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Easy Install Guide for your Lowrance Elite
Selecting the perfect electronics for your kayak can be difficult; what size, where am I going run the transducer, how to power it, all were questions I had until I selected the Lowrance Elite-4 HDI. After asking the kayak fishing community I had recommendations from full screen side-scan imagers to low budget black and white no-frills models. On Black Friday I found a sale I could not resist, a model that had a color screen, GPS mapping and imagery that was easy to read. It even came with the a mapping package, all for $199.00 at Academy Sports.
The install on this seemed simple enough: everyone said “use the transducer scupper mount,” a standard feature on the Jackson Coosa HD. I also chose to mount it to the standard center console and find a suitable battery to power through long days fishing a tournament.

Mount It Right, Get The Factory Look
The installation of the transducer was fairly easy once I purchased the factory transducer scupper mount. I would recommend spending the extra $40 on the install kit unless you are a talented fabricator. The transducer fits perfect with about a ¼ inch inset of space from being flush.


This will allow for some protection and still give excellent water to transducer contact. The cable is a clean pull with the kit and has a cap to complete the clean install of the transducer. A simple trim of the excess threaded plastic rod which secures the through hull design is simple.

 

Start Drilling, Carefully
The next step in the process is mounting the head unit. For this step you will need a drill and a 1 inch whole cutter as well as a screwdriver. Once you find the desired location, mark a spot, check the position one extra time and then drill the 1 inch hole. Mount the base with the four self-tapping screws and once it’s secure, pull the power and the transducer cable through the hole. Running the wires and mounting can be done with Ram mounts or your favorite style, but I choose a center mount. I have seen the YakAttack rail mount and a RAM transducer arm work well with various set ups.


Power It Up
The decision on how to power this was the most difficult task. I wanted something light but powerful and the search was on. I found what I believe to be a great solution. A 12v 5amp rechargeable electric fence battery. One of the features of this battery was the solar capable which is one of the features of the solar ready Coosa HD.


I created a battery box from a plastic container which is/was water tight and mounted it vertical on the front of the center console attached to the main hull. This allowed for an upright install and a secure solution to keep it from bouncing around the kayak.
When it comes to being creative with your technology your options are unlimited, I encourage you to find a setup which works best for your Jackson Kayak!

Tight Lines-
Don
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