How to Install a Fishfinder on a Kayak: 3 Ways to Mount a Transducer

[@timschwarze4842]

I don’t have a kayak and instead have a canoe, but I sure appreciate the effort and detail you go through to show us how to do some of these things. Thank you sir!

[@SpriteHide]

In general, the TI units are faster in response to inputs. This is seen when quickly switching between sonar, downscan, chart, and split screens kzbin.infoUgkxeAxH15LxhjGlg5-CRYqjTGTEH0tbY4vk recommend The Hook units will show some lag on button pushes and screen switching. The big ticket item though is maps. If you install a mapping card such as Navionics or the free C-Map Genesis which has a lot of map detail, then moving around the map with the cursor or when running down the lake can lag significantly on the Hook units, but is seamless with the TI units.

[@joshuagibson2520]

That's a damn nice kayak. I'm fishing out of a lifetime tamarack pro angler. I like it, but damn... that one you have is a damn Cadillac!

[@crossman163]

Most thoughtful tutorial on cup method I’ve seen. Really helpful info here.

[@dkat1108]

Agree very well done!

[@scottbostic6247]

Omg. Thank you. The first video I have found to show all these options. Which really opens up the door to other installations I didn't know I could do. I own a fishing kayak I purchased brand new but It is raw. No extra anything. All add ons are done by me. So, this video really helped. Thank you.

[@rodneywhiting4049]

Great video I’ve been watching different videos on how to install a fishfinder you’ve been the best video and information very professional easy to understand

[@nathancallan9376]

Thanks for the awesome video! Used the information here to help install a thru-hull system with a cup sonar mounting for my kayak. What is nice is that my manufacturer provided their own adhesive Styrofoam for the cup mount, which seems to be quite strong. All in all, a great fit for my garmin striker 4. Thanks for the awesome video.

[@ALL4NOGRIP]

That cup method sounds awsome I'm gonna do that thanks

[@maxlitwin2153]

Thanks for this Tyler. The demonstration of the “cup method” was brilliant!

[@michaelm1496]

Great explanations, thank you for taking the time to demonstrate everything.

[@jasontaylor9871]

This is probably the most through informative video an any subject I've ever watched on the U tube

[@user-zc5ft9nw9b]

I cant believe where you live It looks amazing, so peacefull, I wish you hadnt turned the camera around because the scenerey totally distracted me tbh. Best wishes 🙏

[@kevintoepper2828]

Just got my first fish finder and you sure gave me a lot to think about but I thank you

[@hunterholmgren]

The knowledge in this video was amazing. Thank you!

[@slacktide_angler]

Great video, thanks for showcasing the different methods. I run a thru Hull method where I take a 4" pvc coupler and attach it to the floor with duct seal.. and I use a wad of the duct seal to press the side of the xducer into the inside side of the PVC ring. I fill it with water and it works great.. even after being left out in below freezing temps the duct seal doesn't get hard or come off. My next experiment is to use the top half of a detergent bottle of sorts so I can cap off the water so the water doesn't come out of the cup when it's wavy..

[@Jarom.M]

Nice hive tool @5:33. I find mine useful for a ton of other uses outside beekeeping too!

[@spiltmilt]

Nice. Hope your hives did well this winter. I had about 50% survival

[@Jarom.M]

@@spiltmilt my hives got destroyed by a bear a couple of years ago. I've been on the lookout for a better, less bear-y location ever since, but have come up short.

[@PoserdaveOutdoors]

It's really ironic, I took apart my ice fishing gear and was trying to figure out how to go about rigging my Garmin striker 4+ onto my ascend h10. Thanks for the video, I believe I am going to go with the cup method.

[@timschwarze4842]

Look forward to the video with regard to fish finder options on kayaks.

[@williamoneill5498]

I am amazed by the "through the hull" method. I hadn't thought of this and I would have expected that the sensitivity of the transducer would be adversely affected by not being actually under the Kayak. I guess it will also depend on the fish finder model too. I happen to have the last of the pre 2020 Old Town Predator's and I have not fitted a FF yet. The underside is not quite as ready as the 2020 slightly upgraded model. I was going to mess around drilling in a block for a transducer underneath `I hate drilling holes anywhere in the hull) but I must experiment with the Through hull idea. Another method is to stick a plumbing pipe through the scupper hole and tape the TD in place. Super interesting video, thanks for making it.

