I've been using the Piranhamax for a while and really like it as a fish/depth finder for my Tamarack Angler kayak. It's easy to operate and does what I want it to do without being too complicated or overpriced due to a bunch of extra features I just won't use. The Piranhamax comes with a transom mount transducer (XNT 9 28 T) which I'm sure works just fine but I couldn't figure out a way to mount it so it would be out of harm's way when loading, unloading and paddling over timber. Luckily Humminbird has an awesome transducer exchange program which I took advantage of to make the switch to the trolling motor mounted transducer (XTM 9 28 T) which is much smaller and snuggles nicely into the scupper recess on the bottom side of the kayak.
By using some 3/4", schedule 40 PVC and fittings I was able to build a mount for the XTM 9 28T. The mount makes it possible to remove the transducer if you ever decide to sell or exchange the kayak or you want to mount it to a trolling motor on a boat.
In the package you'll find the transducer mounted to the lower portion of the mounting bracket. I have pre-threaded the cable. There is also a PVC adapter fitting which I have tapered on the threaded end. This will be the "mounting nut" that secures the mount to the kayak.
There is an 8" piece of PVC (installation pipe) in the box also, this will only be used during the installation and if you want to remove the transducer and mount form the kayak in the future. Hang on to it.
***The next step I did not photograph.*****
There is a burr in the scupper hole that remains from the manufacturing process, this burr must be removed before proceeding with installation. The hole needs to be opened up enough to accommodate the 1" outside diameter of the threaded pipe fitting. One way to do this is by using a 1" paddle bit in a drill motor. Another is to use a course file to remove the thin burr which results from the upper and lower halves of the kayak being welded together during manufacturing.
Use the bare end of the installation pipe to check the hole before proceeding. Forcing the mounting bracket through a too small hole may damage the threads.
The mount is configured to be placed in the scupper hole that is located under your right butt cheek when you're sitting in the seat. With the kayak upside down thread the transducer cord through the "right cheek" scupper hole. ***Be careful not to kink the transducer cable!!***
When the cable is threaded completely through the scupper hole from the bottom of the kayak drop it into the scupper recess and push the threaded nipple through the hole where the upper and lower halves of the kayak were welded together during manufacturing.
Using moderate force push the mount and transducer into the recess until the shoulder of the fitting fits snugly into the scupper hole. The back of the transducer mount should rest on the surface of the scupper recess.
Turn the kayak over to finish installation.
If the mounting bracket is lose in the scupper hole hold it in place with a piece of Gorilla Tape.
With the kayak right side up thread the transducer cord through the installation pipe and mounting nut.
****Start the cord through the installation nut end as shown.****
Thread the entire cord through the mounting nut and installation pipe.
Slide the mounting nut onto the threaded nipple and start the threads.
**Do not try to over-tighten.**
When the mounting nut is secure continue to twist the installation pipe as if tightening the nut while pulling upward on the pipe.
**Do not lean over the pipe like I did, you could put an eye out KID!!**
Pull the installation pipe off the transducer cord.
I mounted the head unit to the gunwale just behind the factory rod mount. Coil the excess transducer cable so that it can lie under the seat mount then run the cable out to the head unit so it has a small amount of slack behind the head unit for swiveling.
Tear off narrow pieces of the supplied Gorilla Tape and tack the cables in place between the head unit and the seat.
Use sections of Gorilla Tape to cover the cords for protection against damage. I applied 3 layers of tape.
With the cords secured to the gunwale and the excess coiled under the seat, secure them in place with a Velcro strap.
I just want to thank you for sharing your information and your site or blog this is simple but nice Information I’ve ever seen i like it i learn something today. Fish Mount Package
ReplyDeleteMichael, Thanks for your comment. I enjoy making posts like this I just don't do that many projects these days.
DeleteHope it helped.