Kayak Transducer?

[Hi Salenity]

I am getting a Kayak Tomorrow. It's used but it's just like this one. http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4002650&cp=4406646.4413993.4417832

So I'm thinking I'll want a fish finder and wanted to know how/where to mount the Transducer? I did some searching and found a small 12v battery but I am still open to look at other Batteries.

I am thinking I'll take the fish finder off my boat and put it on the sik and get another finder for the boat .

[B-Dozer]

I have used a couple different methods on different kayaks, both work well. One is to use a suction cup mount and stick it to the side of the kayak as low as possible (keep it level). Just be careful when you get near shore or any obstructions to avoid damage to the transducer.

Another method is a shoot through the hull idea. I took a plastic soup container, like you get from a Chinese restaurant. Cut the bottom out of it. Use a product called Plumber's Goop to glue it to the floor ( I put it behind me on a Wilderness systems SI kayak). When it sets up, it will be watertite, mount the transducer to the lid of the container. Fill the container with water, set the top/transducer in the water. You can easily take it out to take it home/inside. This method works better for me because I was always bouncing the suction cup deal off rocks/stumps or whatever. The transducer has no problem shooting through the hull.

J Franco might have some ideas, or know of a mount you can buy, I just like the safety of mounting it out of harms way.

[Glenn]

Or you can try this: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/lowrance-video.html

[B-Dozer]

Pretty neat Glenn. but it does leave the transducer exposed to damage, op has a si kayak, besides. If I had a so kayak I might be giving it a try.

[J Francho]

http://www.kayakbassfishing.com/kbfbb3/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=5093

http://www.kayakbassfishing.com/kbfbb3/viewtopic.php?f=65&t=11661

http://www.kayakbassfishing.com/kbfbb3/viewtopic.php?f=65&t=11521

http://www.kayakbassfishing.com/kbfbb3/viewtopic.php?f=65&t=9937

[J Francho]

Pretty neat Glenn. but it does leave the transducer exposed to damage, op has a si kayak, besides. If I had a so kayak I might be giving it a try.

The scuppers on most SOT are in a recessed channel, or at least ride higher than the keel in the water. On my OK PBG, the TD sticks out a bit, and has been scratched up pretty well. No issues with getting a good signal:

[B-Dozer]

OP's link shows a si kayak

that swing down deal J Franco shows looks pretty cool

[J Francho]

OP's link shows a si kayak

Yes, he said it once, and you've said it twice.

That's why I posted links to SIT IN installations.

Most guys regret the swing arm install. It gets in the way.

[B-Dozer]

Well not to be a smart **** J. But after 3 times SOT options keep on coming up.

[J Francho]

B-dozer, you are going to have to learn to accept some topic drift. This is a fishing forum, not a police investigation. Not only did I address the OP's question, I also addressed your criticism of the device Glenn linked. Any questions?

And most posts that start out "not to be a ...," "no offense, but....," "not sound like a jerk, but...," almost ALWAYS come off sounding like that anyway.

[Hi Salenity]

Thanks EVERYONE for the help and the ideas and Francho thanks to the link to the Kayak forum. That said could I silicone the heck out of it on the INSIDE the hull and let it shoot through the hull?

If I can do the cup of watter idea couldn't I replace the watter with Silicone?

I just looked at the Link and answered my own question.

[Hi Salenity]

I also saw some use 8 AA rechargeable batteries I may go that route?

[J Francho]

You want to use either GOOP! or Lexell to glue it in. I haven't heard how those putty installs are holding up. I have a buddy that does the "wet mount" with the cup and water...works, but it seems like more trouble than it's worth.

[SimonSays]

For what it's worth, I have used the straight lexel/goop method, wet well, and transducer arm methods and I have to say by far the easiest is the lexel/goop. Just put a blob of it and press straight down, don't turn it on til it sets and viola. Done.

The wet well method is a bit more difficult to pull off and produces the same results (any difference, if at all, wasn't noticeable by me). If you have more than one kayak I would choose this method so that you can swap transducers between them. It's not as "permanent" as the lexel/goop.

The transducer arm method is BY FAR the most inconvenient. I have to use one to utilize my Side Imaging Humminbird. The hassle isn't installing it, the trouble is what it does to your kayak when you have it down. The extra drag the thing creates is very noticeable. A rudder will help compensate, but it's still an annoyance. At "higher" speed (relative to a kayak) it tends to start rising up out of the water. Well, "Just put it up" you say? those darn fish finder things don't work too well when you're stationary!

go goop/lexel