Creating a semi-permanent install for multiple kayaks is a challenge. Since most of us fish on a budget two separate fish finder units is not feasible. For about 1/4 the price of a new Lowrance Elite 5 HDI unit you may purchase a new Transducer, Power cable, and the neat Lowrance kayak scupper mount kit. This application is only for sit on top kayaks like the Big Rig with round scupper holes. The mount and this particular transducer as of 2014 other Jackson Kayak Models will not work due to the oval scupper shape and being that the bottom of the supper is simply not wide enough to accept the transducer mounted flush.

In the photo to the left shown is the un-boxed scupper mount and the transducer and cable. This transducer has been a challenge to mount to other kayaks until the Big Rig with its enlarged hull scupper clearance as it is Raymarine ready.

To install simply using the bolt washers mount to the bottom of the scupper mount as you would the transom mount. Once this is completed pull the plug end of the transducer wire from the bottom of the scupper through towards the deck. Once all of the cable is pulled then insert the threaded plastic into the scupper. The transducer should face bolted end/cable to the bow. Then slide the gray fitting down the threaded shaft and tighten the thumb nut all the way down until snug. Once fit you may cut the shaft and place the Lowrance cap on top. Done!!

This is the best way to install any transducer out there. You get accurate temperature readings and a completely better signal for clarity rather than the shoot thru hull option.

I prefer to hide all of my wires and cables within the hull of the kayak. Just less mess less things to snag your hooks on and the best way to protect expensive electronics cables. Due to the 1″ diameter colors on the Lowrance HDI plugs we need to drill a 1″ hole to get these cables inside the hull. Now that’s a huge hole. It took a while to find a part to seal this with for a really clean install. I’m not the type that likes to run cables through hatches. West Marine makes a hull pass through that worked perfectly for this application. I have never seen these used on a kayak before but they are excellent. Low profile watertight and clean!

To start use a 1″ boring drill bit. The hull pass through fitting includes a rubber grommet. I used this as a template placing it exactly where the fitting would be placed. Marked the center with a punch and drilled. See drilled hole to the right. Run sonar plug through and using the thru hull cap press firmly with a screwdriver and screws will self tap. The rubber will push out and this when it is tight. Do not over tighten as the screws will strip out the plastic therefore becoming loose.

Do the same steps for the opposite side but this time with the power wire and the transducer plug through 1 hole. This one bring the sonar plug through the hole first. Then snake through from the outside the power wire. The power wire will be then run to your battery location. Mine will be in the stern. The white wire in the photo runs back to the stern for the battery box hook up. I will splice that into the power wire for the unit.

Along with the standard molded in center Gear Track on the Big Rig and paired with a Ram Mounts Electronic Mount for Lowrance this is an excellent system! There are now multiple places to position the unit. The option to slide forward or back or mount to the side Gear tracks however is most comfortable.

If you have any questions about this install or anything else please leave me a comment.

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Finally was able to remove the factory plastic wrap from the Big Rig today.

I must say this boat is impressive!  Its performance I bet will be excellent as a freshwater bass fishing yak also as a good boat for the rivers. This color pictured is Jackson new 2014 Green Hornet. It is a mixture of lime green slate and black colors.  The boat comes from the factory fishing ready with the leaning post installed. Two RAM Mount tube rod holders behind the seat and one RAM mount rod holder for the multiple Yak Attack track positions. The boat is also fit with the patented Jackson Kayak Elite Hi-Lo Seat along with an air adjustable lumber support.

The photo to the right shows the accessories included with the boat. Two Plano Tackle Boxes a JK long load flag a JK water bottle and the RAM Rod Holders as mentioned previously.

Like all Jackson Fishing kayaks storage is at its maximum. There are two lockable hatches which give full access to the inside of the hull. Along with the tackle box stagers alongside the seat webbing is installed to hold the boxes in stand up position.  The long trough on each side of the boat are rod stagers which are designed to protect your fishing rods during transport or low hanging branches or bridges on the water.

The leaning post folds down for transport or if your not going to be using it. The bungee on the front hatch attached to the front handle to hold the leaning post down while transporting. Rigging this boat is completely simple utalizing the track int he center and RAM Mounts electronics mount for Lowrance simply add a Yak Attack Screw Ball and your fish finder is mounted. For the transducer the front scupper on the big rig is widened to accept large transducers such as the Ray marine.

At the left side of the seat area molded in are threaded inserts for a zig zag cleat that requires no drilling and also tubed through to the rear for the anchor line. I am planning on using this setup for the Torqeedo Trim down line and using the existing Rudder trim line for the trim up position. I will elaborate on this within the Torqeedo install post.

The rudder system by Sealect Designs is Unique. I have not come across this system before. The rudder foil is pulled straight up and forward. It does not swing around line common rudder foil systems. To release just simply release the rope and it slides back and down into the water.

The circular void on the stern has multiple functions. It is designed around the Power Pole micro. Four 1/4 20 bolts pre molded in will install the Power Pole making the boat “Power Pole Micro Ready”  The void also acts as an anchor pulpit. Basically you may leave your anchor or drag chain in place and drop down from where the clam cleat is installed. When the anchor is in the up position it barely touches the water surface.

If you have any questions about the Big Rig Please feel free to comment!!

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Proud to announce my Jackson Kayak Big Rig will be fitted with the state of the art Torqeedo 403 Ultralight Kayak Electric Motor!! Weighing only 16 pounds total it is the top electric motor kayak solution on the market.

I am looking forward to using this setup mainly for HOW outings due to the speed allowing to now shoot more video transport bait resupplies and also carry snacks and drinks to the Veterans.

Adding an electric motor to your kayak may require you to title and register the boat with your states Motor Vehicle Commission.  In some states you must have a boat license or certification to operate a power boat.

I am completely pumped about this new setup. Please check back for my write-up on the install, use, care, and all of the things associated with adding an electric motor to your kayak.