The Jackson Big Rig FD/HD is a unique install as its transducer ready scupper is located in the center of the deck between the hull and the pod. At Delaware Paddlesports we used thru hullHobie Thru Hull 3 Way Plug Kit“> Hobie Thru Hull 3 Way Plug Kit. Drilling through the deck is not always the best option but in this case the only option. These unique fittings are gasketed waterproof and are the cleanest way to install on the Big Rig HD FD.

Utilizing the Lowrance 000-10606-001 Kayak Scupper Mount for Skimmer Type Transducers you can avoid many issues with a cap and bungee system. This scupper mounting system can accept many other brand transducers also. Although it is set for older model transducers it can be modified to work with the latest skmmer transducers from Lowrance.

Also for the Lowrance display head unit I used a Hobie Thru Hull 3 Way Plug Kit. Water tight and clean!

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me!

Want to extend the run time of your kayak electronics for longer fishing trips or tournaments? This article focuses on How To Connect 12V Batteries in Parallel. This can be easily acquired with the addition of a second SLA or LFP battery (LiFePO4) wired parallel. The second battery will need to be the same voltage as the first or they will work against each other which may result in heat issues or decreased run time. Also if you are using a SLA you must use the same type of battery in parallel due to the voltage issue.

You can create a parallel connection between 2 batteries with a few materials simply right at home.

Materials needed:

• (4) Female Spade Crimp On Connectors
• (2) 18″ length – 14 AWG Copper stranded wire w/ insulation Red & Black
• (2) Butt Connectors (optional)
• Fuse Block or Inline Fuse
• Blade Fuses

Tools:

• Wire strippers/crimps
• Heat Gun

Fabricating a Parallel Wire Harness:

Most small 12v batteries have male spade connectors on the top as battery terminals. Although some have other connectors its best to match them so you may disconnect the battery from the harness. Since the battery harness will be used in a wet marine environment its best to use marine grade heat shrink connectors.

The parallel harness will simply connect two batteries together on the same polarity. Positive to Positive and Negative to Negative. Seen in the diagram on the left, you will to wire in an inline fuse or fuse block on the positive side. Then adding a latching switch adds safety while plugging and unplugging devices around water.

If using an inline fuse the switch can be spliced in after. If using a fuse block a switch can be added before the block as a master switch.  Also you may want a switch to control power to every accessory. In that case switch all positive leads from the fuse block. This comes in handy when running say lighting and a fish finder. Separate switches will operate each electrical device.

My Parallel Battery Project includes (2) 12V 12 aH LFP (LiFePO4) batteries. When completed total output will be 12V 24aH. This will extend the run time of the battery but will still power the same electronics.

For building the battery box check out my post: Portable Water Resistant Enclosure & Switching 

Portable Power Charging Station

Lowrance Elite 5 TI TotalScan Kayak Install for Jackson Kayak Big Rig

Luckily the Jackson Kayak Big Rig has factory molded scuppers that accept large transducers like the Raymarine Dragonfly. Although the Lowrance Elite 5 TI TotalScan transducer is over 10″ long it mounts in pretty flush on the Jackson Kayak Big Rig with some modifications.

TotalScan Kayak Scupper Transducer Install & Mods:

I had to flip the mounting bracket upside down then mount the transducer to bracket. This allowed an extra 1/4″ of space so the transducer mounted closer to the hull and more flush inside the scupper trough.

Transducer mounting bracket cable notch modification. (Optional)

I opted to notch out the mounting bracket to receive the transducer cable flush. Doing this allowed me to install the transducer with the wire forward. I figured the less exposed cable the more protected it would be to objects in the water damaging it. Simply I marked with a sharpie marker the center and width of the cable. Using a vise and an angle grinder to notch in a space for the cable to pass through.

Using the Lowrance Kayak Scupper Mounting Kit. With a simple modification using a bolt and about 6 washers you can pack out the middle of the bracket to sit flush on the transom bracket. See the image below.

A Big Rig application.

To secure the transducer so it will not move at all add bungee to hold cantilevered end taught to the hull.The bungee will pass through the scupper behind the actual mounting plate. Using a scrap piece of plastic drill with a hole saw to create a tie down plug. Then pass through the bungee and tie a knot this will hold the transducer taught in the scupper. I ran the new transducer wire through the same thru hull holes as the HDI skimmer location.