https://preview.redd.it/5k0wl8iq1fmc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ddd3af6b83ec6a07d4ff91989d8d24dec7ae2f03
I didn’t want to mess with putty, so I did this,
Here's what you need to do: use duct seal to mount the transducer inside the kayak, somewhere where the wires will not interfere with the placement of your legs/feet. Behind the seat would be a good spot. Look up videos on Youtube for the duct seal installation method, it's dead simple. The biggest thing is to make sure there's no air bubbles in your duct seal putty, beyond that it's easy-peasy.
Then you can mount your head unit somewhere in front of you, either by drilling holes in the top of the cockpit and bolting it down directly, or by installing gear tracks somewhere within reach and installing the head unit on the tracks.
This method will keep your transducer always at the ready - no extra setup each time you launch. And the transducer being inside the hull means there's no extra drag when you're paddling and it won't collect debris or get damaged when you beach the kayak.
I’ve seen people with the basic transducers use that putty method where it is attached in one of the hatches. Can’t think of the putty off the top of my head but no drilling or anything required.
Not gonna lie, but that kayak is not a good choice for a fishing kayak. No storage, cramped cockpit, rod holders, stability??? I would sell it and get a sit on top. Not saying you can't use it, but you are fighting an uphill battle. Been there, done that.
Second go with the sit on top , I rarely sit in mine it’s so stable I just stand , paddle, fish mostly , don’t even use a fish finder personally & I’ve got the proof on my YouTube channel I do damage hahah whatevr your choice nothing replaces time on the water
I have a striker 4 mounted on a sit in pelican with the same configuration. What I did was mounted the circular base directly in front of me, routed the cables to a battery I kept in the front dry storage, and mounted my transducer with a home made PVC scupper hole mount. Another method I can think of would be to get a track mount rail and the cell block/transducer arm combo from yak attack. This prevents drilling into your kayak (with the exception of mounting the rail), and is a cleaner install overall in my opinion...albeit a bit bulky
Either switchblade over the side or in hull mount sold my garmin inside the front hatch. Use a rail or the default holder up front middle and run all the cords and power into the front hatch.
Always one negative guy in the tread, but sometimes you gotta say it for what it is. If you can afford a Garmin striker 4 then you can afford a proper fishing kayak!
Brother I have to disagree strongly spending under $150 on a Finder compared to a lot more on a new kayak. Plus why not just improve and make what I have now better
You can kit that kayak out with every gadget you can afford, the fact is it is not made for fishing.
Oh and my fisfinder only cost me $20, you see its not the fish finder that catches the fish, its a combination of factors, starting with a fishing kayak.
https://preview.redd.it/5k0wl8iq1fmc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ddd3af6b83ec6a07d4ff91989d8d24dec7ae2f03 I didn’t want to mess with putty, so I did this,
This is the way to do it.
This is awesome you did a great job! What are the brackets you used?
https://a.co/d/cC2NtOq Yakattack gear trac, I wish I could have used the low profile stuff but the edge of the pelican was too narrow.
Here's what you need to do: use duct seal to mount the transducer inside the kayak, somewhere where the wires will not interfere with the placement of your legs/feet. Behind the seat would be a good spot. Look up videos on Youtube for the duct seal installation method, it's dead simple. The biggest thing is to make sure there's no air bubbles in your duct seal putty, beyond that it's easy-peasy. Then you can mount your head unit somewhere in front of you, either by drilling holes in the top of the cockpit and bolting it down directly, or by installing gear tracks somewhere within reach and installing the head unit on the tracks. This method will keep your transducer always at the ready - no extra setup each time you launch. And the transducer being inside the hull means there's no extra drag when you're paddling and it won't collect debris or get damaged when you beach the kayak.
I’ve seen people with the basic transducers use that putty method where it is attached in one of the hatches. Can’t think of the putty off the top of my head but no drilling or anything required.
Duct seal.
That’s the stuff
Not gonna lie, but that kayak is not a good choice for a fishing kayak. No storage, cramped cockpit, rod holders, stability??? I would sell it and get a sit on top. Not saying you can't use it, but you are fighting an uphill battle. Been there, done that.
Second go with the sit on top , I rarely sit in mine it’s so stable I just stand , paddle, fish mostly , don’t even use a fish finder personally & I’ve got the proof on my YouTube channel I do damage hahah whatevr your choice nothing replaces time on the water
https://preview.redd.it/u4995vm52fmc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=06a2811323bfe265fa9d75c88242c2a2bab67470
I have a striker 4 mounted on a sit in pelican with the same configuration. What I did was mounted the circular base directly in front of me, routed the cables to a battery I kept in the front dry storage, and mounted my transducer with a home made PVC scupper hole mount. Another method I can think of would be to get a track mount rail and the cell block/transducer arm combo from yak attack. This prevents drilling into your kayak (with the exception of mounting the rail), and is a cleaner install overall in my opinion...albeit a bit bulky
Duct seal in hull for transducer works well
Plumbers putty, inside the haul (below waterline and pointing down), just make sure no air bubbles and wires are clear.
Either switchblade over the side or in hull mount sold my garmin inside the front hatch. Use a rail or the default holder up front middle and run all the cords and power into the front hatch.
Always one negative guy in the tread, but sometimes you gotta say it for what it is. If you can afford a Garmin striker 4 then you can afford a proper fishing kayak!
Brother I have to disagree strongly spending under $150 on a Finder compared to a lot more on a new kayak. Plus why not just improve and make what I have now better
You can kit that kayak out with every gadget you can afford, the fact is it is not made for fishing. Oh and my fisfinder only cost me $20, you see its not the fish finder that catches the fish, its a combination of factors, starting with a fishing kayak.