Garmin Echomap Install on FX Cruiser SVHO 

I like that idea!! Thanks!!

That is awesome!!! I'm glad my video helped!

Does the side scan function work from inside the hull? I wouldn’t think it could, but if so, that would be cool.

How do you like the UHD 74? Thinking of getting it for my VX cruiser

Can you send a PIC as I have the same ski and am doing the same install, just wanted to reference an example. I already have the striker and transducer install currently.

That is awesome!! I'm so glad to hear that the video was helpful. That really makes it all worth it. Thanks for the comment!

Perfect!! Thanks for letting me know that.

You are absolutely welcome!

Thanks! Yes, Loren is really the best in the business.

Yup. Lake Lanier at its deepest point is somewhere around 180 feet. I also do a lot of ocean riding so that may get even deeper.

@@SteveAppel-r2o That is so awesome to hear! Thank you for the kind words and Welcome to Georgia.

You are welcome!!! Good luck with the project!!!

Update, mine works shooting through the SMC hull. It works in forward and reverse as long as depth is over 9 feet. (the external transducer loses bottom at idles speeds, neutral running, or reverse. Works at full speed (about 46 right now on my VX110). However, the unit doesn't "read" the depth correctly (at all) under 9 feet. I can mostly see the depth on the visual down to around 4ft, it just doesn't show me the number like it knows what it is. I'm going to order a 53cv uhd2, i think the algorithms are better in the new head units. Will get an update video on mine soon. Good enough for now. Thanks for the duct putty tip....what a lifesaver!

That's awesome! I am always glad to hear that my videos help people that are thinking about doing the same things. Good luck with you project and let me know how it works out.

You are welcome!!

Sounds like a good idea. I'll try to make one after I do my Bahamas trip. A trip across to Bimini and back will be a good test.

@@TheShipsLogg also it would have been great if you showed how you put the bracket . the video is like no bracket to "i already install the bracket " - I need more info on the how you install the bracket in detail like you did with the wiring . thanks for the great efforts .

@@robertbarel896 I see your point. I guess I was thinking that it would only apply if your ordered the same custom bracket that I did from Boondocks. I will say that if you do order one from him, the directions that he included were on point and made it very easy to install.

@@TheShipsLogg thank you for the advice

Thanks for watching. I agree that having it built in is a better option but not because of protection from the water. Garmin units are built with that in mind. Mine has gotten hit by wave after wave of fresh and salt water and it shows no signs of wear at all

@@TheShipsLogg Thanks so much for your input! What do you like about having the GPS built-in? I may pull the trigger on the new ski soon and have a # of more detailed questions. If you're willing to share your email that might be better for the channel but totally understand if you'd rather not. Thanks.

@@manchesterroofingsystems8016 you can reach me at theshipslogg@gmail.com.

🤣🤣🤣🤣

You are welcome!

Wow! That is good information to have. Glad I did not mount it on the bottom. Thanks on the voice but I'm not sure I could ever make a living on any kind of media. LOL!

Thank you. Glad you found it helpful!

Thanks!!!

@@victordanilo7104 you could actually do this with just about any Garmin unit. I used the Echomap 63cv but I know people that did the same exact setup with 7 inch and even 9 inch screens

Thanks!! The bracket is amazing! Im glad I got it.

Hi and thanks for watching! I have done a lot more testing since I made the video and the UHD function does work but I don't think it is as clear as it would be if I had mounted it on the outside of the hull. This does not matter to me as I am really only interested in the navigational aspect and knowing the depth below me. Perfect UHD functionality may be more important for someone who is fishing from their unit. It is also possible that relocating to a part of the hull that is thinner may help too. Hope this helps.

Absolutely no issues with heat except for the fact that it does not read the water temp accurately but that is expected. I do think the uhd capability is affected a little but that is not a problem for me because I am not fishing. I would give it a try to see if it does everything you need. You can always change the mounting method if you need to.

@@TheShipsLogg I appreciate your quick reply. Thanks much, safe boating to you and yours.

Actually, I will be doing a 1 year review on my '21 and I will talk about some of the features that are changing for '22. I'm definitely not trading my unit in for a '22. I love mine too much. That being said, I do like some of the changes they have made on the '22 machines and I am sure you will love yours when you get it.

