Depth finder install

[Monkster]

I picked up a Lowrance Elite 5 HDI over the weekend for my 84' Ranger. I have no experience installing electronics or transducers, but I am willing to try. I am thinking I might just want to have someone install it for me to save some headache...or am I overthinking this and should just do it???

Any advice on someone (marine dealer?) who could do it or just try it myself encouragement would be appreciated!.

Thanks.

[Northlander]

Its fairly simple. Mount the graph, run the wires and ducer to back of boat. Mount ducer and connect power to battery. Mount gps puck in a open area of boat like very back or front or under windshield if you have one. If you have pics of your boat post them and I can toss you some better ideas. or pm me

[macminn]

I'll be watching this thread as well. I have a lowrance unit, replacing it with a hummingbird unit. Wondering if I need to rewire the whole thing or not. I didn't do the initial install.

[NEANGLER]

Super easy, just did the same unit as well. No need to worry about GPS puck since it has internal GPS antenna. Instructions are easy to install the transducer, just make sure to add a little silicone to the screws to prevent leaks. Run the power and transducer in the same area as your old unit, attach the inline fuse that comes with the unit to the power cord with a inline crimp. Get a couple of electrical connectors for your battery, about $2 at Menards, to crimp on each end (+/-) of your power cord. Attach to your battery and you are all set. It took me longer to take out my old cables than it did to hook up the new unit. From beginning to end took me about hour.

[Monkster]

NEANGLER, do I need one of those 'wire line' type of things to guide it through the tubes in the boat?

[NEANGLER]

My boat is different and didn't have tubes to go through - had to take off the side/access panels to do mine. So you will need a wire puller(fish tape) otherwise to get you from one end of the tube to the other. depending on how far you have to go a unwrapped wire coat hanger may be long enough.

[VermilionGold]

When you pull the old transducer and power cables you should be able to tape the new cables to them. I have done this several times, duct tape or electrical tape should work.

[Monkster]

Thanks guys, I knew I could just pull the new wires with the old, but I'm keeping the other flasher in place since I already have a newer one for the front of the boat too.

I'll update you all Friday sometime. Thanks for the advice!

[gunner55]

VG got it right.What would we do without duct tape?We just finished installing the same unit on the bow of our boat.The biggest issue we ran into was getting the right transducer bracket to mount it to our TM,as we have an older PD.

[Deet]

When you pull the old transducer and power cables you should be able to tape the new cables to them. I have done this several times, duct tape or electrical tape should work.

I don't see how this will work unless one or both of your transducer cables can detach from the transducer. I doubt either transducer can fit through the route of the cable.

I tied and taped a small-diameter rope to the plug-end (for control head) of the old cable. Pull the cable through, then the rope is routed through the route cavity. Then tie and tape the plug-end of the new cable and pull it back through towards the control head.

[Monkster]

Deet, yes, I see what you mean. If I don't find a fish line, I will do it that way! Thanks.

[VermilionGold]

If you still need the old transducer then by all means go with the rope. If not cut the old transducer at the rear of boat and pull the new one to the helm.

[Monkster]

That's what I was going to do, but I'm keeping the old unit also and just adding the new one next to it, so I'll find a way to fish it through!

[jigginjerk]

Tie a rope to the old transducer cable and pull cable out to the back then tape new cable to the old one and the rope and pull them both back to the front.