Wiring GPS Fishfinder

[dockhan]

Hi,
I'd like to mount a combo unit on my dash and would like to ask for suggestions as to how to wire it so that it can be on , like the radio, even when the ignition or motor is not turned on.d
Thanks

 

[troypolla]

Re: Wiring GPS Fishfinder

If you have an accessory switch that is independant from the ignition switch wire it to that or if you have that radio that will stay on when ignition is off. Just follow the power and see where it goes. Just make sure not to overload that circuit. The accessory switch is the way to go.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Wiring GPS Fishfinder

I prefer to wire staright to the battery on these units to prevent noise from getting on the power. I twist two wires with a power drill to get a nice tight twist and attatch to the battery through an inline fuse.

 

[dockhan]

Re: Wiring GPS Fishfinder

Thanks so much for your suggestions.
Would I need to include a fuse in the circuit and if so which would you suggest?
The unit is the Humminbird 787c2 with internal GPS. It comes with a transom mount transducer. However, Humminbird has a transducer exchange program and there is now a stick-on transducer available for this model that does not require any drilling below the waterline. A marine grade adhesive is used for attachment to the hull. Anyone with any experience with this type of transducer?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Wiring GPS Fishfinder

I have a couple things that are direct connect to the battery so I actually have a small fuse fixture near the battery. You probably don't have or need something like that so I would just put an inline fuse in your powerline where you connect to your battery or battery switch.

Regarding using a puck style transducer, depends on your hull and if you have a flat part of your hull that aims straight down and your hull construction allows the sound waves to penetrate properly. You can fill your bilge with water and test the transducer that way before you mount it to make sure it wil work.

 

[dockhan]

Re: Wiring GPS Fishfinder

Hi Bruce,
Thanks for your input. The transducer I was referring to is not the inside hull, shoot thru, puck kind but a stick-on one that is fixed to the outside hull with a marine adhesive. I'm also considering the kind you are referring to as well.