Advice Installing GPS / Chartplotter / Fish Finder (2012 2575 QCW)

[StilesYYZ]

Hi everyone,

I have been searching the forums (and online) for awhile, and am hoping someone can help with some hints / tips. I am new to the boating world (1.5yrs with my 2012 2575 QCW), and felt it was time to add the following to my boat before the summer: Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 106sv (Chartplotter/Fish Finder Combo with a GT54 Transducer), and an additional Garmin Panoptix LiveScope Transducer System. I was told by the store that the GT54 should be installed on the stern (where it would replace the factory transducer, but I am worried the provided cable won't reach that pontoon), and the LiveScope should be installed on the bow (not sure if I really want the LiveScope that exposed?).

Now the fun part, I have never installed anything like this on a boat before. I have read through the install manual, but it's written for a non-pontoon style boat.

I checked the pinned electrical schematic post within this forum, but can't find my model on there (the closest I could find was the 2013 model year, and I do think there are some subtle differences between the 2013 and the 2012). I did request a copy from Bennington, but haven't heard back.

If anyone has done this before (i.e. routing cables, connecting to electrical, heck even tips on mounting the bracket, etc.), any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated.

2575 QCW TriToon w/ 150HP outboard Evinrude

Thanks everyone!

 

[Jack M]

Garmin does offer transducer extension cables . I don't have access to the link or phone number right now . Do a search in the upper right corner for Garmin, and a post by me should have the link and number. I have contacted them a few times they were very helpful.

 

[Diver5855]

This is how I attached the cable and mounted the transducer.the cable was just long enough.

 

[Potomacbassin’]

I have the same chartplotter and the GT54 cable is long enough to mount on your stern bracket. You might just have to be efficient with how you route the cable to find as direct a path as possible.

I'm not sure what you're trying to accomplish with Livescope however... fishing? You should properly mount it on a swiveling mount - typically a trolling motor but there are stand alone and DIY solutions like PVC and a RAM mount. But also it needs to retract as running with your expensive FFS (front facing sonar) is asking for it to break off on your first trip.

 

[StilesYYZ]

This is how I attached the cable and mounted the transducer.the cable was just long enough.

Looks great. Do you recall what brand/model mount you used?

 

[Diver5855]

Looks great. Do you recall what brand/model mount you used?

Railblaza

 

[StilesYYZ]

Railblaza

I've gone through their site a few times, and can't seem to replicate your setup. Do you recall which components you used to create your entire mount?

 

[Diver5855]

Here are the parts I used

 

[StilesYYZ]

Here are the parts I used

Much appreciated!

I can't tell, but is your Garmin a larger unit (i.e. 106SV, or?)? And did you have to drill any additional holes into the rotating platform, or were the holes in the "right spots"?

 

[Diver5855]

Mine is a 94sv. Super stable unless it’s really rough. I don’t think I had to drill any holes in the mount.

 

[Robber]

This is how I attached the cable and mounted the transducer.the cable was just long enough.

I like that bracket mount for the Garmin. I have one mounted to a cup holder mount right now but that is a better way to do it. Does it remove easily to put the cover on?

 

[Diver5855]

It does remove easily. I added a second base mount sideways to stow it while I trailer it and when the cover is on. I can get a picture if you want.