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Author Topic:   Fishfinder on 2002 13' Sport

GeneNJ posted 07-29-2003 10:27 PM ET (US)
After fishing so far without a fish/depth finder, I think my fishing will improve with one. Any suggestions as to make/model and mounting will be appreciated. I'm using a handheld VHF and GPS, so the console area is clear.
Bill Davis posted 07-30-2003 01:54 PM ET (US)
I have an '00 sport 13 and am really glad I added a "bottom machine." I mounted it on the flat surface on the right side of the console, and I am very happy with the mount. I love being able to see what the depth is.
The brand I ended up going with, after a little research, was Lorrance [which I know I have spelled wrong]. I already had a handheld GPS with mapping, so I just have what you are talking about: depth and "fish finder," in black and white. I did not get speed measurement capability because I can get that off my GPS too.
I am happy with the machine except for one thing, and it is an installation error I think [even though I had it "professionally" installed].
I bought the machine from the local West Marine store, I think. They recommended a free lance installer who did a real nice job and knew what he was doing: it looks good and worked great, for a while.
But he didn't read the installation instructions first and neither did I. The instructions said to put a switch between the battery and the machine, so you can cut power to the plug. Otherwise, it corrodes even if it is disconnected from the machine: if the plug has electricty going to it, even if not connected to the machine [or maybe only if not connected to the machine] it will corrode.
My machine, which I have had maybe a year and a half, now intermittently looses its signal or goes blank. I think it might be corrosion in that plug or wire, which I can see. I have helped it, I think, by cleaning down into the pin-holes with naval jelly; but it still goes out, and I am curious that it goes out when I am pounding through some surf at high speed.
If I get a new one, I may change companies. I will definately have a cut off switch on all power running from my battery, which is a good thing to have anyway.
I guess I will look to get a new cable, now, and add a cutoff switch.
Good Luck!
GeneNJ posted 07-30-2003 10:01 PM ET (US)
Thanks Bill,
Is the transducer on the starboard side? How is the cable routed, through or over the transom?
Bill Davis posted 07-31-2003 10:18 AM ET (US)
On the starboard side it is. The transducer cable is bound to the cables running back to the motor and then over the transom. I wouldn't do it any other way: it looks fine and there's no hole through the boat.
arnereil posted 08-11-2003 08:20 PM ET (US)
Can you tell me how the transducer is mounted to the hull? I've even thought about putting a wing on the cav plate and mounting it there... the idea of a screw hole below the waterline isn't attractive...Stnr
Bill Davis posted 08-11-2003 11:06 PM ET (US)
As I mentioned somewhere, I had a "pro" come and install my bottom machine as this is my first boat and my first installation on it.
He screwed the transducer into the hull, but the screws are pretty small compared to the thickness of the hole, it appears to me. All you need is a good enough tap to hold a very light-weight object onto a very strong backing. In other words, the screw didn't go in real deep or anything.
Especially as a newbie, it is hard to put holes in the hull. But sometimes you have to, in order to get "geared up," and that is half the fun.

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Author	Topic: Fishfinder on 2002 13' Sport
GeneNJ	posted 07-29-2003 10:27 PM ET (US) After fishing so far without a fish/depth finder, I think my fishing will improve with one. Any suggestions as to make/model and mounting will be appreciated. I'm using a handheld VHF and GPS, so the console area is clear.
Bill Davis	posted 07-30-2003 01:54 PM ET (US) I have an '00 sport 13 and am really glad I added a "bottom machine." I mounted it on the flat surface on the right side of the console, and I am very happy with the mount. I love being able to see what the depth is. The brand I ended up going with, after a little research, was Lorrance [which I know I have spelled wrong]. I already had a handheld GPS with mapping, so I just have what you are talking about: depth and "fish finder," in black and white. I did not get speed measurement capability because I can get that off my GPS too. I am happy with the machine except for one thing, and it is an installation error I think [even though I had it "professionally" installed]. I bought the machine from the local West Marine store, I think. They recommended a free lance installer who did a real nice job and knew what he was doing: it looks good and worked great, for a while. But he didn't read the installation instructions first and neither did I. The instructions said to put a switch between the battery and the machine, so you can cut power to the plug. Otherwise, it corrodes even if it is disconnected from the machine: if the plug has electricty going to it, even if not connected to the machine [or maybe only if not connected to the machine] it will corrode. My machine, which I have had maybe a year and a half, now intermittently looses its signal or goes blank. I think it might be corrosion in that plug or wire, which I can see. I have helped it, I think, by cleaning down into the pin-holes with naval jelly; but it still goes out, and I am curious that it goes out when I am pounding through some surf at high speed. If I get a new one, I may change companies. I will definately have a cut off switch on all power running from my battery, which is a good thing to have anyway. I guess I will look to get a new cable, now, and add a cutoff switch. Good Luck!
GeneNJ	posted 07-30-2003 10:01 PM ET (US) Thanks Bill, Is the transducer on the starboard side? How is the cable routed, through or over the transom?
Bill Davis	posted 07-31-2003 10:18 AM ET (US) On the starboard side it is. The transducer cable is bound to the cables running back to the motor and then over the transom. I wouldn't do it any other way: it looks fine and there's no hole through the boat.
arnereil	posted 08-11-2003 08:20 PM ET (US) Can you tell me how the transducer is mounted to the hull? I've even thought about putting a wing on the cav plate and mounting it there... the idea of a screw hole below the waterline isn't attractive...Stnr
Bill Davis	posted 08-11-2003 11:06 PM ET (US) As I mentioned somewhere, I had a "pro" come and install my bottom machine as this is my first boat and my first installation on it. He screwed the transducer into the hull, but the screws are pretty small compared to the thickness of the hole, it appears to me. All you need is a good enough tap to hold a very light-weight object onto a very strong backing. In other words, the screw didn't go in real deep or anything. Especially as a newbie, it is hard to put holes in the hull. But sometimes you have to, in order to get "geared up," and that is half the fun.