Fish Depth finder install for Jon Boat

[Shawn OConnor]

I thought I would take some pics as I was going along. Hopefully, this will help with some like me searching for answers. Again, this is where I started with my 12' tracker topper Jon Boat.

[Shawn OConnor]

Next I attached some softening thingies (technical term) to the bottom of the mount for the fish finder to help limit vibration.  You can use many different things but these can be found at any hardware store.

[Shawn OConnor]

Packaging.

[Shawn OConnor]

Then I found a good spot where I could reach and easily see the unit.  Luckily, I had some screws because they weren't supplied.  

[Shawn OConnor]

Then I attached a half inch thick good quality outdoor wood (12x5) to the  inside of the boat.  This is to help with sealing the screws for the transducer mounted on the outside.  I sealed it with marine grade sealant.  Oh, and I added a much need cup holder for the back of the rear seat.  

[endless]

Then I found a good spot where I could reach and easily see the unit. Luckily, I had some screws because they weren't supplied.

thats the same depth finder i just bought from gander mountain off of elmont.

yea those cup holders are nice i bought those cheap hangover cupholders well they didnt work well.

[Shawn OConnor]

Next, I drilled the hole to run the wire for the transducer.  You can take it over the back of the boat but I wanted a cleaner look.  I also took it close to the handle so I could zip tie it and still be able to use the handle if needed.  You'll see that in a later pic.  

[Shawn OConnor]

Next, I mounted the transducer using plenty of sealant to be extra conscious of leaking. I also sealed the board on the inside of the transom.

[Shawn OConnor]

After I ran the wire for the transducer through the hole, I had to drill a few other holes as seen here to secure the wire with zip ties.  

[Shawn OConnor]

I used a coat hanger to run the wires through the side of the seats to keep them out of the way and clean.  I also had to extend the power wire to run it to the back of the boat.  

[Shawn OConnor]

Another look at the wires with zip ties.  

[Shawn OConnor]

I connected the wires to my battery and she fired right up.  Now we'll see if I still float.

[Shawn OConnor]

Another look from the front of the boat. I'm not completely done with the wires yet but they're in there for now.  

[Shawn OConnor]

Last, I added these clips for easy attachment to the battery.  That's it.  I hope this helps.  Like I said, hopefully it still floats.  Took about 1.5 hours in the heat outside in my backyard.  Any comments or suggestions are welcome.  

[Shawn OConnor]

thats the same depth finder i just bought from gander mountain off of elmont.

yea those cup holders are nice i bought those cheap hangover cupholders well they didnt work well.

Have you used it yet?

[endless]

thats the same depth finder i just bought from gander mountain off of elmont.

yea those cup holders are nice i bought those cheap hangover cupholders well they didnt work well.

Have you used it yet?

yea but it was defective so i took it back. half the screen was black. annd screws to mounting bracket didnt hold well so the transducer moved around so i couldnt get a good reading either, i just got the other i probably mount it again this weekend.

[CGH]

Nice Work. Add More Holes!!!  :'( I could never do that to my boat. I just cant add holes!

Have a question for you. How are the clamp-on Jon Boat Seat base. I saw them at Wally World last night for $28. Do they hold well or do they have to be re-tighten all the time.

[Shawn OConnor]

They hold well.  Even my friend who's around 215 moved around in them a ton with no issues.  I tighten them every few times.  

[broncoboxer]

They hold well. Even my friend who's around 215 moved around in them a ton with no issues. I tighten them every few times.

You think they would mount effectively to a standard 36 qt Coleman cooler?  Like the one in the link below:

http://www.rei.com/product/687914?cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-687914&mr:trackingCode=15754FFE-FB85-DE11-B7F3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA

[Shawn OConnor]

I doubt it.  If you were just sitting upright and not moving, it might be OK.  You would have to secure the mounts to the inside of the cooler really well.