[@yengvue7266]

Great video.. Lot’s of great detailed information

[@andrewpowers3717]

man this was an amazing video. extremely helpful information

[@georgebowman3051]

Great video!

[@98002red]

Thank you

[@Arcturian1111]

Awesome job. Im getting a new Old Town Sportsman 106 PDL soon, would that Kayak have the stock mounts underneath for the transducer? And What mount is used for the side mount transducer mount, is it called a RAM mount. I'm new to this. Thanks

[@spiltmilt]

Its an over the rail transducer arm. I have links to everything in the description

[@kathyg4906]

I have had interference issues with my Garmin UHD93sv on my Old Town AP120. Garmin blames the MinnKota motor and Old Town says it's Garmin. Do you think the over the side mount may help? I do use 2 different Lithium batteries.

[@sixtocarmendariz7432]

Great video on the different ways to install transducer. Is the mount where you attach the transducer arm on the kayak a Ram mount? If so which one? I plan to go the route of using the transducer arm. Thanks.

[@markm4458]

I like your water cup method. Do you think it would work if you filled the cup with silicone and not water? I realise there should not be air bubbles, but perhaps there is a suitable silicone solution.

[@spiltmilt]

I think you would find it pretty challenging to accomplish that without air bubbles

[@ToofAst4Fun]

Anyone do the cup method and have the sonar return a single number for depth that doesn't change? I had it full of water but my Garmin just read one depth and didn't change. Tried the head unit on my other Garmin equipped kayak and it works perfectly fine. Is gluing the transducer to the hull inside the cup required for proper signal reception?

[@spiltmilt]

No gluing. Did you fill the cup with water?

[@joshuagibson2520]

What about scupper hole mounting?

[@spiltmilt]

Not always a great choice IMO as I've seen many scupper hole cracks develop when the transducer hangs up on something.

[@matta3945]

Do you have trouble with the electrical connections when moving from 1 kayak to another? I'm concerned about the seal of the connections.

[@spiltmilt]

No but I do apply dialectric grease to the connectors

[@xdmatt1320]

Can you do the through hall with a side image transducer ?

[@spiltmilt]

You cannot

[@stephenjenkins117]

Excellent video. My question is whether the transducer arm option obstructs paddling or makes the transducer vulnerable. Does it require a lot of mindfulness not to damage the transducer in shallow water or when putting in?

[@spiltmilt]

Its actually less vulnerable than installing it underneath the kayak where you can't retract it. I simply reach over and flip the arm up before landing and the inverse when launching. Never had an issue. As for does it get in the way, it doesn't for me because it give you full freedom to place it where ever you want

[@stephenjenkins117]

@@spiltmilt Sincere thanks and appreciation.

[@adamsnyder9347]

A variation of the cup method I’ve used in my fiberglass canoe was to place the transducer in a ziplock bag of water with the cord exiting at a vertical angle (clipped to the yoke) and the bag resting in the keel depression. I have an unrelated question I’ll leave here since you feature your Predator in the video: what rooftop saddle solution did you find since it has that weird reverse chine where most saddles would cradle the sides? I’m guessing one of the Malone wing styles? Thanks

[@spiltmilt]

I use the Yakima Big Catch Saddles they work well with a variety of hull designs.

[@knitefalll]

Question, For the inside mount with the foam. Does your Tranducer need to be touching the hull of your boat, or suspended just above. if above how high off the hull?

[@spiltmilt]

Either way is fine. The key thing is not to have any air trapped between the hull and the transducer.

[@knitefalll]

@@spiltmilt just bought my first kayak. Thank you so much,

[@spiltmilt]

Nice! What did you get?

[@knitefalll]

@@spiltmilt a 10 foot pelican sit in.

[@augiefishes]

with the goodp method after your done do you make a hole at the bottom of the kayak where the styrofoam thing is ???

[@spiltmilt]

absolutely not unless you want to since your kayak. LOL The signal shoots through the hull

[@augiefishes]

@@spiltmilt ohh thanks, it shoots through the kayak?

[@spiltmilt]

yes

[@augiefishes]

@@spiltmilt sorry for asking all these questions im new to this but doesent the transducer need to be wet for it ti work?

