Wiring a fishfinder to a SLA battery

[Schmalzy88]

hey guys, picked up a cheapo lowrance X4 fishfinder for my yak. wondering if anyone has any advise on wiring the unit to the SLA battery effectively. thanks for the help

[alanw]

I have the X-4 Pro, same thing as the X-4 basically. I made a simple wiring harness using inexpensive connectors from Oreilly auto parts, I'm guessing cost around $5. If you use a waterproof box for the battery then you'd need another type of thru-box connector or wire seal. I don't use a waterproof box because, well the battery is already waterproof. I mean why put a plastic box inside of a plastic box? Use dielectric grease on all connections and always use an inline fuse close to the battery. I can post a pic later if you want.

[bassmanben]

Do what alanW says. and inline fuse should be on positive side and make sure you get a fuse that matches the Fishfinder's manual. Usually minimum 3amp fuse.

[Schmalzy88]

Originally Posted by alanw

I have the X-4 Pro, same thing as the X-4 basically. I made a simple wiring harness using inexpensive connectors from Oreilly auto parts, I'm guessing cost around $5. If you use a waterproof box for the battery then you'd need another type of thru-box connector or wire seal. I don't use a waterproof box because, well the battery is already waterproof. I mean why put a plastic box inside of a plastic box? Use dielectric grease on all connections and always use an inline fuse close to the battery. I can post a pic later if you want.

thanks guys, pics would be appreciated. i am indeed putting the battery in a waterproof box but mainly so i can mount the FF to it with an improvised transducer arm and mounting the box on top of my deck to make it easily removable and so i do not drill holes in the yak. also the box is large enough to hold things like cellphone, wallet, etc. i'm going to post pics of the finished product when all is said and done.
fortunatly, the FF came with the inline fuse and harness so i just need to figure out the wiring (with the help of your pics alan)

[Jimmyz123]

Originally Posted by Schmalzy88

hey guys, picked up a cheapo lowrance X4 fishfinder for my yak. wondering if anyone has any advise on wiring the unit to the SLA battery effectively. thanks for the help

How many ways do you want to connect it? This is the fun part of setting up a Kayak. First, where are you placing the battery. Check out CJ's videos on Youtube for FF installation. Personally I picked up one of the dry boxes that OEX sells and use that to store the battery in. The wiring is simple, just be sure to have a fuse between the battery and your FF.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S70j7w75MA

[Schmalzy88]

Originally Posted by Jimmyz123

How many ways do you want to connect it? This is the fun part of setting up a Kayak. First, where are you placing the battery. Check out CJ's videos on Youtube for FF installation. Personally I picked up one of the dry boxes that OEX sells and use that to store the battery in. The wiring is simple, just be sure to have a fuse between the battery and your FF.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S70j7w75MA

that is exactly the concept i am using for my build! just using PVC for the transducer arm for added stability. kind of cannibalizing ideas from several of the different setups i've seen thus far

[live2fishy]

Here is my battery box cruise over and ill help u with yours

[live2fishy]

Opened

[alanw]

I have a real simple setup with an inexpensive wiring "harness" made from auto store parts. Just a couple of connectors and some terminals.
The terminals fit the battery perfectly. Two connectors so I can add lights or run my bait pump if I want, although I run my bait pump off of a different 6v battery.


Other end is attached with a fuse to my FF wiring. The connections are soldered and heat shrink tubed.


I use dielectric grease on the connectors and after about 1 1/2 years of use there is no sign of corrosion and no voltage loss at the FF.

Batteries are strapped to a foam block and strapped inside the yak between scupper posts.