Fishing Kayak In Hull Transducer Installation: The Ultimate Guide

Introduction

Welcome to my blog! Today, we will be discussing an interesting topic that might be useful for those who are passionate about kayaking and fishing. Installing a fishing kayak in hull transducer can make your expedition exciting and fruitful. It is essential to have an in-hull transducer to help locate fish and make the most out of your fishing trip.

Throughout this post, I will be sharing my tips on how to install a transducer effectively. I will also discuss the necessary tools, how to choose a suitable transducer, and alternative installation methods. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of how to install your fishing kayak in hull transducer and improve your fishing game.

Choosing a Transducer

Choosing the right transducer for your fishing kayak is crucial since it will dictate how successful your fishing trip will turn out. Here are some things to consider when selecting a transducer:

Frequency: High-frequency transducers are best for shallow water and provide more detail, while low-frequency transducers are perfect for deepwater fishing and can reach depths of up to 1,000 feet.
Beam Angle: A broader beam angle is perfect for shallow water and provides wide coverage, while a narrow beam angle is ideal for deepwater fishing since it provides better target separation.
Power: A higher wattage translates to better resolution and depth penetration.
Brand: Some of the top brands in the market include Garmin, Humminbird, and Raymarine.

Consider these factors when choosing a transducer, and choose one that matches your individual preferences and needs.

Preparing Your Kayak

Before you start installing the transducer, it is essential to prepare your kayak:

Clean: You need to start with a clean kayak. Ensure there is no sand, dirt, or debris on the hull that may interfere with the adhesion of the transducer.
Dry: Your kayak’s hull must be dry before installation to promote good adhesion.
Mark: Mark the position of the transducer slot with a permanent marker to ensure it is placed accurately. Ensure the mark is visible and easy to work with
Cut: You can now drill a hole to cut through your kayak’s hull using proper tools such as a hole saw.

Preparing your kayak adequately can make the installation process much easier, more efficient, and successful.

Marking the Location

After cleaning and drying your kayak, it’s time to mark the location of the transducer. The transducer should be installed straight down beside your kayak’s keel in its center section, so the propeller or your paddling motion won’t interfere with its readings.

Here’s how to mark the location:

Locate: Locate the center point of the kayak’s bottom, measure the width and draw a line marking its center.
Mark: Place the transducer marked side down against the hull and trace its outline with a pencil or sharpie.
Center: Ensure the mark is at the centerline you’ve drawn down the center of the kayak’s bottom, and center it between the keel lines to make sure it’s directly beneath your paddling position.
Recheck: Double-check the marks’ alignment and distance between each other to make sure they are correct.

Taking the time to accurately mark the location of the transducer is crucial to ensure successful installation and optimal performance.

Installing the Transducer

Now that you’ve marked the location for the transducer, it’s time to install it:

Drilling: Using a hole saw, drill the hole in the center’s marked position for the transducer. Make sure the hole is big enough and fits the transducer snugly.
Cleaning: Clean up any sawdust produced from drilling, and make sure the hole is clean and dry before proceeding to the next step.
Sealant: Apply a bead of silicone sealant around the hole on the inside of the kayak, ensuring that you stick to the perimeter of the hole.
Transducer: Place the transducer in the hole with the marked side facing down until it sticks to the silicone sealant, then carefully apply more sealant over the transducer to prevent water from penetrating.

Remember to allow the sealant to dry completely before testing the transducer.

Aside from the in-hull installation method, you can also use alternative methods such as an adhesive mounting pad or a transducer arm. However, keep in mind that the in-hull transducer offers the best performance due to the direct connection to the water and less drag compared to other mounting methods.

Testing and Adjusting

Once the transducer is installed, the next step is to test it and make any necessary adjustments before going out on the water:

Power up: Turn on the fish finder and check to make sure the transducer is working.
Calibrating: Calibrate your fish finder to ensure that the readings are accurate. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the calibration process.
Aiming: If necessary, adjust the position of the transducer by tilting it slightly to the left or right to ensure that it is aiming straight down and not producing a skewed image.
Depth: Adjust the sensitivity and depth settings on your fish finder according to the depth of the water you’ll be fishing in.

It’s crucial to test and adjust your transducer before heading out to ensure you get the best performance and accurate readings from your fish finder.

FAQ

Can I install an in-hull transducer in any fishing kayak?

In-hull transducer installation is possible on most common fishing kayaks.

Do I need any special tools to install an in-hull transducer?

You may need a few basic tools such as a drill, saw, and silicone sealant.

Are there any alternative installation methods?

Yes, there is an adhesive mounting pad or a transducer arm to install a transducer in a kayak.

Do I need to have any technical knowledge to install an in-hull transducer?

No, following the installation guide in this text will provide you everything you need.

Can I test the transducer before installation?

Yes, the text describes how to test the transducer before and after installation.

Is there any maintenance required after installation?

No, but we recommend cleaning regularly to avoid any damage.

Can an in-hull transducer be damaged due to scraping on reefs or rocks?

Yes, depending on the force and angle, it can be damaged and need replacing.

Can I install a transducer near the scupper of my kayak?

It is not recommended to install near scuppers for best results.

Do I need to waterproof the installed transducer?

No, the transducer is already waterproof when installing.

Can I install an in-hull transducer in a sit-on-top kayak?

Yes, but it can be challenging due to the design of the kayak.

Real experience

Tom was an avid fisherman, and he spent most of his weekends kayaking in the local rivers and lakes. He loved the peace and quiet of being out on the water, the challenge of catching different species of fish, and the satisfaction of cooking and eating his own catch at home. However, he faced one problem while kayaking that had been persistent for a long time – he found it challenging to read the underwater landscape on his fish finder. He had tried different methods, but nothing seemed to work.

One day, he came across a guide about installing an in-hull transducer in his fishing kayak. He was excited about this new possibility and decided to give it a shot. He purchased the necessary tools and started preparing his kayak. He cleaned, dried, and marked the location where he wanted the transducer installed.

Tom was unsure about drilling through his kayak, but he took a deep breath and started drilling slowly. Once he made the necessary hole, he cleaned and sealed the area with silicone sealant. He then inserted the transducer through the hole, made the necessary wiring connections, and tested the transducer before completing the installation.

The following weekend, Tom went kayaking, eager to try out his new gear. To his delight, he found that the in-hull transducer was working brilliantly! He could now read the underwater landscape with such detail that he could even discern the type of fish lurking under his kayak! Tom felt like he had discovered the ultimate fishing hack.

The day went by quickly, and Tom caught more fish than he had ever caught in a single day. As he packed up to head home, he felt immense gratitude for having found and installed the in-hull transducer. It had not only made his fishing experience more fruitful, but it also opened up new possibilities and levels of satisfaction for him. He was looking forward to discovering more about the underwater world of his local rivers and lakes and exploring other areas with his newfound tool.

Based on: https://mdc.mo.gov/magazines/conservationist/2010-06/kayak-angling

Conclusion

Installing a fishing kayak in hull transducer may seem like a daunting task, but it is undoubtedly worth the effort as it can enhance your fishing experience profoundly. Now that you’ve learned how to install an in-hull transducer in your fishing kayak, you can start exploring new fishing spots with improved accuracy.

Remember to choose the right transducer for your needs, take your time to prepare your kayak correctly, mark the location well, and test and adjust the transducer after installation.

With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to becoming a pro at installing a fishing kayak in hull transducer. Happy fishing!