One of my future projects for the kayak is to fit a fish finder. The main objective would be to obtain readings of the depth of the water and the structure of the seabed to determine whether it is sand mud rock or a wreck. At the moment, I use my local knowledge, landmarks, and lobster pot buoys to locate rough ground marks however; I am never really sure where the rough ground starts and ends.
To run a fish finder I need a battery and something to keep the battery watertight otherwise known as a battery box. Research on the internet suggests most kayakers create a do it yourself battery box by purchasing a watertight plastic container and fitting a marine plug and socket connector to the container. As simple as I am sure it is, electronics are not one of my strong points. In addition, I did not really want to go through the process of purchasing all of the components separately and have to put them together therefore; I was looking for a purpose built fully rigged box.
Searching the internet, I managed to find a supplier of such a box the only snag being it was in the USA not the UK. I decided to accept any extra cost and import from the USA.
The waterproof box is a Pelican 1120 Case.
It has a deck connector fitted to the side to make it easy to connect the wiring.
It also comes with the plug (male connector) to plug the fish finder wiring into the deck connector.
Inside the case is the necessary wiring to connect to the battery and foam for battery protection.
The current cost of the package is $89.95 (approx £57) from Kayak Fishing Supplies USA. There is of course the cost of shipping to the UK and when I purchased the box it was $40.00 (approx £26).
It would be cheaper for the DIY version however, when you take into account the cost of the components needed plus the postage or petrol costs plus the putting it all together I consider the cost worth it for what is a quality product made for the job. I hope that in the future a UK supplier will stock a ready-made kayak battery box.
Update 27/02/14
Since creating this post in February 2013, I have now produced a video (Feb 2014) about the battery box and how secure it to the kayak. The video is available on YouTube via the following link: Kayak Battery Box Setup.
The waterproof box is a Pelican 1120 Case.
It has a deck connector fitted to the side to make it easy to connect the wiring.
Inside the case is the necessary wiring to connect to the battery and foam for battery protection.
The case has an Automatic Pressure Equalization Valve.
The battery supplied is a GPS 12V 10.5Ah sealed unit battery.
The case has two moulded holes, which could be used to secure the unit inside the kayak.
The battery sits in the box neatly protected by the foam lining.
It would be cheaper for the DIY version however, when you take into account the cost of the components needed plus the postage or petrol costs plus the putting it all together I consider the cost worth it for what is a quality product made for the job. I hope that in the future a UK supplier will stock a ready-made kayak battery box.
Update 27/02/14
Since creating this post in February 2013, I have now produced a video (Feb 2014) about the battery box and how secure it to the kayak. The video is available on YouTube via the following link: Kayak Battery Box Setup.
Hi Rob, it's Mark from Caerhays, don't know if you got my first post, I think I made a mistake. Anyway I've got the new kayak now, just fitting bits before I go out for the first time. Enjoying your blog.
ReplyDeleteHello Mark, great to hear from you and pleased that you have your kayak. We will have to get together for a trip sometime this year. You can contact me in person via the contact link at the top of the page. Any help you need let me know.
DeleteWill do, I might have to get paddling in before I start fishing
ReplyDelete