Newbie Q's - Structure Scan & more

In the middle of our miserable winter, I lucked into a used Hobie PA14 in very good condition. I didn't get any documentation with it, and Internet searches haven't helped with some of my questions, yet.

Can I fire away here?

First, I've installed a Lowrance HDS-7 with the structure scan module. Where and how are forum members mounting the separate SS box?

My PA is several years old, has the big green folding seat. In each corner right behind the seat are two plastic, tethered, screw-in plugs filling a hole. What are these for?

Finally, storing in my garage: best to store on PVC rails or the Hobie cradles, both of which I have?

Thanks for any and all assistance. Warm weather is finally here, and I'm itching to get on the water.

Silty Sam
Gorham, Maine

_________________
Silty Sam
Gorham, Maine

Sam bear with me as I describe what I did for a larger battery and it should work for you to mount the SS module.

On the aftermarket seat you have and similar to what I had when I owned a PA. There maybe aluminum sides that are part of the hinge of the back of the seat. I had alum hinge sides so I used starboard and made a solid mounting board that I screwed to the alum sides. This gave me a mounting surface for a electrical PVC junction box. The box is gasketed and has no holes in it, you cut your own. It does come with mounted feet and comes in various sizes. Measure the size you need for the SS and get own to fit.

Any holes you need to drill in it you can do from the lower edge to keep spray and rain out. Seal them off once you're complete. I had drilled into the top edge of the rear compartment of the PA back deck and ran wires thru there to the front FF.

Now the only problem you may encounter is from the SS module. Not sure if it needs to be in a vented area because of any heat build up.


I don't remember the tethered plugs you are talking about. Sorry don't know.

Storage, I used PVC on a home made wood cart. Never had a problem. I actually never mounted the PVC. I'd just lift a side and slip the PVC in place on each side.

Thanks for the advice, makes a lot of sense.

Those plastic plugs I asked about aren't tethered - not sure why I thought they were. They just screw into the deck behind the seat.

SS

_________________
Silty Sam
Gorham, Maine

If I remember they are just mini scupper holes for drainage under that seat area.

I think most mount that SS box to the mast pole or zip tie around the rod tubes. I imagine the front bucket would no longer fit if you used the rod tubes.
http://www.panbo.com/assets_c/2012/03/L ... -5286.html

What do you think of this idea: I have a big, green, water-resistant box that I bungee to the front hatch cover. Inside the box are my battery, the Lowrance Structure Scan module, and all the excess wiring.

It allows me to remove the whole set up quickly. It allows me to use the entirety of the front hatch and plastic liner. I didn't have to cut any holes in the PA14.



You can see the RAM arm with the two transducers mounted to the port side. The cables are velcro-ed under the mounting board.

Thanks for any feedback.

SS

_________________
Silty Sam
Gorham, Maine

I have a 2012 PA with those small plugs in the seat area. They are just extra scuppers that allow water to drain out of the seat area if needed. I have always kept mine open for drainage. No issues at all. Congrats on the PA purchase!

_________________
Steve Stubbs
USAF (retired)

SeaDek Fishing Team
Unfair Lures Pro Staff
Ziptailz Ambassador

2015 Pro Angler 14 - Papaya
2018 Compass - Sea Grass

Silty Sam....I can just see the green box being liberated if for some reason you roll your PA.
Bungee cords are no where as secure compared to nylon straps and buckles.
Just my 2 cents....

_________________
Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Yes, I agree. Now that I've got it all in one box, I can experiment with different locations and methods of securing it.

Thanks for the input.

_________________
Silty Sam
Gorham, Maine