FF Transducer and Power Cords: Thru-Hull Issue

I'm trying to install a new Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv FF on my Hobie Revolution 11 and have hit a snag. The ends of the transducer and power cables are all bigger than the largest hole(s) in the inserts included with the JSP Thru Hull Wiring Kit.

Do I:

1. Cut the cables, feed them through holes that match their main diameter, and reconnect/solder the cables back together inside the hull?

2. Cut a bigger hole in the blank insert and feed the cable ends through that/those but then there's going to be a gap that could let water in -- fill it with something or what?

3. ?

Thanks,

James

I think most people, including myself, used a Hobie Thru Hull Wiring Kit.
This video shows cutting the rubber 45 45-degree angle:

I think most people, including myself, used a Hobie Thru Hull Wiring Kit.
This video shows cutting the rubber 45 45-degree angle:

Seems like the Hobie kit would have the same issue with the ends of the cables being substantially bigger than the holes in the inserts.

Oh, wait -- I just saw the video link. Will watch now, thanks.

I would not cut any of the cables - transducers are pretty sensitive, and those wires are pretty tiny inside the insulation.  It would also probably void your warranty.

I've used a few different methods to go through the hull, and none of them are perfect.  Like you discovered, the cable ends can be a problem.

Most recently, I drilled a 3/4" hole for the wires, put a grommet in the hole for abrasion resistance, ran the wires through, and mounted a clamshell vent cover over the bundle.  Then, on the inside of the hole, I jammed duct seal around the wires into the hole.  It came out very watertight, and looks nice and clean on both ends.  I also used duct seal to secure the transducer to the inside of the hull.  It is worth mentioning that this was on a vertical surface, inside the gunnel. 

I've said it before - Garmin or another sonar manufacturer would sell a TON of kayak specific units if they came up with a system that can be adapted to most kayaks.  In-hull transducer and battery mount, flanged wiring port to connect wires inside the hull to a single wire from the plug to the unit, track mount ready screen (no Scotty or YakAttack adaptor needed)... As big as kayak fishing is getting, I am truly surprised that no one is capitalizing on this yet. 

I think most people, including myself, used a Hobie Thru Hull Wiring Kit.
This video shows cutting the rubber 45 45-degree angle:

Seems like the Hobie kit would have the same issue with the ends of the cables being substantially bigger than the holes in the inserts.

Oh, wait -- I just saw the video link. Will watch now, thanks.

You have found the answer! In the video the guy makes a slit in the insert hole so it's not necessary to put the end of the cable through the hole. This way you can match the cable diameter to the insert hole diameter. Excellent, thanks. See screenshot below.

I would not cut any of the cables - transducers are pretty sensitive, and those wires are pretty tiny inside the insulation.  It would also probably void your warranty.

I've used a few different methods to go through the hull, and none of them are perfect.  Like you discovered, the cable ends can be a problem.

Most recently, I drilled a 3/4" hole for the wires, put a grommet in the hole for abrasion resistance, ran the wires through, and mounted a clamshell vent cover over the bundle.  Then, on the inside of the hole, I jammed duct seal around the wires into the hole.  It came out very watertight, and looks nice and clean on both ends.  I also used duct seal to secure the transducer to the inside of the hull.  It is worth mentioning that this was on a vertical surface, inside the gunnel. 

I've said it before - Garmin or another sonar manufacturer would sell a TON of kayak specific units if they came up with a system that can be adapted to most kayaks.  In-hull transducer and battery mount, flanged wiring port to connect wires inside the hull to a single wire from the plug to the unit, track mount ready screen (no Scotty or YakAttack adaptor needed)... As big as kayak fishing is getting, I am truly surprised that no one is capitalizing on this yet.

Thanks, Kevin -- great ideas!

I'm a fan of the Hobie thru-hull wiring kits, having installed several on my Hobies. They do require a large hole (1 3/8 inch, if I recall correctly), but I've never had any issue with leaks.