September 01, 2023
Make amends for the sequence:
Half 1: Bass Boat Breakdown
Half 2: Bass Boat Inside Repairs
Half 3: Minn Kota Raptor Set up
Commercial
Half 4: Bass Boat Repower
Half 5: BBT Customized Sprint Graph Mounts
Half 6: Electronics Full Repower
Half 7: Minn Kota Ultrex Set up
Half 8: 360 Mount and Ethernet Hub
Video That Could Curiosity You
In Half 9 of this sequence, we’ll reveal the way to maximize the front-deck functions to updating a 2007 Ranger Z20. This boat was not initially designed to assist this quantity of expertise, however with the fitting gear, some creativity and additional effort, you may deliver an older rig like mine to cutting-edge.
We’ll reveal the way to add three graphs to the entrance of an older bass boat meant to accommodate trendy functions together with Humminbird’s Mega 360, Dwell and naturally normal 2D, Down Imaging and naturally Lakemaster Mapping—all linked by way of the One-Boat Community.
And a shout out to Bass Boat Applied sciences for making obtainable a singular mount for this particular boat, with out it this construct wouldn’t have been potential. BBT does an amazing job constructing customized parts for brand new and older boats, making trendy expertise integration quite simple. Not solely is that this a beauty replace, however the assist and reliability are unmatched. I extremely recommend contacting Bass Boat Applied sciences to see about updating your boat. You received’t be dissatisfied, I promise.
The earlier set-up was definitely productive for its time. I had a single Humminbird G2N Helix 12 positioned on a bridge mount over the entrance aspect of the trolling motor pedal. It labored effectively and I by no means had any points, however a severe improve was wanted with the addition of Humminbird’s Mega 360 and Dwell sonars.
The brand new format would characteristic three graphs, two G4N Helix 12s and a G4N Helix 15 to offer ample quantities of knowledge and separation of particulars with a number of graphs. The Bass Boat Know-how graph mount was customized constructed for a 2007 Ranger Z20 and can exchange the present outdated and beat-up plastic face plate. It is a a lot sturdier possibility, and it properly dressed every thing up.
Along with including three graphs, considered one of which shall be supporting Mega 360, I elected so as to add a particular Humminbird AS GPS HS – Exterior Receiver with Heading Sensor so I might add waypoints to 360. With out this sensor, you received’t be capable of do this. I additionally determined so as to add a Hydrowave to assist enhance and encourage fish feeding conduct. This product works effectively when fish are suspended and even in a impartial to adverse temper. Smallmouth bass are particularly reactive to the Hydrowave.
Right here you may see the outdated bow plate. I stored the grey plastic base and naturally, the swap pad, however the junky outdated metallic piece obtained scrapped.
The outdated entrance base plate is ugly, but it surely’ll be 90% lined up with the brand new piece. Don’t throw this away, and be particularly cautious eradicating it if doing so for the primary time.
Right here’s what’s beneath the plate—a good match for something for certain, however that is the place it’s good to get artistic. Learn on.
I have to get this Humminbird Ethernet hub and fuse panel securely put in inside that small space, and, I knew it will be difficult. I had a plan.
Ranger is understood for including a ton of froth to their boats, and it’s a superb observe. The boats are actually unsinkable. However that provides problem when including parts in odd locations. For instance, I wanted to securely connect each an Ethernet hub and a fuse panel to one thing, however foam wouldn’t be sufficient so I hooked up each to a small piece of handled plywood that may finally be glued and screwed to the froth.
Here’s a shot of the backer boards put in. The one of many left is for the Ethernet hub and the one on the fitting is for the fuse panel. I wasn’t certain if there was a greater approach to do that, however after working by way of large water many occasions, the entire thing continues to be very safe. So, this labored effectively.
This diagram was useful in serving to me wire the fuse panel. The entire level is to take one major energy supply into the panel and distribute individually by way of particular person connections which are protected by an ample fuse. On this case, I’d be attaching Mega Dwell energy, Mege 360 energy, energy for 3 items and the ability for the Ethernet hub and heading sensor talked about above, meaning having heavy sufficient wire working from the batteries was crucial.
This diagram was useful in serving to me visualize how every unit could be linked. The one distinction right here is I’ve a separate battery for the graphs altogether, so the ability received’t be shared with the cranking battery or normal boat equipment. You’ll be able to check with Half 6 of this sequence for these particulars.
Right here is the assembled fuse panel. I labeled every wire with white electrical tape and a sharpie to know what’s what. That you must hold observe of what wire goes the place within the occasion of additives or troubleshooting. This has saved my butt greater than as soon as.
Right here is the fuse panel cowl, additionally labeled to get rid of confusion when it’s necessary to know precisely what wire goes the place.
As you’ll recall, I selected to make use of 6-gauge marine grade tinned copper wire to assist a heavy draw. Listed below are the optimistic, adverse and floor wires earlier than I prepped them to connect with the fuse panel.
Utilizing a hydraulic wire crimper was crucial to creating strong bonds with the lugs. This device was cheap and value each penny for this undertaking and future initiatives.