[@noelgoetz2100]

I saw your hive tool. How does a bee keeper have time to fish? Now that's something I'd really like to learn LOL

[@spiltmilt]

I try to only run two hives to keep it easy

[@904Fishing]

Hey man quick question would you mind if I used this video for a comparison video I'm doing?

[@spiltmilt]

"Use" in what way?

[@904Fishing]

have it next to my video as a split screen kinda deal to show the comparisons between your sonar method and mine@@spiltmilt

[@Streak72]

for the water cup method do you always have to have water in it?

[@spiltmilt]

You can let it dry out between fishing trips but for the transducer to properly function you will need water in it.

[@eddygarcia8814]

Thanks for the video Tyler! Would it be necessary to run an amp breaker for the fish finder?

[@spiltmilt]

Manufacturers recommend doing so but I never have for a while to be honest.

[@Shokenryu]

5th is what kind of bolt you use to rigg up that kayak cart with the cross saddle. Back there.

[@bassmanoutdoors1234]

So the cup method is pretty accurate for readings?

[@spiltmilt]

Everything but temperature

[@bluedoggum8373]

What would you do if you had an inflatable kayak? Can you just hang these transducers over the side? I don’t really want to fully install as you wrap the kayak up completely when you come in.

[@spiltmilt]

You can hang it over the side. What kind of inflatable do you have?

[@bluedoggum8373]

@@spiltmilt itsa intex excursion pro. I take it as I paddle if the transducer is not mounted the readings probably would not be good, right. But when stopped they’d be fine… that is just hanging it over the side I mean.thanks

[@guyvelazquez4803]

Couldn't imagine the nightmare of using transducer arm....I shoot thru hull and works great..I would recommend marine goop...4 years and still stuck on and leak free

[@ALL4NOGRIP]

With the cup method do u want to have water on top aswell?

[@spiltmilt]

no you don't need it on top

[@ALL4NOGRIP]

@@spiltmilt okay thanks heaps

[@deantewilliams3499]

What foam were you using

[@spiltmilt]

Not sure what the name of it is but it's the same kind they ship computers in

[@dominicksteel959]

I have the exact same transducer and RAM transducer arm but I cannot tighten everything before hitting the side of the transducer. It looks like you had the same idea I have to grind down the clevis to fit. Is that what you did?

[@spiltmilt]

Mine fit without any grinding.

[@jeffreylitishin9035]

I am going to have to grind mine down also. Just tried to put the Helix 5 G2 transducer on the arm and need to remove almost an eighth of an inch from the tip of the mount.

[@mhrobotguy1709]

I enjoyed your video. I see you have a Hobie and and old towne PDL. Have you considered doing a comparison video of the two? I know there are others out there, but it might be helpful to your viewers. I'd certainly be interested in your opinion on the subject.

[@shred5]

Does the cup method work with side imaging?

[@spiltmilt]

No.

[@shred5]

@@spiltmilt yeah, I didn't think so. Thanks

[@tracybrown2062]

When doing an in hull installation, do you lose the down imaging capabilities?

[@spiltmilt]

No

[@tracybrown2062]

I'm almost done with my installation...Virtually no wires seen, except at the monitor....everything else tucked neatly out of site. You video was very helpful, and made it very easy!

[@Alexxx---101]

Hi, with the cup method I'm assuming you dont put a lid on top? So the idea is to fill it half way and it shouldn't over spill? And if you capsize you just poor some more water in the cup. It might sound stupid but I just want to make sure I understand. So the deeper the foam the better really. Good video thanks from UK

[@FishingwithD]

Great explanation, great video. Question with the over the side mount, how deep does the transducer have to be in the water?

[@spiltmilt]

I run mine about 4" below the surface. You may need to go deeper for side imaging

[@FishingwithD]

@@spiltmilt thanks so much

[@theghastlygamer5326]

I have paddle kayak but i need it within arms reach

[@spiltmilt]

Perhaps on your immediate left or right?

[@kentpillatsch7180]

Thanks for an informative video. I have a Lowrance Hook2 5x split shot mounted in Oldtown Loon 126 made of polylink3, it has 3 layers. Normal sonar works fine with the plumbers putty mount but Downscan doesn't work. I wonder if the foam method you discuss would work with Downscan or is the 3 layer hull material problematic reading Downscan thru?

