Mounting a Lowrance Active Imaging 3in1 Transducer to an Old Town Autopilot 136 kayak. It Works!!

[@glennnewell2786]

This video helped me so much . I installed mine the weekend. Thanks for your time

[@CatchingFins]

Glad to hear it worked good for you like so many others. Enjoy!

[@dr.jamesmenard2591]

I followed your KZbin video on the installation of the Lowrance transducer worked great, thank you so much helped me out as I could not find anyone to install it!

[@CatchingFins]

Dr. James Menard thanks for the message! I’m so glad the video was able to help you. It’s a great setup for sure.

[@stevehogan8829]

Thank you, thank you. I ordered mine without checking this first. So Happy to see how you did this. Certainly been a help for me.

[@CatchingFins]

So glad it helped you. Appreciate you letting me know. Enjoy!

[@stevehogan8829]

@@CatchingFins Yep, returned the Hook Rreveal, Ordered this particular unit. Was able to find one after much searching. I have thew 120 AutoPilot. I've had the auto pilot for over 3 years now. You still using yours with this unit or have you moved on?

[@CatchingFins]

I’m still using it. Had it out just the other day marking schools of fish. Still working good for me!

[@experimentalfishing1292]

I just got a Big Water pdl and I hated how my Lowrance transducer fit....you just made my day...thank you

[@CatchingFins]

I love comments like this! So glad the video helped you out.

[@justinbilodeau8137]

Hey experimental fishing I have a predator PDL and I’ve got one of these on the way, did this install work well for you? I can’t tell how different the space is if it is at all from his autopilot.

[@experimentalfishing1292]

@@justinbilodeau8137 it did....just install everything opposite to what the plans say( if that makes sense) you are going to have to drill holes in the mounting bracket but it's no big deal. it's a snug fit. I just got a through hull mounting kit for the wires. I just gotta wait for the snow to melt.

[@justinbilodeau8137]

@@experimentalfishing1292 awesome, I’ve got everything on its way to run wires, build batter box and mount the finder. I’m behind this year. I should already be out catching bigs

[@glennnewell2786]

Wow you helped me a lot now I know it will work. Thanks for your time

[@CatchingFins]

I’m glad this helps you. Exactly why I took the time to make the video. Appreciate the comment sir!

[@vlowe4708]

I bought the lowrance bracket for my garmin echomap transducer . I had to drill mounting holes in the bracket for mounting the transducer. I used the trolling motor bracket supplied with the garmin transducer as a template for marking the holes. Followed your suggestions for the remainder of the installation. Thanks. Haven't tested it on the water yet.

[@CatchingFins]

I like your ingenuity! I hope it works out perfect for you, that’s a great unit.

[@jasonhammond6240]

Awesome video, I was worried about the same thing and you figured it out for me...trying to set up my 106 Minn Kota, thanks!

[@CatchingFins]

Glad I could help. Enjoy that 106, it’s an awesome kayak!

[@Chris351971]

Thank you for posting.. your idea worked perfect on my bass boat

[@CatchingFins]

Glad to hear that!

[@snidedog2004]

Thank you so much for posting! I subbed your channel, we share a passion for similar hobbies!!

[@CatchingFins]

Awesome! Thanks so much, I appreciate that.

[@AmbitiousAnglerFishing]

Thanks for this video! I have a Lowrance HDS 7 coming in a couple of days and are looking for ways to mount it to my Old Town bigwater 132 PDL.

[@CatchingFins]

Hopefully this will help!

[@AmbitiousAnglerFishing]

I'm sure it will! Thanks again!

[@MrBassTV]

Excellent video. Very helpful. Thank you

[@CatchingFins]

Thank you! Very happy that it helped you

[@2olvets443]

Came close to getting one but got the Garmin as a Christmas present from wife and one of my sons.

[@CatchingFins]

I came close to getting the Garmin until I found a guy selling this one at a great price that he won in a tournament.

