Advice installing FishEasy2 on T13

I've got an older Eagle FishEasy2 that I plan on using until I can scrape together the cash for a Hummingbird FF/GPS unit using the scupperhole transducer.

The unit I have it the self contained, battery in a "waterproof" box w/ FF on a gimbal mount attached to the battery box.

I'm trying to find a compatible mount that would allow me to put the FF in the sonar shield, but so far cannot match up the proper parts with compatibility matrices.

I would like to put the batter up in the T13 bow battery bag, and do a pool noodle transducer mount. What is the best way to drill for the 2 wire access, when in the future I will use the scupper hole mount for transducer. I don't want to drill any needless holes, so would like whatever I do for installation now, to be future compatible with a Hummingbird unit.

How removable is the pool noodle install? Is it had getting it and the marine goop off the boat at a later time?

I've read lot's of threads in FF and transducer mounts, and its been very helpful, but there are still some niggling doubts in my mind.

Thanks,

Kook

Adding pics for clarity (although the pics themselves are NOT clear!!!) crappy phone camera...

pool noodle transducers can come off with marine goop with some care and heat.  although if you plan to remove it later it may be better to use silicon and just silicon it straight to the hull. you will lose sensitivity but it will be much easier to remove in the future.

as for the hole through the sonar shield, it should be fine. but where you should cut the hole will depend on what humminbird model you plan to use in the future.  if you are using a 500 series, you will want to cut the hole slightly to the left since their mount needs to be set slightly to the left to fit properly (you can probably look at marvin's T13 for a general idea of where the hole should be cut).  if you look at my T13 rigging from the ocean kayaks forum you will see a cheap way to cut the hole out and slightly waterproof it (flanged computer grommet - 1" cut with a 1" hole saw)

as for mounting it in the sonar shield i don't know how to work that out.  you could probably jerry rig it by cutting the current mount off the waterproof box and somehow affixing it inside the shield, but you gotta be careful about backing it and making sure it fits properly to close.

as for mounting it in the sonar shield i don't know how to work that out.  you could probably jerry rig it by cutting the current mount off the waterproof box and somehow affixing it inside the shield, but you gotta be careful about backing it and making sure it fits properly to close.

Thanks for the feedback Ben. I think I'll do a pool-noodle mount for the transducer. I thought about cutting the mount out of the box, but I think it might be nice to keep it intact for it's intended portability.

I tried to find some other later model Eagle FF gimbal mounts that might have the same dimensions, but so far have not been able to confirm anything. Probably some metal-bender DIY guy could whip something up, but sadly that wouldn't be me.

Peter

Replacement gimbal bracket = $14.95 + shipping and whatever.

I'd get that if it can fit inside the sonar shield. 

http://www.lei-extras.com/store/search.asp?SearchType=Category&Category=Gimbal+Brackets+and+In-Dash+Mounting+Kits

as for mounting it in the sonar shield i don't know how to work that out.  you could probably jerry rig it by cutting the current mount off the waterproof box and somehow affixing it inside the shield, but you gotta be careful about backing it and making sure it fits properly to close.

Thanks for the feedback Ben. I think I'll do a pool-noodle mount for the transducer. I thought about cutting the mount out of the box, but I think it might be nice to keep it intact for it's intended portability.

I tried to find some other later model Eagle FF gimbal mounts that might have the same dimensions, but so far have not been able to confirm anything. Probably some metal-bender DIY guy could whip something up, but sadly that wouldn't be me.

Peter

looks like that might work - you should measure out your current mount and see if it fits.  although i'm not sure if i would spend $20 now then spend $150 later on a humminbird.

If its temp, i woulnt dill any holes for wire. Just run it threw the front hatch. I got the same boat. My Ff is in there for good or till it breaks. I didnt drill holes for the wires. I cleaned it up nicely, works great, no leaks, no extra holes

If its temp, i woulnt dill any holes for wire. Just run it threw the front hatch. I got the same boat. My Ff is in there for good or till it breaks. I didnt drill holes for the wires. I cleaned it up nicely, works great, no leaks, no extra holes

If you get a chance, would you mind posting a couple of pics?

Replacement gimbal bracket = $14.95 + shipping and whatever.

I'd get that if it can fit inside the sonar shield. 

http://www.lei-extras.com/store/search.asp?SearchType=Category&Category=Gimbal+Brackets+and+In-Dash+Mounting+Kits

Thanks Shicken - Looks like that would definitely do it.

I think I'll hold out for a GPS combo unit when I do get the Humminbird (383c?), so an interim solution of $20 is pretty reasonable.

OBKOOK,

sorry I just saw your post, ill try to snap some pics for you tonight if your still interested, its basic, and temporary

OBKOOK,

sorry I just saw your post, ill try to snap some pics for you tonight if your still interested, its basic, and temporary

Porky,

No worries! I took a look at my boat and the openings around the sonar shield with regards to how close they are to the front hatch, so I think I'm pretty clear now. If it's easy enough to do and you've got the time, I wouldn't mind seeing how it actually lays out though.

Thanks,

Peter

OBKOOK

heres the thread to my install
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,18841.0.html

I didnt drill holes for wires either, so i ran them through the hatch... just secure them to the upper deck of the boat when your all done, keeps them dry and out of the way... i never have any probs with this set up.... its not as pretty, but you can make it pretty clean.... still no holes drilled, works fine

heres an update to the pics in the link for you.  on the bottom pics, uyou can see how the wires run on the exterior, very short distance, use those stick tab wire anchors, EWB gave me that tip....

also, zip tie all the wires together nicely if there more then one wire.

click on pics to enlarge!!!