Mounting the Lowrance FishFinder on the Hobie Mirage i11s

In thinking about how to do this, it became clear that it has to be a solution that you can snap on and off because of the need to fold up the boat.

The first challenge seemed to be where to attach the display unit and the transducer?

The solution I implemented is to use the mechanism to attach the rudder control to the seat. Mounts are located on both sides. As I am left handed the rudder control goes on the left mount, facing forward, leaving the right one available. The mount has the male part of a groove.

The second challenge is how to mount both the display unit and the arm (found at Walmart.com) that extends and holds the transducer in the water?

I chose to use about a 4-in by 1 1/2-in thick block of hardwood that I teak oiled with several coats. That base of the display unit was wood screwed onto the top of the block. The base is 360-degrees adjustable and the neck of the display unit is also able to rotate to almost any angle. The base of the transducer arm I screwed into the bottom at one edge of the block leaving about half of the bottom of the block unobstructed. However, I used washers to space the base about an eighth to a quarter inch away from the block. This would be half of the female mating of the groove. The other edge of the groove is created by screwing onto the block separated by an equal number of washers to what is called a flat brace with two, pre-drilled screw holes. That groove allows the block to be slipped on just like the Rudder control unit is.

The third challenge is how to provide light weight power to the Fishfinder?

Mind you that weight is a factor on the i11s. It is only rated for 400 pounds crew/cargo combined. To maximize capacity for cargo, the power supply weight needs to be kept low. I use a Tupperware link container to house a small 8-pack battery holder connected in series that uses 8 AA rechargeable batteries. I use a blade fuse to protect the circuit attached to a cable leading through the side of the container to a quick disconnect. This fits under the seat and can be secured during kayaking. It will provide 12-volts DC to run the FishFinder for a few hours.

The last challenge is how to secure all that wiring?

The extender arm has a groove into which you can run the transducer cable secured with tie straps. I also coiled the excess wiring and strapped it too. I did the same with excess wiring to the power supply.

When the lakes in Colorado thaw, I'll let you know how well it works.

~John

How about a photo of this setup? Using the rudder control mount is ingenious!

Here's one solution using RAM parts that gives you a clean install:



Parts:

- RAM fishfinder mount, part 72023053
- RAM U-Bolt 1" Ball, part 72023017
- RAM transducer arm, part 72023035
- RAM round base 1", part 72023045
- RAM Bond-A-Base, part 72023042

I like to run wires though vac tubing and back to the H-Crate where your Hobie Battery Holder and 12V battery is mounted (thru hull plug used to run cables through H-Crate wall). This allows you to unplug the whole fish finder assembly and take everything with you in the H-Crate at the end of the day. Lowrance Ready install kit 72020070 has everything you'd need (beside the vac tubing).

_________________
Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA

This is in reply to reason162. I haven't figured out to post a photo here but I do have it on Google Drive and have opened permissions to it. Please click on these links to see:

Two photos of mount:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a6QcNm ... sp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nX4ahG ... sp=sharing

Photo of the arm attached to the bottom of block:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xrQPUn ... sp=sharing

Photo of power set up:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-lukdZ ... sp=sharing

Photos of setup disconnected:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yh-TWj ... sp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yrEoed ... sp=sharing

Hope these links work for you.

~John

The links work, and that is ingenious! I've opted to go w/o sonar this season...but I might use your idea to mount a simple phone cradle for hands-free navionics viewing.

I like the RAM part setup. I've got a cell block from another kayak, figure if I get a 1.5" ball I can mount my Elite TI/Totalscan. Was going to run a Noqua in the accessory bag on the back of the chair.