The transducer compartment is designed to help protect the transducer and helps the kayak maintain its aerodynamic shape. You still need to be careful while kayaking as the transducer can still receive direct blows and scratches.
10) Now it's time to place the battery. Faston terminals are found at the end of the cables to the battery. The easiest placement of the battery for this type of installation is in the front hatch of the kayak. Make a small hole in the splash bag found in the front hatch of the kayak. The battery goes inside an airtight bag and then inside the splash bag. Also you can hang the battery on the tip of the bow of the kayak in a special bag designed for this purpose or in an airtight box.
IMPORTANT: remember to connect red terminal to red cable and black to black. If you do it the other way it will affect your fishfinder and it's not covered by warranty.
11) Plug in the battery, plug in the probe, place the transducer is its horizontal position and enjoy the adventure!