[@georgekobitzsr7032]

In the question asked below by the 120AP owner Larry Newberry, could you explain clearly exactly what you both are speaking of, as in approx 2 weeks I'll be getting the O.T. Sportsman MK136 and the Lowrance Elite FS to install the 3in1 transducer. I'm assuming routing the xducer cable isn't breaking (drilling/cutting into) the hull water-tight integrity. Thanks GREATLY too for the video, appreciate the solution & trust from you in its installation, and especially since you've used & tested it with absolutely no problems or negative weaknesses from its performance.

[@CatchingFins]

The thru Hull hole that Old Town provides is about 1/8” too small. It just needs to be reamed out a tiny bit to fit the Lowrance cable through it. Super simple.

[@HazLife]

Awesome vid this is gonna def come in handy

[@CatchingFins]

Sweet doggy. You get one??

[@Captain_Kdawg]

Awesome video man I’ve got the same transducer and about to pull the trigger on the autopilot. I was worried my current FF set up wouldn’t fit being Lowrance. I also got the active target as well!

[@Captain_Kdawg]

Also with it tucked up that far does it hinder the side imaging??

[@CatchingFins]

@Captain_Kdawg I have not noticed any hindrance in the SI. Been working just fine and clear for me. But I mainly use DI on the lake I fish most due to the deeper water I troll in.

[@Captain_Kdawg]

@@CatchingFins I gotcha yea I fish mainly more shallow

[@Captain_Kdawg]

@@CatchingFinsone more question. Fishing the ends of the cabels up through hull connectors on the autopilot the connectors went through ok?

[@CatchingFins]

@Captain_Kdawg Nope. You will have to widen hole in hull a tiny bit and the triangle cover will been to be cut between 2 points to slip cable through since cable connections are too wide. But when you reattach the triangle piece it will go on good and that one cut will not be a problem

[@judchappell3073]

Do you have a video of your complete install after your transducer solution? I've got an Autopilot 136 and just purchased the Lowrance Elite 9 Ti2 tonight. Would be great to actually see your complete install. Thanks.

[@CatchingFins]

Sorry I did not make a video of that. Email me at [e-mail] and I will send you a few pics on how I set it up. Some of that may be able to be seen on my walkthrough video of the kayak too I believe.

[@randybrifnek9731]

Thanks for the ideas. Turning the bracket over is a great idea. This worked really well on the Old Town 106mk. Did you have to make any adjustments after your first trip on the water? Mine is level front to back and side to side, and was wondering if I may need to adjust that. Now I just need to see if that big plug will fit through the pre-drilled holes. Thanks again.

[@CatchingFins]

No adjustments were needed. You just have to try it on your to see how your boat sits on the water with gear. As for the transducer plug, you will need to widen the hole a slight bit. But not so much that the stock hole covers won’t fit back. Will have to make a cut in one side of the triangle cover to slip cord through but then it will go back together good and fit back.

[@randybrifnek9731]

@@CatchingFins Thanks for the quick reply and the info on the hole and triangle cover. I’ll be finishing it up this afternoon after lunch.

[@CatchingFins]

@@randybrifnek9731 Cool. It should go well. Let me know if I can help with anything else.

[@bliss05_]

have a few questions! did mounting it so high up affect any of the side imaging? and were you apple to fit the head of wire that plugs into the Transducer, through the pre drilled holes on the kayak already? thanks!

[@CatchingFins]

No problem with side imaging, mine has been working good. As for the pre-drilled hole, I did have to widen it just a slight bit to fit plug through.

[@bliss05_]

do you also know what size bit and kind of bit it was you used to make it bigger?

[@CatchingFins]

Sorry I can’t remember. Only needs to be about 1/8” bigger. I really think I just used a small bit and moved in circular motion around hole to slowly widen it a small amount until it fit.

[@Cowboysniper]

Thank you for the video helped me a lot

[@CatchingFins]

Glad to hear that. Thanks!

[@ebritt730]

Is the pre-drilled hole under the motor mount too small?

[@CatchingFins]

Just barely. Only have to widen a tiny bit but not enough to keep you from remounting the stock thru hull mount. Those pre-drill screw holes will still be there after widening it.

[@Jooshywooshy]

How did you get the transducer connection through the hull?

