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Garmin Fishfinder Instructions

Garmin Fishfinder Instructions

by Steve Byrne

Garmin fishfinders pack a ton of powerful features into an exceptionally small package. Easy to install and even easier to use, your Garmin fishfinder will give you an extraordinary view of the bottom and any fish that are swimming below your boat.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Garmin fishfinder Drill Phillips-head screwdriver 3/8 drill bit 5/32 drill bit Pliers Boat
  • Garmin fishfinder
  • Drill
  • Phillips-head screwdriver
  • 3/8 drill bit
  • 5/32 drill bit
  • Pliers
  • Boat
Step 1
Mount the bracket assembly by using the base of the bracket for your template. Mark the three holes so that two screws will be toward the front of the bracket and one at the rear. Drill the three holes using a 3/8 drill bit and secure the bracket using the three screws and nuts included with your Garmin.
Step 2
Assemble the transducer by inserting the rubber washer and plastic spacer into the transducer at the same time. Slide the transducer onto the plastic mount included for the transducer. Put the 5-mm washer on the 1.75-inch screw and insert the screw through the mount, spacer and rubber washer. Place the remaining 5-mm washer on the end of the screw and install the lock nut.
Step 3
Install your transducer parallel with the water line and close to the center of your boat. Use the 5/32 drill bit to drill pilot holes approximately 1 inch deep. Fill the pilot holes with marine sealant before mounting the transducer assembly to the transom using the 5-by-30-mm screws. Adjust the transducer so it is parallel to the water before tightening the locking nut that keeps the transducer on the mount. Install cable clamps to secure the transducer cable to your transom. Route the transducer cable to your unit, line up the notches on the cable plug with the unit and connect your transducer.
Step 4
Install the wiring harness by connecting the red wire to the positive voltage terminal. Connect the black wire to the negative voltage terminal. Install a 3-amp fuse on the block or use the in-line holder provided. Line up the notches on the cable plug and on the back of your fishfinder and insert the cable. Turn the locking ring until it stops.
Step 5
Press and hold the power button, located above the button labeled "Home." Use the four-way rocker button to navigate through the screens, highlighting the desired choice and the pressing the "Select" button. Press the "Menu" button for additional selections or to return to the previous screen.

Tips & Warnings

 
Although you can install your new fishfinder with the boat in the water, you will have better results if you install it when the boat is out of the water.
 
Don't cut the transducer cable. Doing so will irreparably damage the cable and void the warranty.

Article Written By Stephen Byrne

Stephen Byrne is a freelance writer with published articles in "Nor'East Saltwater," "Sportfishing" magazine, "Pacific Coast Sportfishing" and "Salt Water Sportsman." As a fishing charter captain, he was also interviewed for a feature in "Field and Stream." Byrne studied environmental science at the State University of New York at Delhi.

Write for Trails.com

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