@@jedediyahaaronyisrael7118 Well yeah, but the idea is to have the transducer sit as close to the bottom as possible so that it doesn't hit against rocks and such. And since if you put the transducer below the skidplate, side imaging still works...
The transducer mount arm was actually installed upside down in this video. If you flip the arm 180 degrees, the transducer will sit higher than the keel guard (it will be a bit recessed and thus more protected). You will find this in some other transducer install videos on RUclips. Old Town actually shows the technique I’ve described, but not in great detail.
@@chillgate2877 Check out the "How to Install a Humminbird Helix7 Fish Finder on Old Town Sportsman PDL" video by Fishing with Nat. He goes into detail about the transducer mount.
OMG! THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO BRO, I GOT EVERYTHING IN THIS VIDEO. NOW IF YOU CAN ONLY DO A VIDEO ON THE HELIX5 ON HOW TO USE IT AND WHAT EVERYTHING ON THE SCREEN MEANS.
The problem with the Old Town Topwater/Humminbird transducer, is that when you mount it to the plate, the transducer sits quite a few inches below the hull so it is very vulnerable to contact things. I knocked it off first time out loading the kayak into the car. Instead, I mounted it to a scupper hole under the seat using PVC from Home Depot. Super easy and the transducer sits much higher in the hull so it is much more protected and can be easily removed. However, other company transducers may fit the Old Town Topwater much better, but only have experience with the Humminbird transducer.
Just looked at my PDL Predator....unfortunately it does not have any mounting plates, just a spot where one could be installed by drilling into the kayak. :( Thanks for the video.
The "universal" transducer mount does not include the entire universe if you have a Garmin device. I ended up deleting the transducer mount on my Garmin all together and just used 3M marine glue to glue the transducer directly over the scupper hole. It works great and offers far more protection from hitting a rock on shore and damaging it.
Sticks down too far? Also i have a garmin transducer it looks like a pain to get it on there with it being low enough but not prone to scrapping the bank
So if these are just 12v batteries used for these, could you just wire up a few 12v tool batteries? Cheaper then buying a separate battery, and pretty convenient to charge tool batteries, especially with rapid chargers. I even have the 120v AC adapter for the Milwaukee 18v batteries.
Hi Colin! Thanks for watching. We have all product links listed out in the video description. Austin Kayak is an excellent online resource for everything kayak.
Does the part that mounts to the rail come with the RAM mounting bracket or the kayak? Thinking about buying the kayak and fish finder but when I saw the RAM bracket you linked to it looks like its made to screw on to something, not fit in that rail. TIA.
Well if course people don't wanna put holes in a $4000 kayak but your really just showing viewers a feature of that particular kayak and I'm sure most people thought it was going to be a little more universal. Remember folks it's ok to put holes in your kayak just make sure if your below water line that they need sealant. Need to patch a hole, use a stainless rivit and sealant and plug the hole.
It depends on the kayak being used and how/where the battery is stored. For the Old Town Kayaks, the battery is stored under the seat in a battery box. The battery box will take on water if flipped (which isn't easy to do from our experience).
We had initially installed it as such to get the best possible read out. We'll do a lot of vertical jigging and it seems to be helpful for picking up the bait away from the kayak. We've since reversed it (conveniently) and tucked it in a little more flush and there doesn't seem to be an interference issue. As far as damaging the transducer, you just have to be mindful of it and give it some clearance. It skids over things nicely when flush mounted.
Yah if you have this specific series of kayak this video is useful. Otherwise it's almost useless. Also that transducer is not safe fishing around shallow timber or shallow Rocky water. Poor video all around.
why didnt you flip the mount over so your transducer was below the skidplate?
I noticed that
Yeah, it's designed to work that way. Side imagine is supposed to still work too
@@shred5 Side image will work regardless
@@jedediyahaaronyisrael7118 Well yeah, but the idea is to have the transducer sit as close to the bottom as possible so that it doesn't hit against rocks and such. And since if you put the transducer below the skidplate, side imaging still works...
Nice and helpful for anyone trying to add one to their kayak without hurting their kayak .
The transducer mount arm was actually installed upside down in this video. If you flip the arm 180 degrees, the transducer will sit higher than the keel guard (it will be a bit recessed and thus more protected). You will find this in some other transducer install videos on RUclips. Old Town actually shows the technique I’ve described, but not in great detail.
Can you list some of those videos? Im having troubles mounting mine below the keel guard
@@chillgate2877 Check out the "How to Install a Humminbird Helix7 Fish Finder on Old Town Sportsman PDL" video by Fishing with Nat. He goes into detail about the transducer mount.
the hatch didn't look to have a cut out for the wiring, would you recommend cutting a slot out of the hatch cover so the wires are crimped?
awesome video. I never knew old town had the universal mounts already there. Thanks for the help
OMG! THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO BRO, I GOT EVERYTHING IN THIS VIDEO. NOW IF YOU CAN ONLY DO A VIDEO ON THE HELIX5 ON HOW TO USE IT AND WHAT EVERYTHING ON THE SCREEN MEANS.