Yes! It is still working perfectly. 👍🏾

You can find it at Home Depot or Lowe's. It's normally used for sealing air conditioning/heating ducts. So you would find it in that department.

Actually, Yamaha has already solved that problem. There are already cables running up to the dash from the engine compartment. There is a boot installed that had a clamp on it to keep it sealed. You just loosen the clamp, run an additional cable through and clamp it back.

@@TheShipsLogg yes....I understand the boot that yahama has installed, however, the cables that run from the GPS to the boot. Did you have to drill through the cup holder?

@@silverdollar6548 Nope. There is already a hole there.

Thanks. I just sold that ski last week but the duct seal was still tight after 2 years. It will probably hold for many years to come.

Awesome!! Good luck with the project!

Hello again. What do you loose from that transducer placement? How clear is Clear Vu. Does side vu work? Still happy with that garmin?

@@stephenzito7906 I still love it. Just got back from a trip to FL and it worked well. Clear Vu is affected a bit since I mounted it inside the hull but I don't really need that anyway. The depth reading and the regular sonar work great. The duct seal that I used to mount the transducer works great

I got my letters at the dealer where I bought the ski. They happened to have ones that I thought would look great so I grabbed them. Be careful! Mounting below the rub rail may not make them very visible and if you come across the wrong law enforcement officer, they may have an issue with it. Good luck to you.

Thanks! I appreciate that!!

@@kaybatbat1124 there is an on/off switch on the unit. Plus the head unit is removable for when you are not using the ski.

Yes, Loren is an awesome guy. I went to a marine store and bought marine grade wiring to extend the power circuit. The main difference is that the wire is tinned (coated with tin) to prevent corrosion. I don't remember exactly what gauge but I got the next larger size than what came with the unit. I figured this was necessary since I was extending it beyond the original length. You can also find marine grade wiring on Amazon. Good luck with the project.

My ski actually does not have USB. Plus hardwiring leaves the USB available for other purposes.

@@TheShipsLogg In the glovebox?

@@samelgore7575 the SVHO Limited model has one on the glovebox. Mine is not a limited.

@@TheShipsLogg The current FX units come with one 12V and 2 USB outlets, would that have affected your install? Thanks again.

@@samelgore7575 maybe. I guess it all depends on how the wiring looked.

Search for Boondocks PWC on Facebook. You will find the page!

Thank you sir!

Good luck. If you have questions, let me know

@@TheShipsLogg i sure will Thank you.

So far, the regular battery has been just fine. I have made it a point to not keep the Garmin on for long periods of time when the engine is not running though.

I'm not sure if the clay mount makes a difference but it definitely needs to be as thin as possible with no air bubbles. Also, the area in the hull where it is mounted needs to be flat. You may want to try a different location.

@@TheShipsLogg Thanks Capt....let me back up & try the whole thing over..clear the decks... :=)....thanks

I would say no. It always seems to indicate a reading that is 5 to 8 degrees warmer than what the actual temperature is.

It worked but it was not completely accurate. One you had the engine running, it would read a few degrees warmer because of the heat generated by the engine.

@@dennisdischler6541 I sold the ski a few months ago but the transducer was still rock solid then.

I used duct seal. You can get it at Lowes or Home Depot. It holds it really tight but you can remove it if you ever need to.

I love it. Sure, it is expensive compared to just buying an app for your phone but it is also meant to deal with the conditions that you will encounter riding a ski. I also like the fact that I do not have to rely on the battery of a mobile device which can go dead on a long trip. I also like the larger screen and the controls are a lot easier than a cell phone.

Yes, it is. It has not budged and it is still working perfectly!

Everything has held up really well. The duct seal is still tacky but it is holding the transducer nice and tight. It is amazing how well everything has held given all of the bouncing around and all. The only thing that I have to do is claim the contacts for the back of the Garmin every once in a while. Even though they are supposedly watertight, a little corrosion still creeps in.

