Northwest Fishing Reports

We were just given a fish finder and would like some advice on proper setup. First I'll let you know what we're dealing with. We have an '85 HewesCraft 12ft with a 4 hp Mercury and a 30lb thrust endura. My questions are...as far as the speed sensor and the actual transponder(if that's what you call it) has anyone ever had any luck with a really good super glue (gorilla glue, etc.)? Also, this was taken out of a boat that it was hard wired to. Can we just take the two leads for the power and put ends on them to hook them up like we do the trolling motor? I don't know if it's a huge concern, but I'd like to avoid putting any holes in the boat as far as screwing the things in and using caulking. Would the super glue be at least worth a try? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Reid & Steph

portable bracket, I tried to create a link, wasn't able to. Bass Pro Shops, go to electronics- search box put in
portable transducer mount. Sorry no link-
http://www.basspro.com

Marine grade silicone should hold it really well. At Home Despot... I mean Depot ( I can say those things, I worked for them).

thanks for the tip. Also if it helps at all we have an Eagle Magna II plus.

That marine grade silicone works as an adhesive?

I'd go with the removable bracket as Spindog mentioned. The silicone may work for you as you aren't going to be moving real fast with your setup, but with the bracket you know it will stay put. There is no problem with hooking your fish finder directly to the battery as long as you still have the in-line fuse on the positive lead. If you don't, just go and get a correctly rated fuse and an in-line holder from your local automotive shop and install it.

I got the fish finder working tonight. I installed the inline fuse like you said. I also went with gorilla glue for the transducer (haven't tested it on the water yet, but it doesn't come off very easily). I decided to scratch the speedometer deal. I don't really care how fast a 4hp motor will push me. I don't think I'll be getting any tickets. hehe Will the unit operate ok without that thing hooked up? Also, this is one of those old eagle magna II any idea why the off button doesn't work? Thanks

Just saw this thread. Congrats on your install. Try holding down the off button for a few seconds. I've got an Eagle Optima and this is what I have to do. It prevents one from accidentally powering off the unit while in use.

As for your install, hope it all works out for you. You certainly don't need the speed sensor to use the transducer, but if it's like mine, the temperature probe is in the speed sensor, so without the speed sensor hooked up, you might not have a temp. reading. I too ditched the speed sensor and just carry along an IR thermometer.
FWIW, I set mine up to be portable, so I could pull everything off the boat (12' aluminum I carry in the back of the truck). I screwed the transducer to to the end of a 1 1/2 foot section of 1x2 that I coated in varnish, then I use a C-clamp near the opposite end to attach it to the stern of the boat when I'm putting the boat in the water. It works really well and is easily adjustable.

Enjoy your new toy.

Gorilla Glue Works!!!!!