We have a fish finder/gps (Humminbird Helix 5) on our bass boat and really like having it. I enjoy having the maps and seeing the bottom (when I'm not fishing). I'd like to install something similar on our ski boat but I don't know how you'd install the transducer. Any tips? I find myself missing the maps when I'm cruising the lake in our ski boat.

You looking at a through hull transducer.

Most important thing is finding a flat spot on the hull. This is typically directly in front of the engine. Some manufacturers make a spot in the hull for a through hull to go. I'd research your particular hull to find correct mounting spot.

100% chance you'll have little room to work.

Also you got to have a tool to screw down the retaining ring on the transducer. Some folks make a special tool out of pvc, also space to work is a consideration.

Hummingbird provides instructions and template.

High quality hole saw and pilot bit essential.

Cover gel coat in blue tape to prevent chipping the gel coat. Drill from outside in.

Run hole saw backwards to run a groove in the gel coat to prevent chips then go forward and drill it out.

Seal both sides with 3M 5200.

Also key is snugging it down but not so much that you squeeze out all the 5200. You want a good bead but not a big gap.

Order a screw together fiber glass rod type fish tape, You gonna have to run that cable over the fuel tank and up through the console. Run a string and pull through. Take great care to tape up the plug end to protect from damage and debris.

Don't leak test until 5200 cures all the way.

That doesn't sound like a whole lot of fun. haha. What would be your thought son just running the Humminbird without the transducer and using the maps?

For sure would be an easier install. Gps antenna mounted on the console v drilling a hole in the hull.

I installed a through-hull on my ski boat. Was ok. Fiberglass is really thick at that location. Kinda spotty readings sometimes and obviously no water temp. When I upgraded I went with a Stern Saver. Comes in large and small sizes, different colors. I used the small and color matches my boat almost exactly. Very pleased with it. No hole in your hull/transom and you can run the wiring as normal.

This is just a link because it showed all the colors. I believe I got mine through Amazon though and it was cheaper.

https://fishntech.com/product/transom-stern-saver-original/

You can't mount a transom transducer? They work just fine, and you can attach anything with a small block and epoxy and run the cable up and then inside the neatest out of the way path. Not so pretty but less likely to sink your boat and removable if it needs replacement.

There are three types of transducers….. shoot through hull, through hull and transom mount. Most manufacturers use shoot through hull transducers because you don't have to drill holes through the bottom of your boat. Second choice is a transom mount where you mount a bracket on the back of your transom to hold the transducer.
Shoot through hull transducers will typically give better depth readings when moving than transom mounts. If your unit has side scan capabilities you will need a transom mount transducer for that. Call the customer service of the manufacturer of your boat and ask them for the location for a shoot through hull mounted transducer. Most manufacturers will have a recommendation. You are not the first guy who wants a depth finder in your ski boat to keep up with depth.
You should be able to epoxy it in without drilling holes through your hull.
If the manufacturer tells you the location and you can get to it you can you tube how to install it. It is not rocket science. Most dealers will have a simple kit in stock with the epoxy and instructions on how to mount the puck.
Certain hull lamination materials can prevent or hinder the signal but the manufacturer can answer that question easily for you.
If you decide to mount to the transom the manufacturer should be able to tell you that location as well.

If your unit is a Helix 5 GPS Gen2 or above it does not have to have an external GPS puck….. unless you want more accuracy.

I put an in-hull garmin gt-15m in mine and have been happy with it. I didn't want to rip off a transom mount duck hunting in the Toledo Bend stumps. You lose any of the scanning abilities but it works great. No problem seeing the bottom in 500ft of water.

And no holes needed.

Im torn on map usage. Find myself looking at it when I should be looking at the water in front of the boat.