@@johnnelson1625 I definitely had no issues with cracks. I sold the ski a few months ago and all was fine when I did. Since you have a '24, you should have a chart plotter built in. You will have to buy the map chip but it works pretty well

@@TheShipsLogg Thanks for the response. I've thought about the Yamaha chip but, I want a fish finder with a depth sounder - I like the bigger screen plus the constant depth read-out. So, did you get another ski?

@@johnnelson1625 Yup. I got a '24 FX SVHO! 😁

This video is such a great reference. Its nice seeing all of the questions, comments, and number of views. This particular crossbar mount simply bolts on without any modifications to the PWC. The mount adds strength, prevents rotation and creates device attachment points, but is not indestructible. I am aware of one person in the Chicago area with a GPS mounted on a left sided aluminum plate of mine (not a crossbar mount) on a 2019 FX. He liked to jump big waves on Lake Michigan. He ended up cracking the plastic on his dash after two years of use. I am also aware of another person in south Florida with a 2019 FX that bolted a large aluminum back splash over his Garmin and to the crossbar mount. He also had cracking. The aluminum backsplash was purchased out of NZ. I dont like those aluminum backsplash covers because they are heavy and they create a large surface for water to push against when a wave goes over the bow. Waverunners are often used in harsh marine environments. Some people like to "ride hard" and other people may find themselves in the middle of a fast developing weather storm. Making the mounting parts is just a hobby for me. I have a 2021 FX and I'm using my crossbar mount with a D RAM system up on the Great Lakes. Its wonderful. I am picky and only sell parts that I would use myself. They are rugged and strong. I would rather not sell a part then have somebody complain about cracking that was caused by dynamic forces against the thin dash plastic during use in inclement operating conditions. I would be interested in reading the post about the cracked console. Please send the post details my way when you have time, thanks.

That might work well. The key would be to ensure that you can still take it off later if needed. I would not want to use anything permanent.

@@TheShipsLogg Keep us updated. Interested as to what vibration and water do over time. Thanks again.

Thanks. I can tell that the uhd functionality is affected a bit by going through the hull. The depth and regular view is good though. I can see fish below the hull with no problem.

@@TheShipsLogg thanks a lot for the info.

Most skis do not have that capability. I make it a point to remove the head unit when I leave the ski just to make sure that doesn't happen. It also helps to ensure that your head unit does not get stolen as well.

Depending. On my yamaha 2022 FX there is a 12v charging port inside the glovebox. This port is ONLY powerer when the jet ski dash is activated by pushing the start button. Power is removed when the dash onnects system shuts down. Therefore I just tapped into the two wires going to the charging point and now i don't have to worry about turning the unit off manually every time I shut off the ski.

I used duct tape initially because I wanted to be sure it worked before making it more permanent. One of the things I have learned from being around boats all my life is that transducers can be finicky. They are sensitive to where you place them whether it is a thru hull or transom mount. Variations in hull thickness or material can screw with their ability to give accurate readings. Too much turbulence in the water flow can do the same. Every boat (or jet ski) can be different as to where the best place is to place it.

Good questions. I try not to leave it on for long periods when the ski is not running so I don't drain the battery. The longest that I had it on without running the ski was two hours but the ski was on the trailer at the time and that was when I had first installed it and I was learning the system. The ski still started afterwards but there had been a voltage drop from about 12.6 to 12.3 volts. If I needed to have it on for long periods without running the engine, I would probably get a second battery. The only time I use a charger is when I am not using the ski regularly. Hope this helps.

Yes, Loren is a great guy! There have only been a few times that I have lost contact with the bottom. It usually is at high speed in rough water. I think I lost contact because I spent a little too much time in the air as opposed to on the water. 🤣. With boats, you sometimes have to play with different locations due to hull thickness, cavitation and consistency in the hull material. Try a few different locations by duct taping it inside the hull to see which one is best. Once you have found the best one, then you can make it more permanent.

I have a 23FX was wondering about the hull mount also. Has anyone tried it on the new hull??

@@48Mooose I did speak with one guy who has the SMC hull and he indicated that it worked for him. I would still try first with a temporary setup before making it permanent just in case you have to change the location but it sounds like it will work.

