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Ran across a deal I couldn't pass up on a display model Garmin Echomap at Cabela's. Now I need to figure out how to install it. Do most people wire them to be on with the key or wire them to an accessory switch? Just wouldn't want it drawing power when we are coved out listening to music. That bright screen probably sucks some juice. The other thing I need to figure out is mounting. It looks like it will mount in a gauge whole. I think I may just remove my funky stereo remote that is like a stick since I never use it anyway. They have the transducer in the bargain cave at Cabela's also though so I contemplated picking it up and just replacing my depth gauge to leave room for a future remote when I get around to replacing the stereo. Anyone have suggestions or thoughts?

If you go with the transducer you will have to mount it externally. They make "in-hull" transducers but you will get only depth no sonar. I already have a transducer which gives me depth, so I opted not to install the external. They also make "thru-hull" transducers which will give you everything, drawback is price and drilling a hole in the bottom of the boat.

I wired mine up with a three wire system, hot, ground and accessory. It doesn't come on unless the key is in the accessory or run position, and then it comes on automatically. If I don't want it on I can kill the screen by putting it in stand-by mode.

I opted to wire mine through a accessory switch. Doesn't matter if my key is on or off. Just flip the switch and I can turn on the chart. As far as a transducer I agree with driller.

I currently have a transom mounted transducer wired to my factory depth gauge. I figured if I got the new transducer I could likely just mount it in place of the existing one utilizing the same hole. Starting to lean more that way because we are scuba divers and I think it might be worthwhile to get an idea of what the bottom looks like.

Protip wrote: Wed Apr 18, 2018 7:49 pm I currently have a transom mounted transducer wired to my factory depth gauge. I figured if I got the new transducer I could likely just mount it in place of the existing one utilizing the same hole. Starting to lean more that way because we are scuba divers and I think it might be worthwhile to get an idea of what the bottom looks like.

I can see that. Just replace the one you have now with the new one. It is pretty amazing what the new ones can see. If I had that setup I would done the same thing.

Protip, nice addition to the boat. What model did you get?

jhnmdahl wrote: Wed Apr 18, 2018 9:35 pm Protip, nice addition to the boat. What model did you get?

It is a 43dv.

Driller wrote: Wed Apr 18, 2018 8:23 pm

Protip wrote: Wed Apr 18, 2018 7:49 pm I currently have a transom mounted transducer wired to my factory depth gauge. I figured if I got the new transducer I could likely just mount it in place of the existing one utilizing the same hole. Starting to lean more that way because we are scuba divers and I think it might be worthwhile to get an idea of what the bottom looks like.

I can see that. Just replace the one you have now with the new one. It is pretty amazing what the new ones can see. If I had that setup I would done the same thing.

Looks like it may not be an option to go without one anyway. In the process of researching how to get it out of "simulator mode" it sounds like it stays in sim mode unless there is a transducer connected.

Called Garmin today to get clarification on if I have to have the transducer or not. They say on that model I don't. Think I am going to swing by Cabela's today and if they still have the transducer in the bargain cave I will pick it up. If not I will just install without it.

My SIMRAD runs fine without it.

I hooked it up to the truck battery last night to test. I just had to disable it in the setting and it is good to go. Not sure where I am going to mount it though. The spots I was considering it turns out my memory deceived me. None of them are full gauge holes. The depth and temp are just a slot where the readout is and the stereo remote is a tiny hole way smaller than a normal gauge. I was hoping to just pull one of them and put in a gauge blank and mount to it, but it looks like that isn't an option now.

So after using my Simrad for the first weekend on the water I can tell you (John) dont mount it on the windshield brace. I knew it would block my vision and really didn't think it would be that big of a deal because I stand most of the time we're underway. I was wrong.

So now I'm going to order either a Seasucker or Ram glass mount and move it over to the right, out of my line of sight.

Ytmsn wrote: Sun Apr 29, 2018 8:15 am So after using my Simrad for the first weekend on the water I can tell you (John) dont mount it on the windshield brace. I knew it would block my vision and really didn't think it would be that big of a deal because I stand most of the time we're underway. I was wrong.

So now I'm going to order either a Seasucker or Ram glass mount and move it over to the right, out of my line of sight.
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If you weren't so dam short you could see over the windshield when you standing. Break out that bucket lmao

Ha! Sayz the guy that's 4 foot nothing! That's why I lime you so much. Your the only guy shorter than I am!

Ytmsn wrote: Sun Apr 29, 2018 9:40 am Ha! Sayz the guy that's 4 foot nothing! That's why I lime you so much. Your the only guy shorter than I am!

That's only because you wear heels

Used mine last night. It is really good, just what I wanted and although my mounting location (cubby hole) is not perfect it is workable.