Depth Finder on plastic boat?

[Kozak]

I don't know if there's already been a description on how to do this on here, if there was then I couldn't find it.  I'm trying to attatch a Eagle Cuda depth finder on my 10' Bass Hunter ABS plastic boat.  I'm not sure how to attatch the screen mount.  From what I understand, the transducer can be attatched to the TM with steel hose clamps, so that shouldn't be a problem. I'm just wondering about drilling into the plastic in order to mount the screen...?

I've never used or owned a depth finder before so this is all new to me. Thanks for any help.

[NEBassMan]

i used self tapping lag bolt type bolts to mount mine, just put a bead of silicone on the threads then screwed them through the plastic.  worked great and the silicone kept the water out.  my plastic boat looked a little different than yours, it had solid sides that were about 4" or 5" wide on top so there was plenty of room to mount the holder.

Jason

[KU_Bassmaster.]

I just leave mine loose and stick it in back corner.  Easy enough to see when I want to see it and it out of the way and not.  Also movable wherever you want to put it.  I was always put holes in the boat :-/

[jfowler]

make a template of the cupholder compartment out of cardboard and cut you a 3/4 inch thick peice of plywood to fit and mount the screen to it and then you can hide the wires under the wood. works great for me

[huskertko]

I have the same situation, i am afraid of drilling holes in the boat so mine is like KU's, just sitting loose on the edge, but I just about kicked it in the water twice last night so I need to come up with something else.  I am going to try to put some industrial strength velcro on the boat and the bottom of the DF screen just to see if it works.  If it does, I will let you know.

[Kozak]

thanks everyone

Huskertko, I was thinking the same thing with the velcro. At least it would be a bit harder to kick in  ;D

[KU_Bassmaster.]

I tell myself all the time I was going to do the velcro thing.  Just never have gotten around to it.

I also flirted with the idea of making a deck and mounting it on that when I am fishing solo.  I made a cardboard cut out and put it in place before I went through the trouble and expense of making the deck for real.  I didn't like the room it took up so I decided against it.

[DAH]

Since you have the front transom open, get an old trollin motor and leave the motor base on the shaft with the base plastic at the top of the shaft. Set your FF or screw it into the plastic at the top and tie your transducer to the troll motor base. This way you can remove it and its in front of you on the front transom high enough to see at all times. I have seen a ton of old trollers on old boats. Repair shops are good for it. If you offer them $20 for the old troller they will take it.

[jhoffman]

Not sure why you would attach the transducer to the TM. Mount that thing permanently. I just put a new fish finder in my boat two days ago. I didnt want to drill through the transom so I used epoxy to affix it. Its not going anywhere. I don't even know why they recommend that attaching to the TM as an option. If you clearly read the install directions they want the transducer a MINIMUM of 15" from any kind of prop wash. I think you will get all sorts of mixed signals.

What I would do is epoxy the transducer to the back, find where you want your screen and epoxy it to the side by your seat. There is enough adjustment on them you should be able to get it to your viewing preference with the mounting bracket being vertical. ... ZERO screws!!!!!

[jemackinnon83]

It's good to permanently mount the transducer if you've got a trailer.  But if you'll be dragging the boat on the ground to and from your truck then on the TM is the way to go.  I've got a 12 ft jon boat and no trailer, I mounted the transducer to the transom with bolts and wing nuts to make it easily removable for transport, but it's still kind of a hassle putting it on and off every time I put it in the water.