[@spiltmilt]

If there is varying density in the plastics it may interfere. I am not certain though.

[@wesleyhughes363]

Enjoyed video. I just ordered an Old Town 106 powered by Minn Kota a week ago. Trying to figure out where to mount transducer. It has the universal mount like you have on your Old Town. I will not need to be moving the transducer. Are you aware of any issues with mounting the transducer under the kayak that is predrilled for transducer mount? I have seen a view reviews that indicate that transducers that are mounted at that location can be easily damaged. Any thoughts about that specific mount - positive or negative? Thanks.

[@spiltmilt]

They can more easily be damaged when loading or on the water which I why I prefer over the side or thru-hull.

[@garycotton8079]

Where is the information on the batteries?

[@someguyfrommemphis]

I havent bought a laptop lately and am fresh out of high density foam. Any ideas where a chap may acquire this material? EDIT also, I appreciate the thoroughness of your video. Well done!

[@spiltmilt]

Got any electronics stores nearby you can hit up?

[@someguyfrommemphis]

@@spiltmilt good thinking. Will give them a try!

[@908guy]

Hi, just saw your video and it was very thorough and informative. In regulares to the battery, do you not have issues with water damage to the battery or terminals when just left on top on the side or even under your seat? Especially salt water? Thanks in advance.

[@spiltmilt]

I coat all connections in dielectric grease and have minimal corrosion issues.

[@JP-ik7pm]

My lightening strike has a skid plate transducer mount like a Hobie. Can I just set it in there, if not I’m not sure how to mount it i side the plate, thanks?

[@jayytee8062]

Will the cup method work on a fibreglass boat

[@spiltmilt]

It should.

[@travis6923]

Very informative as usual. I’m seriously looking at the same 2 old town kayaks that you own. You made a statement that it depends on the type of water you are fishing as to your choice in kayaks for the day. Could you elaborate on what drives your choice. Thanks.

[@spiltmilt]

I would classify the Predator as a more versatile boat. With a more aggressive bow and keel it's better suited to punching through waves offshore and surf launches. It's also equally at home on smaller inland waters. However, I prefer the Topwater 120 PDL for the waters I fish which include primarily inland lakes and protected ocean inlets. The Topwater is much more stable albeit a bit slower but is substantially lighter and easier to cartop.

[@travis6923]

Spilt Milt Productions thanks for the recommendations just pulled the trigger on the 120 pdl sportsman for myself and the 106 top water for my wife. Please pass on to old town(if they ask) that this was based on your channels demonstration of their product plus your answer to my question here. Thanks again!! Stoked to get on the water!!!

[@larrywerring9674]

Option number 4 - mount the transducer through a scupper hole.

[@IGbullshark]

Be advised: the RAM transducer arm does not fit all transducers. I bought the RAM arm for my Garmin Striker 4cv and the two are not compatible.

[@spiltmilt]

I'm curious about what doesnt fit?

[@IGbullshark]

@@spiltmilt The bolt that comes with the Ram arm is too big for the transducer bracket.

[@walleyehunter8862]

The problem with the cup is that every time I finish fishing I put my kayak upside down on my car

[@jeremykenward3082]

This. I have a sit in and want to run through hull that I store/transport upside down. Seems I'd have a lot of water sloshing around after awhile. The duct seal/putty method seems better if you can be sure to eliminate all the bubbles

[@UcranianoUKR]

Transducers only give you surface water temperature, which is normally close to the air temperature. Not very useful overall anyway.

[@spiltmilt]

Not true. Where I live it's not unusual to have a 40 to 60 F difference between air and water temp

[@kelank12]

In general, the TI units are faster in response to inputs. This is seen when quickly switching between sonar, downscan, chart, and split screens kzbin.infoUgkxeAxH15LxhjGlg5-CRYqjTGTEH0tbY4vk recommend The Hook units will show some lag on button pushes and screen switching. The big ticket item though is maps. If you install a mapping card such as Navionics or the free C-Map Genesis which has a lot of map detail, then moving around the map with the cursor or when running down the lake can lag significantly on the Hook units, but is seamless with the TI units.

[@davidshipman2623]

Does the in hull affect side view?

[@spiltmilt]

It depends on where you mount but I never have any issues with the arm mount and side view