LOWRANCE DSI INTERNAL WATER BOX

Hi everyone!

I bought an elite 4 DSI combo, I spent the better part of two weeks trying to figure out a way to mount the transducer in a way that did not involve running cable over my deck to some sort of side mount contraption or the scupper mount. I really wanted it internal and through some research found that the Aussie yakers have been making a dam with plummers puddy to hold the transducer then filling the dam with water. I liked the dam idea but not the idea that water would eventually slosh out and get on my battery cables.

I don't know if anyone else has already done this but what I came up with was to put the transducer in a 1" slip x 1" slip x 3/4" threaded PVC Tee fitting that had both of the 1" ends plugged. An opening is sanded through the wall of the fitting opposite of where the 3/4" threaded Tee is, the opening is for the transducer to transmit through. I sealed it with silicone in the "V" of the bow with the 3/4" threaded Tee facing up.

After the silicone cured I filled it with water installed a 3/4" plug in it. loaded my kayak upside down on my truck and drove 45 minutes to a lake.  when i got to the lake the Tee was still filled with water and the fish finder worked great after I got the sensitivity dialed in. there was not alot of bottom contour to look at but I was marking fish and did pick up a few of what looked like small twigs/branches laying on the bottom. The lake was only 15' deep. I will be going crabbing Sunday so we will see how it works in deeper water 

I did not take pictures of the process but my buddy wants me to build him one if it works well on Sunday too. if anyone is interested I will post step by step pics next week after deeper water tests confirm it is good to go.

Tight Lines!

Robin
 

I'd love to see pictures, that sounds like a really cool idea.

+1 for pictures!

I've been mulling over the idea of a water filled box, but the T idea is much slicker if it works out. A couple of things that concern me, and another question -

a) how much does the signal radiate out to the sides? 10 degrees? 20? 30? I question whether the signals are contained in the area of the T.
b) how much does the bow occasionally coming out of the water - in chop or waves - affect things?
c) how do you mount the transducer in the T? You mentioned a plug. Is the plug drilled for the wires and the wires hold the transducer upright?

I hope it works out well - it is a great solution if it does.

Good questions Sherminator!

a) how much does the signal radiate out to the sides? 10 degrees? 20? 30? I question whether the signals are contained in the area of the T.

I think i read that it has a 10 degree beam but the opening that i cut in it is well beyond that, probably could accommidate a 30-40 degree beam.

b) how much does the bow occasionally coming out of the water - in chop or waves - affect things?

I have not been in these conditions yet, the bow may rise out of the water in rough chop but I think I placed it is far enough back so that won't be an issue in rollers. I have a OK prowler 13.

c) how do you mount the transducer in the T? You mentioned a plug. Is the plug drilled for the wires and the wires hold the transducer upright?

I made a drawing with ms paint that shows the assembly a little better than I can explain. I think this will help answer your questions. if not I will do my best to explain. hopfully I loaded the picture right.

Tight Lines!

Robin   

The picture posted shows all the parts I used:

1  1"slip x 1" slip x 3/4" threaded PVC Tee fitting
2  1" to 3/4" slip in reducer
2  3/4" plug
1  3/4" threaded plug

Tight Lines!

Robin

Thanks for the answers - you ran the cable out the end of the T and sealed it. I get it now.

Good to see somebody from OH on here. I went to junior & senior high there, and my dad still lives there, and I make it up there a few times a year. Probably be there next week - or at least over by Mount Vernon. My brother lives by Big Lake and throws a 3rd of July party I usually go to.

Sherman

Sherminator,

I am a transplant from Virginia beach, VA. I was a member of TKAA while there and love to fish tourneys, I have been kayak fishing since 2006. It seems that kayak fishing is slower to catch on here than on the east coast.

I'm always looking for someone to go out with, If you find yourself on the Island looking to go fishing let me know, I can do fresh or salt.

Tight Lines!

searobin71@yahoo.com

Here is a couple pictures of the Tee fitting transducer housing.

Tight Lines!

Robin

Just one came through. Can we see more?

Added more fore your viewing pleasure. I think I built the whole thing for under $10 including the sealant.

Tight Lines!

Robin

I feel like I just went on an Oompa Loompa acid trip - that is really ooorrraaannngggeee

LMAO!!!! Sorry should have warned you. Hmmm... I think you just helped me name my kayak, Thanks!


Robin

Good morning,
For those that transfer their fishfinder between kayaks I think you could use duct seal to hold it in place instead of gluing it with sealant.

Tight Lines!

Robin

Damn!  Damn!  Damn!  Yet another transducer mounting option to try.  Stop giving me ideas!