[@CatchingFins]

Had to slightly widen the hole in the hull. Doesn’t need much but will need to be widened a bit.

[@johnandersen4036]

Need a video on the hoist system its cool

[@CatchingFins]

Good idea! I may do one someday.

[@georgekobitzsr7032]

For running the transducer cable, is the hole at the front scupper hole ? thanks.

[@CatchingFins]

I used the one that Old town provides behind the metal bracket that holds the trolling motor

[@AmbitiousAnglerFishing]

How did you find the side scan readings? Any issues with range in port and starboard?

[@CatchingFins]

No issues at all. Works great for me

[@AmbitiousAnglerFishing]

@@CatchingFins perfect!

[@richardkelley266]

I've a question about the install; totally flipping the bracket that holds that actual transducer leaves a metal shield around the forward part of the transducer, have you noticed it distorting any of the displays?

[@CatchingFins]

No, I have not noticed any distortion.

[@BrianClunie]

Thank you for sharing, I just subscribed!

[@CatchingFins]

Brian Clunie thanks, I appreciate it!

[@rmccaul59]

I have the Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, and the plug is huge it doesn't fit through the plastic or the hole in kayak what did you do did you use the plastic with the foam inside I was thinking oof just slicing it open till I get the wire through I may be crazy glue it closed again by the way the video was great a real big help

[@CatchingFins]

I just made a cut in that plastic to open it up and slip transducer cord it then relplace foam. When you screw it back to the kayak it will stay together. You will have to widen the hole in the kayak just a smidge. Doesn’t need much but will be necessary. If you do just enough, that stock plastic piece with foam insert will still work.

[@rmccaul59]

@@CatchingFins thanks for all the help all finished just going to test it out in the water I cut the plastic with the tinsnips and went right back together thanks again

[@CatchingFins]

Awesome! Thanks for letting me know it worked for you too. Glad I was able to help.

[@brazenmorris4441]

Are you having to cut the kayak scupper hole?

[@CatchingFins]

Not any scupper hole cutting but you will probably need to slightly widen the thru-hull hole Old Town has there already for the wire. It’s about 1/16th to 1/8” too small. Really easy to widen it a tiny bit to fit the transducer connector through.

[@georgekobitzsr7032]

With it fully installed at that bow 'dug-out' location and out on the waters at +/- 3 mph, did you experience any air-bubbles problem (cavitation) around the transducer causing screen imaging distortions ? Thanks, finding your installation procedure very helpful.

[@CatchingFins]

Not at all, my pics have been crystal clear even when running full speed. Glad the video helps!

[@MonowarHossainPalash]

How did u pass the transducer cable . Mine doesn’t pass through hDS 9

[@CatchingFins]

I had to slightly widen the hole in the hull to get cable through

[@MonowarHossainPalash]

@@CatchingFins I was thinking the same

[@torress1976]

Will the 3 extra holes you made will water go in the kayak

[@CatchingFins]

Nope. Doesn’t go all the way through the hull so all is good.

[@torress1976]

Will a lowrance hook reveal fit on a old town big water 132...

[@CatchingFins]

@torress1976 Not sure. I don’t have either of those to know

[@torress1976]

When you install the fish finder is it lower then the kayak or is it a bit tucked in

[@CatchingFins]

@torress1976 if you are referring to the transducer, it is a but tucked up in that area so not lower than the kayak but not far up so it doesn’t interfere with the side imaging

[@bgarcia856]

Thanks for the video! I ordered a new transducer and power cable and I’m re-purposing my boat fish finder. But what did you do for thru hauls? These Lowrance plugs are massive I got them through the haul but not the through haul fittings.

[@CatchingFins]

I just put a slit in the fitting, slipped cord through out and mounted it. The fitting will still attach properly with a cut in one of the sides.

[@jego2755]

Does that affect the side scan at all?

[@CatchingFins]

Side scan works great mounted this way.

[@MonsterChuck]

Where and what deal were you able to find? I am currently on the hunt but am leaning towards Garmin Echomap sv7 for the touch and 1.2MHz. I did look at this Lowerance and really liked the app where you could mirror what is on the sonar. Would be great while my wife is out fishing in her kayak. Side question... where about in MO are you? Think I might have seen a similar kayak on the water the other day. I am just East of KC.

