How to Install a Fish Finder on Aluminium Boat

By Wade Johnson

How to Install a Fish Finder on Aluminium BoatIf you have an aluminium boat, the chances are high that you would use it to fish at some point. Well, that might be the entire purpose that you bought it in the first place. It’s an absolute fact that a fish finder provides you with ease and enables you to see what’s inside the water. This enhances your chances of reeling in the big one. But the real question is what kind of fish finder is right for an aluminium boat?

Installing a fishfinder on an aluminium boat is not that difficult. You might require an additional transducer if your kit does not have one. The transducer works as a monitor that records the activity in the water. The transducer is always attached to a trolling motor or in some cases mounted on the transom.

The transducer is then attached to the fishfinder console that helps to display the activity below the water’s surface. In order to power the unit, you need to connect the fishfinder directly to your motor’s battery or fuse box. In this article, information regarding the installation of a fishfinder on an aluminium boat is available.

How to install a fish finder on an aluminium boat with ease

For most aluminium boats, a fishfinder is usually installed by first placing the transducer on a trolling motor that is attached to the boat or to the transom. Plus, the battery that is responsible for providing power to the motor also powers the fishfinder.

So, you need both a fishfinder and a transducer as well. It is important to know that not all fishfinders come with a transducer, So before settling on a model that you like, make sure that you check the transducer. The issue is that transducers are quite expensive and if your kit does not have one, you might have to spend a lot more money than you initially intended.

Place the transducer on a trolling motor or transom

The transducer is just the piece of equipment that is placed below the water’s surface. It monitors the area below the boat for fish activity. Although some aluminium boat owners prefer to connect the transducer to the transom, the fastest and easiest way is to position it at the bottom of the boat’s trolling motor.

So, if you prefer to Place the transducer at the end of the trolling motor and connect it with a metal clamp, it is by far the easiest and smartest way to get the monitor placed effectively. Once the transducer is well-secured to the bottom of the motor, then you have to secure the cable to the shaft of the motor. This could be easily done with the aid of simple plastic cable ties. Once you reach the top of the trolling motor shaft, attach the cable to the fishfinder monitor through its simple plug-in mechanism.

Some fishermen prefer to place the transducer on the transom rather than the trolling motor, for a more permanent and secure fit. So, before you begin, choose a spot on the transom that can accommodate the transducer in a correct manner.

While selecting a mounting location, make sure that both the left and the right sides of the transducer are free from any type of obstruction. Obstructions may block signals and may give you false readings on the fishfinder console.

Before settling on a spot to attach the bracket mount, make sure the location ensures that the mount holds the transducer assembly about 1/8″ to 1/4″ below the bottom of the transom. It is important for the transducer to be fully submerged in the water for it to work.

Attach the transducer to the fish finder console

The transducer is considered the ears and eyes of the fishfinder, it helps to monitor the water below the boat and sends back the signals to the fishfinder main console unit. Fishfinder console displays the data in a visual way that allows you to know if there is fish activity happening.

Hence, in order to get the images, the console must be connected to the transducer. The fishfinder console also has a female port where you can connect the cable from the transducer. It plugs in quite easily.

Connect the battery

The fishfinder is usually connected to your troll motor battery in the same way as the motor, from positive to positive and negative to negative. It does not matter which fishfinder you have purchased, you will need to adjust the power cord so it properly fits your intended power source, Plus, you may also need to attach terminal rings to the power cord.

Permanently attach the console

On an aluminium boat, you don’t have as much space or decking that you have on bigger boats. So the positioning of the fishfinder console in a correct manner may become a considerable concern for you.

Well, the easiest possible option is to get a thick piece of square, wood and permanently attach the console to that. This way you can easily disconnect the console from the transducer and battery and keep it with you when you are not in the boat. This also provides you ease by offering an option of moving the console to different locations on the boat according to the need.

You May Also Like to READ:

Wade Johnson
Latest posts by Wade Johnson (see all)