1st Time installing Depth Finder

[arminius]

I'm looking to install a new Hummingbird depth finder with RAM mount. I want to ensure a solid fit, good wiring, and clean install.

For mounting, I'm thinking of a small piece of wood under dash, in which will drill holes though dash for bolts to go from mount.

For wiring, thinking of hooking up to Accessories fuse box under dash with power and ground.

For transducer, for now am just using a portable, in which I'll put in back by prop. Any tips or things to consider?

 

[briangcc]

Uh huh. Mount the transducer permanently otherwise you'll be in the market for a new one when you take off for the next fishing hole and forget the transducer was back there. My cousin did this years ago with a portable unit. Watched the cable disappear over the transom before he could stop and correct the mistake.

Seal any holes you make with epoxy or 3M 5200 to help avoid water infiltration.

Electrical, sounds like a solid plan. That's how the marina hooked up my unit in my former '05 Four Winns. Worked fine.

 

[David Young]

The Ram mount from Amazon will work great. I use one made by them for my Lowrance, holds nice and strong.

 

[Alumarine]

To mount the transducer use something like this.
http://www.iboats.com/18-5-Lx8-5-W-...2416534--session_id.273334116--view_id.167614

That way you can move the transducer around to find the best location without drilling multiple holes in the hull.

You can even use a cutting board from the dollar store.

 

[TyeeMan]

I used a BIG ram to mount my Humminbird Helix 10, not really excited how it looks but I didn't have any other choic, it works well though. Luckily my dash had 1/2" or 5/8" marine plywood right where I wanted to mount the RAM base. I used stainless steel machine screws with washers and nyloc nuts under the dash.

I would use the transducer that came with your Humminbird, that way you'll have the correct cone angle and your Bird will work as it is intended.
As marc c mentioned, by all means use the part he referenced in his post. Gander Mountain and Cabelas have the same thing. By using that you only put two holes in your boat instead of 3 or 4, and if you screw up your hole pattern for your transducer it's no big deal cuz the holes just go into the plastic board.
NOTE: When mounting the transducer to the plastic make sure you use screws that are NOT longer than the plastic is thick.
I also ran a couple nice beads of silicone on the surface of the plastic piece that mated with the boat, , makes for a super sturdy mount.

 

[QBhoy]

apart from the old measure twice, cut/drill once...make sure the unit is in a location where it won't affect anything else.
By this I mean, make sure it won't obstruct any gauges on the dash. Make sure it isn't near any gps equipment (made this mistake) and perhaps make sure it is in a location where is won't produce glare on the windscreen (of applicable) or affect night vision (of applicable) if it can't be dimmed.
Also, with regards to the transducer, I agree with the above. Get a permanent one. My preference is a through hull one.
All the best.