[@CatchingFins]

I found a guy selling one who won it in a tournament so only paid $800 and it was brand new in box. Super happy with it because it has great screen resolution compared to other 7” models and now finding how much I’m liking the “fish reveal” feature. So much easier to see fish now. I’m down south in Springfield.

[@davidstemm9059]

Awesome! I subbed. How do you like the OT 136? In the process of getting one now

[@CatchingFins]

I absolutely love this kayak still. I’m much more willing to tackle certain bigger waters that I would never do in a different platform. Zero regrets on my choice.

[@SpotlockBros]

Does this install affect the imaging at all ?

[@CatchingFins]

Not at all. Works just fine for me.

[@andregonzalez8500]

Hey was it ever a problem after all with the bow rise you mentioned in the video? Reason I ask is because I just did a similar style lowrance triple shot transducer install on my top water 120 pdl. The flat part of my transducer lays all the way flat against the bottom of the hull and in the same place you did yours. Just hope it's not a problem because mine ended up higher since I used a few dabs of silicone adhesive and just laid it flat on the hull with the bracket flange recessing into the scupper hole. I just hope it doesnt create a problem due to an air gap or bubbles of air around the transducer when Im trolling. Thanks and much appreciate any feedback.

[@CatchingFins]

I’ve had no problem at all. Nice clear imaging even at full speed

[@justinbilodeau8137]

Do you have the specs on the bolts you used to mount the transducer?

[@CatchingFins]

It’s in the video about the 5:20 mark

[@justinbilodeau8137]

@@CatchingFins 10/4 didn’t remember that part. I’ll go back to it!

[@CatchingFins]

No problem! Hope it helps.

[@ablev19]

Does it effect the sidescan any being so far up?

[@CatchingFins]

Not at all. Sidescan working perfectly. The width of that channel makes it possible

[@adivulpe1]

What hoist system do you have there?

[@CatchingFins]

Harken hoister

[@Dave-jo1hf]

I didn't bow mount my transducer. I'm using a track mount and flipping it over the side. Reason for me is when I beach the kayak I like to run it up as far as it will go. I don't have to worry about the rocks and sand tearing up the transducer.

[@CatchingFins]

That’s understandable and one way to definitely do it. So far I’ve beached mine plenty of times without issue since the transducer is tucked up there well with my mounting solution.

[@Dave-jo1hf]

@@CatchingFins Your were able to tuck it in as far up and away as possible in my opinion. Great job!

[@CatchingFins]

Thank you.

[@HooksandHammocks]

Thought I subbed a LONG time ago.....sorry about that but I am now!

[@CatchingFins]

Thanks hooks! Back at you for sure!

[@SQ_og]

How did your sides can work doing this?

[@CatchingFins]

Side scan works just fine. No issues at all.

[@letun3481]

Very helpful! thank you!

[@CatchingFins]

Glad it helped!

[@letun3481]

@@CatchingFins What battery would you recommend for this unit, and where do you store yours? thank you :)

[@CatchingFins]

@@letun3481 I use a 30ah lithium from Amped outdoors. Also used for lights and other electronics. I keep in storage hatch below seat. Velcro to a cutting board and that is Velcro down to Hull so it doesn’t move.

[@letun3481]

@@CatchingFins thanks again!

[@CatchingFins]

No problem. Glad to help anytime

[@wadehendryx7378]

Hey, what happened to you? And what happened to the drawing for the Digger?

[@CatchingFins]

Wade Hendryx A guy in WI won it. It’s in the comments on that video

[@cheethoe]

genius

[@CatchingFins]

Thanks!

[@jshuaful]

You don’t need the lowrance bracket get the Navarro it works better and raises it up

[@CatchingFins]

At the time I made this the Navarre one did not work for this transducer. I bought one and it’s still sitting on my shelf somewhere. He may have a new one out now that does. I’m pretty sure he has one for the triple shot transducer that works good but doubt any of the 3d plastic brackets will hold the massive 3in1 transducer as secure and as high up as the method in my video