How to Install a Fish Finder | Pro Tips and Tricks for All Models

Installing a fish finder is a manageable DIY job as long as you have a little know-how and some essential tools. And even if you're not up for the job, knowing what a proper installation looks like allows you to assess and troubleshoot your setup. Professional boat rigger Andy Kratochvil of Fish Lectronics (https://wired2.fish/FishlectronicsRig...) walks us through a detailed step-by-step fish finder installation covering everything from the initial unboxing and parts layout, transducer placement and mounting, to wiring up the head unit.

FISH FINDER & POWER
• FISH FINDER - Humminbird SOLIX 15 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3: Buy at Bass Pro Shops (https://bit.ly/45T3jyx)
• HIGH-SPEED TRANSDUCER - XNT 14 HW T - SOLIX Dual Spectrum CHIRP w/ Temp Transom Transducer: Buy at Wal-Mart (https://bit.ly/45MEXWR
• BATTERY - Dakota Lithium 12v 100Ah Deep Cycle Battery (LiFePo4): Buy at FishUSA (https://bit.ly/47QmFG9), Buy at Walmart (http://wired2.fish/DakotaLithium12v100Ah)

RIGGING TOOLS & SUPPLIES
• MOUNTING PLATE - Rig Rite Horizontal Transducer Mounting Plate: Buy at Walmart (http://wired2.fish/TransducerPlate)
• MARINE-GRADE SILICONE: Buy at Walmart (http://wired2.fish/MarineGradeSilicone)
• Cable Tie Gun: Buy at Walmart (https://bit.ly/3R0Svds)
• Cordless Impact Driver: Buy at Walmart (https://bit.ly/45QoCAu)
• Fish Tape (for routing cables): Buy at Walmart (http://wired2.fish/FishTape)
• 8 gauge Cable: Buy at Walmart (http://wired2.fish/8-GaugeCable)
• Fuse Block, 6 circuits: Buy at Walmart (http://wired2.fish/BlueSeaFuseBlock)
• 50 Amp Auto Reset Circuit Breaker: Buy at Walmart (http://wired2.fish/50AmpCircuitBreaker)

BOAT SETUP AS SHOWN
• BOAT - Lund 2075 Pro-V Bass XS (extra seating) Bass Boat: Check out at Lund Boats (https://bit.ly/3R1JOj6)
• ENGINE - Mercury Pro XS 250hp Outboard: Check out at Mercury Marine (https://bit.ly/3PeIhVk)
• JACK PLATE - T-H Marine Atlas Hydraulic Jack Plate, 10-inch setback: Check out at T-H Marine (http://wired2.fish/ATLASJackPlate)

Although the featured graph is a Humminbird SOLIX, Andy's tips and tricks are aimed squarely at making your install smooth and technically correct regardless of your fish finder's make/model, new or used. He starts by taking us through an initial unboxing and parts layout. He then works rear to front, starting with transducer setup and installation (2 side imaging and a high-speed skimmer) to plastic transducer mounting plates. Next, he covers how to cleanly route transducer and power supply cables through the electrical conduit to the head unit mounting location.

Finally, Kratochvil shows how to run clean, direct power from the battery to the fish finder, in this case, via the use of a dedicated fuse block. He installs the correct fuses for each accessory, labels the wires and fuse blocks for easy reference, and completes the installation with a power-up test.


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