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I have a stick steer and am going to buy a new fishfinder in the next few days. I am wanting to install a transducer on the transom (to use when running the big motor) and one on the trolling motor (to use when fishing). Can this be done? If so, what will I need to do this? Thanks for any info.
What model unit are you going to be using?
There is more than one way to do this ..... You can set up 2 locations for the unit by getting an extra power cord and transducer..... the GPS will depend on the model.
Or....you can leave the unit in one location and use a TS3 switch to switch the transducer .... Humminbird | TS3
If you have a humminbird unit you can buy a TS3 item number 720012-1 switch it allows one unit to use two transducers. Before buying make sure it works with your sonar as I did not know which brand or type you have. Hope this was a help.
I don't have one on the boat now. I am probably going to go with a humminbird unit. Always had good luck with 'em. Any recommendations?
What is your budget? You are going to want the largest screen that fits your budget......and I would definitely want it to be a SI unit.
Sounds like you are wanting to move the finder from the stern to the bow depending on which end you are on, correct??? If so your best bet would probably be have a transducer and power cord at each end and then just move the unit back and forth depending on where you are at. A little tedious but can be done.
Yes, it can be done. I,too, have stick steering and just finished rebuilding my boat allowing for just such a thing. I actually have a second mounting location at the rear of the front deck that allows me to move my fish finder back where I can see it better while running my outboard. I made my power cord long enough that it will reach both mounting locations. I actually have one of Rickie's da ducer td mounts for my si and di and can also use the 2d from my Motorguide tm if I want to when fishing from the bow. That way the di and 2d are coming from only a foot or so apart...or I can leave the stern td hooked up. All of this was done with the thought of getting a second fish finder and leaving it permanently mounted where I can see it while running the big motor and using the rear td primarily for depth readings. I'm using a Lowrance Touch 7 with Ram ball mounts which makes it very easy to move between locations.
with stick steer you only need 1 unit with 2 'ducers so the switch would be best for you. JMO and probably the cheapest way to go.
Attachment 195321
This is how I mounted mine. Add the switch (which I have been thinking of doing) and second transducer to motor.
You can definitely do this as previously mentioned. You can rig the unit on a swivel so it can be turned, and run two transducers. You can also get an extra mount, power cable, and transducer and move it back and forth.
If you're looking at the lower priced units, Helix and lower, I recommend just getting two fish finders. The cost of an extra transducer, power cable, and mount usually are 60% of the cost of those units. For example, if you run a Helix SI at the console (stick), and want to buy an extra transducer for up front, it's a $200 part. The Helix DI and Helix DI GPS are $250 and $350, respectively- in this scenario, just rig a second unit.
If you're into the higher priced units, maybe go ahead and rig an extra transducer.