@@TheShipsLogg thank you working the install now. Couldn’t get the new Boondocks…so trying to work the mount with Yamaha and Ram parts. I’ll let you know. We are going to do the Bimini run in June with The Bahamas Challenge Group!!

@@48Mooose awesome!! Good luck!

@@herbertbeltran165 not it does not. It does need to be mounted in an area of the hull that is consistent though. If there are bubbles or other impurities in the hull where the transducer is mounted, it will cause a bad signal which leads to incorrect readings. If that happens, you can try a different location.

It was just a matter of choice. I wasn't interested in drilling any holes in the transom and since I do not use my skin for fishing, the ClearVu option was not as important to me .

@@dennisdischler6541 that may be an indication that the hull material is either not consistent, too thick or both. If that is the case, you may need a transom mount transducer.

Thanks!

I have the Garmin Echomap 63cv. For me, it is the perfect size and it has all of the features that I need.

And that unit comes with maps for riding in open water?? Example tampa bay, clearwater?? I dont wanna get lost!! Thanks captain!!!

So far, so good. That duct seal is sticky stuff and the transducer has not budged!

I got my bracket from Boondocks PWC. Its a small shop that custom designs and builds these brackets and they are absolutely the best in my opinion. Loren is a great guy an really wants to make sure he builds a quality product. You can find him on Facebook at facebook.com/boondockspwc. Check with him and see if he makes similar brackets for Sea Doo.

To be honest, I don't use the sonar mapping feature. I can say that the depth finder and fish finder features work well.

@@TheShipsLogg dang :( I really love the setup albeit really want the sonar mapping feature to work correctly… well I guess only one way to find out give it a try and report back lol 😂 JK but thank you for the quick replay got a new subscriber out of that!

@@DrRob-rt2lf you can always try using it inside the hull and if that does not work, then you can switch to outside the hull. I am thinking the sonar mapping relies solely on depth readings. If that is true then I'm guessing it will work since it reads depth just fine.

That is a good question. Since they are both Garmin units, it is possible. I'd try going to a sporting goods store that has display units and see if there is a way to compare the connections on both units and see if they are the same. Maybe even contacting Garmin could get you the answer as well.

I did not. I only used about half of it.

It works but I think it would be better if I had the transducer on the outside. Since I don't use my ski for fishing or anything else that requires a detailed scan of the bottom, it's no big deal for me. If you plan on doing the same thing and you do fish, you may want to mount it on the outside.

So far it is holding well. This next week will be a good test. Doing the ride to Bimini. I'll keep you posted.

Yes. You can get one from Boondocks PWC. Loren is the guy that makes them and he is awesome. You can find him on Facebook and I think he has a website too.

@@carllashley2234 It's an awesome unit. I just sold that ski a few weeks ago and the Garmin went with it but it was awesome

@@TheShipsLogg would you recommend the same one or is there a better one ?

@@carllashley2234 There may be better ones but the one I had was more than adequate.

@@ronrosenerger3216 There is a cup holder adapter that Yamaha makes to mount accessories on the new models. It allows you to mount a RAM Ball so you can mount just about anything you want.

@@TheShipsLogg That’s good news thanks. Wish the dealer would have told me that and I even went to the parts department. Thanks again

@@ronrosenerger3216 you are welcome

Thanks!!

You can if it has one. This particular model did not have a power outlet.

Ahh that's true. Great vid

@@breju03 Thanks!!

That may be possible but I chose to go directly to the battery because there are some times where I need the unit to be on when the ignition is not. This way, I could have it when I need it.

I got the Garmin Echomap 63 CV. Bought it at local sporting Goods store. I mentioned in the video where I got the mounting bracket. Maybe he can make one for a VX as well.

The back of the mount does a pretty good job of that except for the 2 connections that I don't use (there are a total of four and I only use two). I filled the holes with putty to keep the water out.

The mount for the chart plotter is 2". I use a 1" for the GoPro.

I would try thru hull first to see if it works. It may or may not depending on the transducer and hull material. If it does not work, you can always change to transom mount.

