NuCanoe sonar rigging

[IgotWood]

I bought a NuCanoe Flint this past winter and I vowed that I would not put electronics on it. Welp, changed my mind. It’s a little sketchy being out in the marshes at night. I know my way around very well, but it is very easy to get turned around wandering through the canals in the dark. 

 

I am considering the YakAttack Cell Block, and a RAM Mount transducer arm, unless anyone has another suggestion. 

[PAbasser927]

I had a side mount transducer arm and disliked it enough that I took on a DIY project I found on another kayak website.  I essentially mounted the transducer to a medium duty CB antenna spring off of my stern.  

 

The the spring flexes and returns to the correct position when I bump into something.  This allows me to keep it permanently mounted... one less thing to fuss with on the water.

 

Having the transducer located on the stern has a few other benefits.  First, the drag that the transducer causes when side mounted is eliminated and allows the kayak to track straight.  Second, I am able to place the transducer just below the surface and still utilize sidescan.  On the arm I had to get the transducer below the hull in order to side scan, which in turn created even more drag.  Third, I don’t bump the mount with my paddle anymore.

 

I had to get creative in finding a way to make a solid mount, but I have been loving it so far.

[J Francho]

The CellBlock is a little bulky, but works.  I put the battery in a small drybag, which is stashed up front, or under the seat, and use the YakAttack Knucklehead and RAM mount for the head unit.  The TD arm is from YakAttack as well.  I don't really have too much issue with the arm and TD dragging, but the Hobie Compass has a rudder and a twin tunnel hull, so it tracks well.

 

[Choporoz]

23 minutes ago, J Francho said:

The CellBlock is a little bulky, but works. 

 

That high bulk/weight concerned me a little, too.  I also put the battery up front, blocked by some closed cell foam packing, Gooped to the inside hull; transducer is behind it (also Gooped) - through-hull; and head is ram-mounted on factory tracks.

[Hawkeye21]

On 9/9/2018 at 3:16 PM, IgotWood said:

I bought a NuCanoe Flint this past winter and I vowed that I would not put electronics on it. Welp, changed my mind. It’s a little sketchy being out in the marshes at night. I know my way around very well, but it is very easy to get turned around wandering through the canals in the dark. 

 

I am considering the YakAttack Cell Block, and a RAM Mount transducer arm, unless anyone has another suggestion. 

I have a Frontier 12 and use the CellBlok and Ram Mount.  It works well.

[IgotWood]

Thank you Hawkeye! I am still weighing the options. CellBlok seems convenient because of its portability. 

[Harold Scoggins]

I use to use the RAM arm, but I'm using the Railblaza now and really like it. Lowers and raises quick and easy.

[LadiMopar]

I didn't want to clutter up my kayak with all that wiring etc., and opted for a Deeper Sonar on a flex arm. Has been tested against most of the big names (Humminbird, Lowrance etc) as equal in performance but it sure is a lot more compact and portable. Rechargeable and runs off your phone or Android tablet. 

 

https://deepersonar.com/uk/en_gb

 

 

 

[IgotWood]

On 9/18/2018 at 11:58 AM, LadiMopar said:

I didn't want to clutter up my kayak with all that wiring etc., and opted for a Deeper Sonar on a flex arm. Has been tested against most of the big names (Humminbird, Lowrance etc) as equal in performance but it sure is a lot more compact and portable. Rechargeable and runs off your phone or Android tablet. 

 

https://deepersonar.com/uk/en_gb

 

 

 

I considered this, but I don’t like having my phone out on the deck. Phones and water don’t mix well. 

[J Francho]

13 hours ago, IgotWood said:

I considered this, but I don’t like having my phone out on the deck. Phones and water don’t mix well. 

Get a Lifeproof Fre case.

[LadiMopar]

On 9/19/2018 at 6:31 PM, IgotWood said:

I considered this, but I don’t like having my phone out on the deck. Phones and water don’t mix well. 

I understand about the phone, which is why I opted for an inexpensive refurbished tablet with a waterproof cover and a leash. Short money, better visibility than the phone and again no clutter. 

 

Been running mine for two seasons now without any water issues, and I made one upgrade to the "system" this year; a portable water resistant battery bank. ($35) which extends my time on the water. On average I could get 6+ hours on a tablet, but the battery gives me several more hours if the bite is really good! ? Battery is about the size of a deck of cards and sits nicely behind the tablet.

 

Whatever you decide on I wish you the best of luck! ????