Last Updated on July 26, 2022 by Donnell Henderson
Do you want to install a fish finder but don’t know how to wire it to the fuse box? Don’t worry; this blog post will walk you through the process. We’ll show you which wires to connect and where to put them. We’ll also provide a few tips for making the installation process go as smoothly as possible.
A fish finder is a fantastic piece of fishing equipment that may make the experience more enjoyable for most fish anglers. Because of that, you must know how to wire a fish finder to a fuse box.
Getting one of the best fish finders will be of great use if you have no prior fishing experience. However, to receive the maximum benefit while fishing, connecting the fish finder to a fuse box is a must!
Let’s get to the basics first!
What Is a Fish Finder?
A fish finder is a device on a boat that uses sound waves to detect the presence of fish. It works by sending out a sound wave that bounces off objects in the water, then measuring the time it takes for the sound wave to return. The device then uses this information to create a display that shows what is beneath the water’s surface.
Fish finders can help find fish in fresh and salt water, and they are an essential tool for many anglers. With a fish finder, it’s simple to find where the fish are. Consequently, this will save you time and improve your odds of catching fish. In addition to detecting fish, fish finders can also be used to measure depth, identify underwater structures, and track baitfish movements.
What You Should Know Before Connecting Your Fish Finder to the Fuse Box
Before I show you how to connect the fish finder to the fuse box, several considerations must be made.
- Every power wire should have a fuse panel, and the fuse should be located as close to the power source as practicable. To properly size the fuse, you need to consider both the expected load and the side of the gauge that is less.
- It is better to avoid fire risk by keeping wires neat and free of frayed or pinched ends. There’s no need to use inline fuses to connect a fish finder or any other electronic device straight to the battery.
- Instead, use a fuse block and two different sets of wires to connect to your primary battery. Wires of roughly 8 or 10 gauge should be used, with heavy wires being used instead.
- It is recommended that the heavy wires be connected directly to the trolling motor connections, while the other wires should be connected to a fuse block. Fuses should be close to accessories in a well-lit, easily accessible position. For example, you can install it under the console, inside the console, or near the tiller seat.
Tools You Will Need to Wire a Fish Finder to the Fuse Box
A fish finder is a vital tool for any serious fisherman. It allows you to see under the water, identify fish, and plan your cast accordingly. But, first, you will need a few tools and supplies to wire a fish finder to a fuse box.
- The battery for your fish finder
- Mount kit & Goop sealant
- The fish finder (Check out one of favorites, the Humminbird Helix 5)
- Insulated terminal connectors
- Rolls of electrical tapes
- Crimper tool and wire cutters
- Heat-shrink tubing wrap
- Transducer Wire
Step-by-Step Process to Wire a Fish Finder to the Fuse Box
For many people, the thought of wiring a fish finder can be daunting. However, by following a few simple steps, it is actually relatively easy to do. This demonstration will teach you how to correctly install, wire, and attach a top fish finder to your kayak using a fish finder unit that comes with its own fuse kit.
Step 1
With your fish finder unit, you will receive all wires and connectors. The connection cable includes a cut at the top to facilitate wiring. Insert the wires into the butt connectors so they may be inserted into the male terminals of starting battery
The connectors will be connected directly to the battery. There are no additional precautions required to keep the battery watertight. Keeping the device in a dry bag will suffice.
Step 2
Now, remove the heat shrink wrap and electrical tapes from their containers. All of these are required for this phase. Be sure to use marine-grade electrical tape or heat shrink tube to seal all of the connections. This will help to prevent corrosion and ensure a long-lasting connection.
Step 3
Apply the heat shrink wrap to the black wire, followed by the female end to the wire’s tip. Ensure that you purchase the correct gauge wire and butt connector. You’d want something that fits snugly and immediately. On the other hand, you shouldn’t compress it too much.
Then, using a crimper, tighten the connectors and reinforce them with electrical tape so that they are double secure. Finally, along the entire shaft length, crimp it down a couple of times to ensure a secure fit.
Step 4
Perform the same procedure for the ground/black wire. Start by strengthening the wire with electrical tape. The reason you would want to use black tape is so that you can quickly identify which wire is red and which is ground.
Step 5
Ensure that all connections are secure. Now, attempt to start the fish finder to ensure that everything is operational. Now all that remains is the transducer.
Transducer Wiring
In contrast to the head unit and the display, the transducer has only one wire coming out of it. It’s as simple as plugging it into your head unit. Neither the fuse box nor the battery needs to be connected to it. You’ll need to run a long cable around the boat to connect the transducer to the fish finder’s main display. You may have to drill a hole if you don’t have any other method to get the wire through. However, if you don’t want to drill any holes, you can place the transducer closer to the head unit.
7 Tips and tricks to Wire a Fish Finder to a Fuse Box
- If you’re mounting your fish finder on the dash, start by running the power cable down the side of the console to the fuse box.
- Use a circuit tester to determine which wire is hot. The tester will light up when it touches a hot wire.
- Connect the power cable to the fuse box using a butt connector.
- Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from the end of the ground wire using wire strippers.
- Connect the ground wire to a bare metal surface using a ring terminal.
- Use tie wraps to secure loose wires, and test your fish finder to ensure it’s working correctly.
- Upgrade your battery at a store. When it comes to boat prep, most dealers cut corners and install nothing more than a standard cranking battery.
Following these simple tips, you can easily wire your fish finder to the fuse box in no time.
FAQs
If you’re looking to wire your fish finder to your fuse box, there are a few things you need to know. Here are 5 FAQs to help you get started:
What supplies do I need?
Before you start, you’ll need a few basic supplies, including a wire stripper, electrical tape, and solder. You’ll also need a 12-volt power supply and a fish finder that is compatible with your boat’s electrical system.
How do I strip the wire?
Use the wire stripper to remove about 1/2 inch of insulation from the end of the wire. Be careful not to damage the wire itself.
How do I attach the wire to the power supply?
Solder the stripped end of the wire to the positive terminal on the power supply. Then use electrical tape to secure the connection.
How do I attach the wire to the fuse box?
Connect the other end of the wire to the fuse box using a soldered connection and electrical tape. Again, be sure that the connections are secure and insulated.
Is the fuse box the only place I can wire my fish finder?
No, there are a few places you can wire your fish finder. The most common place is the fuse box. You can also wire it directly to the battery or to an accessory switch. Remember that if you wire it to an accessory switch, you will need to run a power line from the switch to the fuse box.
How do I know what size fuse to use?
Your owner’s manual should list the required fuse size for your fish finder. If it doesn’t, you can usually find the required fuse size on the back of the unit or in the specifications section of the manual.
Why does my fish finder keep blowing fuses?
There are a few reasons why this might be happening. The most common reason is that the wrong size fuse is being used. Make sure you are using the correct size fuse for your fish finder. Another possibility is that there is a short circuit somewhere in the wiring. If you suspect a short circuit, have a professional check your wiring.
End Note
So, there you have it! Your complete guide to wiring a fish finder to the fuse box. If you follow these simple instructions, you should be able to install your fish finder without any trouble. Just remember to take your time and be careful when working with electrical wires. Please do so in the comments section below if you’d like to ask us anything. We’ll do our best to get back to you as soon as possible with answers to your queries! Have fun fishing!