Hey. Congrats on the new machine. I did not have to use any special settings on my Garmin. Here are a couple of ideas. First, you do have to ensure that you have pressed the transducer down into the putty as much as you can to eliminate air pockets. Air pockets will cause the transducer to not be able to read the bottom. Second, you need to ensure that the connectors on the back of the unit are pushed all the way in. I have had a few occasions where mine has stopped reading and it was because the connector was slightly loose. Lastly, there is a difference between my machine and yours. My machine has a NanoExcel hull. For '22, Yamaha went back to fiberglass because there were some issues with NanoExcel. I don't think this should make a difference but it could, depending on how the glass is laid up. Hope this helps.

I’m wondering if you ever got the transducer to register depth on your pwc? I’ve got a 2023 on order and would sure like a depth finder mounted in the engine bay.

Hey Ian i did get it mounted but put the transducer on the back of the ski. Tried several times to install it internally but just decided to do eternal and it works great even at 90kmh

@@MrStevenke ok thanks. I’m hoping to find out definitively if the internal mounting works with the new fibreglass hulls. Glad you got yours going mounted off the back.

It does work but not as well as if the transducer were outside the hull. Since I don't fish, I'm not so concerned with that though.

You are welcome!

So far, it's holding out really well. I've done a lot of riding with much of it in rough water and it has not budged yet. Hope this helps and thanks for watching.

@@TheShipsLogg I was coming back to this same video to ask the same question about your transducer... I will be installing my chartplotter and transducer in the next week or so...

I wanted a more customized mount so I could also attach my cameras etc. Also, the Garmin was a gift so I got the mount after I got the chart plotter.

The best way to wire the GPS head is directly to the battery. No pre wire is needed. Franks set-up will give you the ability to power on/off the GPS independent of the Waverunner. Most Yamaha parts are on backorder and take several months+ to get. The aluminum crossbar mount is very strong, unlike the plastic Yamaha parts. Frank is using a 2.25" RAM system. Its quick and easy to use and very strong. Yamaha doesn't not sell a ball mount that will accommodate a bottle holder + a RAM ball base for a GoPro + a 2.25" ball. I enjoy my FX Waverunner enough to put nice parts on it. Unfortunately the Yamaha GPS and transducer parts are not impressive at all. This aluminum crossbar and camera ball mount are very high end and quite honestly the factory offered parts would be a huge step down in quality and function from what is shown in the video.

@@LorenP Exactly what Loren said!!

The Garmin that I have does have Active Captain. Pretty cool.

Possibly. It's worth a try

I don't know if he does but you can contact him to find out. His name is Loren and you can find him at Boondocks PWC on FB

It's working perfectly. Depth readings are working great and so is sonar. UHD is not as clear since it is inside the hull but I don't really care about that.

@@TheShipsLogg wonderful thank you. I've reached out to boondocks as well. Thanks again for the awsome videos! Keep up the good work.

Not sure but you can duct tape it inside and do a test run to see if it works

Hi Donnie. The speed on your GPS is definitely going to be the more accurate one. The Yamaha speedo does not use GPS and is definitely not as accurate. For the record, that is one of the things that they are changing on the '22 models. They will have GPS built in. The Garmin that I have is an Echomap uhd 63cv. You can find them just about anywhere they sell Garmin equipment. The transducer did come with the unit. The only thing that I needed other than the mount was extra wiring to extend the power all the way to the battery, the electrical connectors, the zip ties and the duct seal. Good luck with your fishing and thank you for your service.

@@TheShipsLogg Frank.., thank you so much for you quick reply. I’m learning a lot and it’s fun. Your videos are very helpful. If you would give a shout out to “SSgt Donnie Goodson USMC Retired” out in San Diego in one of your videos, that would make my day. Let’s keep in touch., as I am originally from the East Coast. Semper Fi My Friend !

@@mriq188 You bet!!

@@mriq188 Be sure to watch the latest video, especially at the end!

@@TheShipsLogg Top of the day to you Frank. May I ask., what’s the difference between the 63cv and the 64cv., there seem to be many different model numbers.

It's a Garmin CV 63 with a transom mount transducer that I mounted in the hull

@@TheShipsLogg did the transducer come with that garmin? And that you for the info.

Thank you lol.

You should be able to reach him at boondockspwc@gmail.com. 👍🏾