Question on do-it-yourself electronics installation

[Brian]

I am taking delivery of a new Trophy 1802 this spring and am ordering electronics separately. The dealer wants $550 (labor only) to install a fishfinder, radio, antenna, gas line for my kicker, and kicker bracket. I've installed both a fishfinder and kicker bracket on my 16 foot aluminum boat, but am VERY nervous about doing it on a brand new fiberglass boat.

Can anybody provide me any tips or insight as to how difficult it is to do this job correctly, or if I should just bite the bullet an pay the dealer.

Thanks much - Brian.

[bountyhunter]

YOU did it before you CAN do it again ,thats part of the fun of fishin rig it yourself you'll injoy that new boat even more .it's no biggie look at your boat lay out and run wires in the best traces .BEFORE YOU DRILL TRIPLE CHECK IS THIS WHERE IWANT IT ?good fishin jim

[KP]

It depends on how much hassle you want to go through vs. paying someone else. Also, who do you trust more to do a good, correct job.
I prefer to do all my own rigging and I take my time. I'm very anal about it.

I mount everything temporarily with clamps, velcro, or screws until I'm sure it's all where I can access it the best. You may move your transducer several times before it works best and is out of turbulent water. I mounted mine to a 4" x 18" x 3/4" hard wood board that I clamped to the transom with a C clamp. I could then move 1" this way or that way, tilt it, etc. over a period of weeks until I got the best readings possible at all speed ranges. I marked it and put my permanent transducer board in the same spot. Mounted vertically with screws above the water line.

Speaker placement is also critical if you want the best sound possible. Mounting speakers in large cavity compartments will produce the best bass response which is most difficult on boats. Radio location and wiring is important too due to interference from other electronics.

I have seen more bad proffessional rigging jobs than good. Many could care less and will put everything where they can install it the fastest and easiest. But there are good riggers toolike T-Mac that may know other good riggers.

[Arrowhead]

I prefer to do my own rigging, I am in the Fire/Burglar alarm business so the electric part is e-z and enjoyable, as I do not get to work in the field any more. Good connections and the proper wire type and size are the secrets to a long lasting and dependable job. When running cabling always leave a pull string just in case you want to add something in the future. Masonry twine works well, Lowe's has in colors even. As previous posts said planning is very important and with the help on this board you can do a good job. Think of all the good tackle you can get with $550.00. Good luck.

[Dodge1]

Visit this post for some excellent advice.

http://www.walleyecentral.com/dcf/boatsandmotors/8947.html

$550.00 - Yikes - Do it yourself, but as one of the posters on the link above said, measure three times but only drill once. Thought that was some good advice :)