The new Lowrance Elite 5 HDI chart plotter/fish finder’s transducer unfortunately is just too large to be scupper mounted flush on the Cuda. About 1/8″ sticks out on the bottom and i feel this will destroy the transducer over time.

Since this is an HDI unit the transducer needs to be mounted on the exterior of the hull below the waterline. A shoot through hull install with this type of unit will degrade the result of the display. I have two mounting options. One would be the Ram Mounts Transducer flex mount kit. The other being that the Cuda 14 has a removable replaceable skid plate with mounting hardware already molded into the boat. Simply I would have to design a bracket that would mount to the yak via the skid plate and bend up the transom to bolt the transducer through. I think this would eliminate the drag of having a bar and the transducer hanging over the side. Mounted inline with the boats hull it would act as a piece of the hull itself. At least these are my hopes.

Aluminum Stock

Angle Aluminum Stock 1″ x 1/16″ x 36″

I recommend  stainless steel angle but as my choice due to its light weight and non rusting properties in salt water i like to start with aluminum. I also paint it so it is resistant from corroding and pitting. Once the aluminum bracket is fabricated maybe I will make one out of stainless steel. Aluminum is fine due to the trial and error phase of this bracket mount. I am two seasons into my previous scupper mount fabrication where i used aluminum and still see minimal corrosion. The kayak doesn’t sit in the salt water and if its rinsed with fresh water every time it prolongs the life.

Angle alum & Skid Plate

Angle alum & Skid Plate

I decided to measure where the bend in the aluminum would be and using a Dremel tool cut of one side off the angle to make it flat.

Bent & Drilled to align

Bend & Drill to align

I measured the existing skid plate screw holes and drilled appropriately for mounting.

Mounted to Skid Plate for measuring

Mounted to Skid Plate for measuring

Once the holes were drilled I mounted the bracket to measure with the transducer the amount of angle needed to mount the skimmer so it was aligned flush with the underside of the hull.

side view mounted to skid plate before cutting

side view mounted to skid plate before cutting

Once i cut the long piece off it looked like this (below)

Transducer Mount after cutting

Transducer Mount after cutting

Transducer Mount after cutting

Transducer Mount after cutting

 Once this was done I aligned the transducer with the bottom of the hull and marked where to drill the hole. Then painted the bracket with black paint to resist the corrosive salt water.

Painted!

Painted!

Now for mounting!!

Mounted Transducer

Mounted Transducer

Mounted Transducer

Mounted Transducer

Mounted Transducer

Mounted Transducer

Mounted Transducer

Mounted Transducer

Mounted Transducer

Mounted Transducer

Mounted Transducer

Mounted Transducer

Mounted Transducer

Mounted Transducer

Mounted Transducer

Mounted Transducer

Mounted Transducer!

Mounted Transducer!

Thats a pretty clean mount! I hope it wil work with loading and unloading the yak on and off my truck. Unfortunatlly it was the best solution but i think it will be fine!

Next will need to run the wiring so i have to figure out how im going to run all of the wire through the hull temporarily for the remainder of the season. These Lowrance wires and plugs are very large and makes the install tough. As in the photos below you can see my existing install using C-Caps. The plug collar is actually larger than the 3/4″ hole drilled here.  I might be temporarily installing through the hatch and then replacing the hatch in the future.  This will give me a chance to hinge the back end of the hatch. At least i can try it once before the final with out worrying about it being pretty..

Existing Hull Pass Through

Existing Hull Pass Through

Existing Hull Pass Through

Existing Hull Pass Through

Disclaimer:
Installing hardware may cause damage and/or void manufacturer warranties.  ThePlasticHull.net its authors or any other source of information on this website is in no way responsible for your actions nor any type issues or damage that may occur.  The information provided on this website is a free reference guide only. The authors of all information, sponsors and the owners of the website that host this information are not liable for any problems or issues that arise from the use of this information. Users of this information hereby acknowledge that all use of this information is done by their own free will, at their own sole risk, understanding that destruction of property, injury, or death could occur.

 

IMG_20130924_210347_200The Lowrance Elite 5 HDI was released on Friday September 20th 2013. I was able to get my order in right away! I have long awaited a Fish Finder that was a Dual DSI and Sonar with the capability of overlaying the two. This is what HDI means Hybrid Double Imaging. I am able to see the structure with the overlayed sonar echos of fish!. The chart plotting feature of this device is also a great addition as previously i had a device for sonar and a separate handheld GPS unit. The addon SD card slot also lets you have the options of using 3rd party Charts.

 

 

IMG_20130924_214346_485

I opted for the Navionics as they have a good name and very detailed charts! I hope this was the right choice. Now to figure out where to mount the large transducer. It will not mount in the scupper like my current setup. I am thinking of using the RAM Mount flexible transducer arm kit until i figure out a permanent mount. As this is a DSI unit also it the transducer needs to be in the water. A shoot through hull approach with the transom transducer will not display a clear picture.

Also Purchased the RAM Mounts compatible mount for the head. I really like how it clips right in with no hardware! Easy to mount and remove the head when loading and unloading.

The install will follow soon!

 

 

Ladies & Gents that’s right there is a huge contest going on. Its called Win’a’doggle!! 

All you have to do is listen to The Low Sodium Show starting Wednesday July 31st until September. Don’t worry you can listen via podcast if you cant make the live show. Also if your away from your computer you can still listen to the live show via the Kayak Fishing Radio App for your Android or Iphone.

Each week Mark ‘The Landing Crew’ Wheeler host of the low sodium show will reveal a word which will eventually make up a phrase. Write it down and remember it. You must attend the boondoggle on Oct 12th 2013 at Big Lagoon state park, Perdido Key Florida and find Mark Wheeler with the phrase to be entered to win. The drawing will be held at the boondoggle dinner the same day.

Prizes will include a fully custom Low Sodium Show Bull Bay Rod. A Tommy Head Jigs super pack, an Unfair Lures Unfair Prize Pack, Swag from Orca Coolers & Jackson Kayak, also your camping and dinner paid for at the spring boondoggle!

If you missed last weeks show (7-31-13) please listen to it below for the first word of the phrase.

The show begins about 2 mins in so feel free to fast forward. Apologies about the the tardiness and technical issues last week.

Listen to the below audio for the Promo!!

 

Also more information about the upcoming boondoggle can be found at http://www.yakangler.com/boondoggle

 

 

Page 34 of 36« First...1020303233343536