Warmth shrinking the connections solely will increase the reliability of mains. It’s simple and satisfying.
Right here is the totally assembled and able to use fuse panel to assist the entrance graph set up.
How’s the outdated saying go? “Necessity is the mom of invention.” I do know there are higher instruments for this job, however that is all I had—and it labored. Sure, I’m kinda pleased with this factor.
Right here is the purposeful sideways socket screwdriver thingy. I want a sideways drill.
Right here is the put in fuse panel able to rock. That is artistic and purposeful.
Right here is the heading sensor put in, which is critical to mark waypoints on Humminbird’s Mega 360.
The Hydrowave is well hooked up to the pinnacle of the trolling motor. Easy!
With the fuse panel and Ethernet hub put in, join the wires in an orderly vogue, however don’t neglect to run wires by way of the fitting elements of the faceplate and mount first, otherwise you’ll get to do it twice like I did.
I selected so as to add two strips of 1/4-inch aluminum inventory to bolster the brand new mount. It will make entry tighter contained in the entrance, but it surely’s a lot sturdier due to this addition. You’ll need to simply assume that is crucial earlier than you uncover it was crucial and one thing is damaged.
Along with labels, I additionally coloration code every thing so it’s visually simple to attach ends. That is tremendous necessary if modifications should be made or it’s good to troubleshoot an issue. I coloration code each graph and corelating wire to attenuate any potential confusion.
With the wires run accurately, the bottom might be put again in place and reattached.
Zip ties will assist hold the wires compressed and arranged.
One of many issues I like in regards to the Helix items is the simplicity of the plug system. You’ll be able to plug all of the wires into the again of the unit with one fast snap, and it’s able to go. Easy and simple—be aware the color-coded tape. It will assist hold every thing constant.
Right here you may see the Bass Boat Applied sciences base is put in on the faceplate cowl—it’s securely hooked up to the fiberglass AND the 1/4-inch aluminum inventory I added as reinforcement. This factor is tremendous sturdy as a result of it must be.
That is the reverse angle exhibiting the wires going by way of the middle of the mount. Whereas the faceplate I used to be working with didn’t have an extra wire gromet, I ought to have added one as that may have decreased the variety of cables that wanted to undergo right here. If I had been to do that over, I’d add a secondary cable entry level. However this labored.
Right here is the entrance view of the mount with the cables coming although. That is an awesome view, however I’ve a cable administration plan in thoughts, and as soon as the graphs are all put in and plugged in, it will look a lot cleaner.
Right here is the Bass Boat Applied sciences Triple Mount totally put in and prepared for the graphs. I nonetheless have some wire/cable administration to are inclined to, but it surely’s a really clear and purposeful end.
The Humminbird Mega 360 and Mega Dwell cables have been run up the shaft of the Minn Kota Ultrex, however the transducers are but to be put in. They should be loosely handed by way of the coiled cables. Maintain them free to accommodate the trolling motor head turning over 360 levels. Don’t’ make this error, belief me.
If you happen to’re like me and utilizing recycled elements corresponding to this Helix gimble, remember to tighten the perimeters if they’re free. The very last thing you need is your gear to bounce round in large waves. Plus, after you’ve put in this tremendous cool new triple mount, the very last thing you need to fear about is stuff getting rattled to dying. Double verify each connection and part.
Be sure to have sufficient cable pulled out of the entrance compartment to comfortably connect the Helix plugs. I had to return in and take away a pair zip ties to increase the cable attain so it will totally connect to the again of the unit. Tight cables will flip into hassle, holding them barely free will prevent complications.
Putting in the Hydrowave head unit is a bit of cake. I had it positioned out of the way in which and sorta beneath the right-side Helix 12. It’s simple sufficient to entry and function. And I received’t accidently journey on it.
Listed below are the three Helix items put in and able to take a look at out. It’s a really clear look! I additionally waited till this level to put in and join the Minn Kota Raptor Stomp Pedals. I knew I’d be mendacity on this a part of the deck and transferring a bunch of stuff round, however they had been a straightforward add and well worth the wait.
The Bass Boat Applied sciences Triple Mount is very adjustable. I needed to transfer the whole rig as far to the fitting as potential to accommodate the trolling motor because it deployed. If I used to be beginning with a brand new boat and placing new holes in for the trolling motor, I’d have moved it out barely, however I made this adjustment as a substitute of including new holes within the fiberglass to accommodate the trolling motor bracket.
With the Triple Mount moved all the way in which to the fitting, I seen some gentle bouncing when working on tough water. It was minimal, however to get rid of any play, I common this little kickstand to maintain it from transferring. It was very cheap and easy. Drawback solved. Keep artistic, my associates.
Right here is one other angle of the baby-size kickstand. Straightforward and purposeful.
They usually turned on the primary attempt. I targeted very onerous on ensuring every thing was linked accurately the primary time as a result of I knew it will be a ache to return in and troubleshoot. Take the additional time to do issues proper and also you’ll perform proper out of the gate. Speak about superior. This undertaking is coming alongside properly.
Extra to return, keep tuned!
