My Hobie Adventure FF Install

Finally got a FF (Lowrance Elite 4x) and installed it last weekend.

I purchased a Ram mount kit that included the custom adapter for the FF, which was kinda cool, makes it look way cleaner than having to attach it using their 'base' mount.

I routed the wires thru the deck using a West marine wire/bulkhead plate (don't remember the exact term but the picture will show you what it looks like (had to drill an 1 inch hole).

The transducer was mounted use a water bath method.  Searching the web I found that someone suggested using duct seal to create the water bath.  Duct seal can be found at Home depot and it's cheap...  ~$1 a bar and you shape it like silly puddy.  It sticks like crazy and does not get soft or hard on temperature changes.

Below are a few pics, I think I'm going to eventually install a connector to the battery bag so I can quick connect it to another pack if/when the original batteries need replacing.  I'll also route the battery bag under the main hatch so it can easily be replaced OTW.

Robert

Nice clean job.  I am curious.  What kind of battery are you using and where is it mounted?

Nice clean job.  I am curious.  What kind of battery are you using and where is it mounted?

Thx, the batteries are in the dry bag, there are 10 AA's in a battery holder.  Youn can't see them that we'll because the bag of desiccant is in front of them in the picture.

Here is a pic of the 'Duct Seal' I got from Home depot.

That is a sweet looking clean install    Like the look of that X4 too.  Very interested in how the duct seal method performs.  Are you adding water in, or just pressing it into the putty stuff?  I think someone once mentioned using electrical putty in the same way, but without the need to add in water.  Personally, i'm getting a little tired of putting water inside my hull, and then having to dry it out again.

That is a sweet looking clean install    Like the look of that X4 too.  Very interested in how the duct seal method performs.  Are you adding water in, or just pressing it into the putty stuff?  I think someone once mentioned using electrical putty in the same way, but without the need to add in water.  Personally, i'm getting a little tired of putting water inside my hull, and then having to dry it out again.

Thx! The duct seal needs water to be as accurate as possible.You can use it without water but others have tested that method and it did add noise to the screen.  I always have a bicycle water bottle and just squirt water in, so it's not such a big deal to me.  The amount of water added is just a couple of table spoons full so it has not been an issue..... Yet . I don't see why I can't just add water and then completely seal it up with the seal, maybe I'll try that...

I bought the putty 3 months ago and never used it used on my new Lowrance 5 elite.  I went with goop and foam install.
I was wondering have you considered what happens to the putty if 1. It gets hot 2. Transport your yak upside down.

I bought the putty 3 months ago and never used it used on my new Lowrance 5 elite.  I went with goop and foam install.
I was wondering have you considered what happens to the putty if 1. It gets hot 2. Transport your yak upside down.

Not sure about the heat but I feel confident it will not get too soft since it was probably designed for extreme temps both ways. 

There is a YouTube video where a guy stuck a full water bottle to the duct seal in a container and turned it upside down ... He drove around in his car with it like this and stated the bottle never fell off the duct seal.   So if it will hold a full water bottle just by sticking it to the side it should hold the light transducer for much longer if not permanently.  As soon as the duct seal fails to seal on the kayak, everyone here will be the first to know

Personally, i'm getting a little tired of putting water inside my hull, and then having to dry it out again.

Me too... but I also sometimes forget to fill it back up before getting on the water...

love the CLEAN install....looks tight. interesting method with duct seal- will have to try it. i heard from a few peeps they like to add water for accurate FF reading.

yes, its a pain to fill up before lauch...

thx for sharing!

yes, its a pain to fill up before lauch...

Actually, it's quite easy to fill before launch.
I usually forget until I am OTW...THAT's when it's a real pain! 

Thanks for the detailed post.  Super clean. 

Anyone have the part number for the Bulkhead Plate from West Marine?

Anyone have the part number for the Bulkhead Plate from West Marine?

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=11151&partNumber=8717886&langId=-1

Perfect.  Thanks dude.

That is clean! I have a Lowrance Elite 4x as well, haven't been able to find the mount with the smaller 2 screw base. But the way you installed it is how I want to as well

question, was it difficult to run the wires?