Great timing. I’m installing mine tomorrow but really didn’t want to drill holes yet. You solved my problem.
Glad we could help. Good luck!
The problem with the Old Town Topwater/Humminbird transducer, is that when you mount it to the plate, the transducer sits quite a few inches below the hull so it is very vulnerable to contact things. I knocked it off first time out loading the kayak into the car. Instead, I mounted it to a scupper hole under the seat using PVC from Home Depot. Super easy and the transducer sits much higher in the hull so it is much more protected and can be easily removed. However, other company transducers may fit the Old Town Topwater much better, but only have experience with the Humminbird transducer.
Can you show pictures? I'm having trouble mounting my Garmin transducer
So what about if your kayak doesn't have built in transducer mounts??? I mean damn
Scotty Track transducer drop.
We use "Sticky Backs" or Zip Tie Lock Downs to stick inside the yak & run your wires very cleanly without drilling holes 🤟
I like this idea. Do you ever install a fuse to protect the electronics?
Very Helpful. Awesome video!
Thank you for the helpful video sir.
Fantastic video
Is the hatch tight enough with the wires coming out for water to not get in?
Just looked at my PDL Predator....unfortunately it does not have any mounting plates, just a spot where one could be installed by drilling into the kayak. :( Thanks for the video.
That transducer will break off the mount the moment you beach the kayak. Flip the mount upside down and that will solve the problem.
The "universal" transducer mount does not include the entire universe if you have a Garmin device. I ended up deleting the transducer mount on my Garmin all together and just used 3M marine glue to glue the transducer directly over the scupper hole. It works great and offers far more protection from hitting a rock on shore and damaging it.
Nice yak Did you fuse your power line? Thank you
Great video. Can you include a link to where you purchased the battery. Thanks
Sticks down too far? Also i have a garmin transducer it looks like a pain to get it on there with it being low enough but not prone to scrapping the bank
So if these are just 12v batteries used for these, could you just wire up a few 12v tool batteries?
Cheaper then buying a separate battery, and pretty convenient to charge tool batteries, especially with rapid chargers.
I even have the 120v AC adapter for the Milwaukee 18v batteries.
You need to invest in some flush cut side cutters for cutting those zip ties so there’s no sharp corners to get a nasty scratch on.
Lighter. 🔥the sharp zippy.
nice installation, where can I get the battery bag and the mounting hareware to the kayak for the fish finder?
Hi Colin! Thanks for watching. We have all product links listed out in the video description. Austin Kayak is an excellent online resource for everything kayak.
Does the part that mounts to the rail come with the RAM mounting bracket or the kayak? Thinking about buying the kayak and fish finder but when I saw the RAM bracket you linked to it looks like its made to screw on to something, not fit in that rail. TIA.
Is the transducer protected in that spot? Looks like you can't beach it without hitting it.
No. Better to mount the Humminbird transducer to a scupper hole under the seat. It is well protected there.
It's fine there, he just mounted it a little too low. Needed to mount the transducer higher on the plate.
Well if course people don't wanna put holes in a $4000 kayak but your really just showing viewers a feature of that particular kayak and I'm sure most people thought it was going to be a little more universal. Remember folks it's ok to put holes in your kayak just make sure if your below water line that they need sealant. Need to patch a hole, use a stainless rivit and sealant and plug the hole.
so is the front hatch not going to be waterproof anymore..?
You are likely going to lose that transducer the way you mounted it.
I believe that the mount under the hull doesnt work with Garmin units
What size screws and nuts to you need to mount?
Hello
When your kayak flip is there a lot of water in the battery compartiment?
Thank you
It depends on the kayak being used and how/where the battery is stored. For the Old Town Kayaks, the battery is stored under the seat in a battery box. The battery box will take on water if flipped (which isn't easy to do from our experience).
@@Wired2Fish so why didnt you install it it in the battery box on the video?
So after having you transducer mounted for a while, how many times have you damaged it with it being below the level of the hull?
We had initially installed it as such to get the best possible read out. We'll do a lot of vertical jigging and it seems to be helpful for picking up the bait away from the kayak. We've since reversed it (conveniently) and tucked it in a little more flush and there doesn't seem to be an interference issue. As far as damaging the transducer, you just have to be mindful of it and give it some clearance. It skids over things nicely when flush mounted.
@@Wired2Fish what so you mean reversed it exaxtly
The transducer looks higher than the skid plate.
Yeah wtf
I had mine installed like that and it’s not good i hit oysters and bottom always
@@az201986 if your mounting a Sidescanning transducer it has to be below & clear of everything or it won't work well.
I think I'll stick to my deeper pro plus with the arm mount. Way less work.
No fuse?
20 people who disliked ... drilled holes lol
Yah if you have this specific series of kayak this video is useful. Otherwise it's almost useless. Also that transducer is not safe fishing around shallow timber or shallow Rocky water. Poor video all around.
Very unhelpful. Don’t have the same kinda of mounting space on the bottom of my kayak. Maybe be more specific with your title for the video
informative, but a little outa my league...