DEPTH FINDER INSTALL QUESTIONS

[TRRANGER]

I am preparing to install a new set of depth finders on my 87 Ranger 360V. I am currently running on the bow a 799ci si  Humminbird, and am installing an 1198ci si Humminbird with large ram mount. At the console I currently have a 788C Humminbird and installing a 999ci Si Humminbird. I am going to run all new wiring for the depth finders, 10 gauge wire with heat shrink spices and connectors. With this set up I have 2 questions should I isolate my positive and my negative wires from each other to eliminate noise interference, and should they be run off the cranking battery or the trolling battery. Currently all my accessories, bilge, aerator and depth finders are hooked to cranking battery and trolling motor only on trolling batteries.  What is the most correct or least problematic way to install.

[Seth]

Just keep the wires away from the trolling motor wiring as much as possible. That includes the steering head and steering cables. If possible, run the sonar power for the bow on the side opposite of where the trolling motor wires are ran. There is no need to split the positive and negative since they are part of the same circuit. Run your sonar power to the cranking battery. Leave the trolling batteries connected to just the trolling motor and your charger.

This is how I route the transducer cable on my trolling motor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3l1fWytO6Q

[moguy1973]

I had to reroute my transducer cable for my Garmin on my new digital trolling motor as it was causing interference on the screen when the motor was on.  I had it running all the way up the trolling motor to the head and then down the foot pedal cable.  I rerouted it along the arm of the trolling motor like Seth posted in that video.

And as he also said, hook it up to the crank battery.  Trolling motor should be by itself on the batterie(s).

[TRRANGER]

I should have put this in the initial description, the power leads will be run down the starboard of the boat and trolling wires are all on port side. Is the 10 gauge overkill and will putting the wires in plastic loom be problematic.  I usually run my transducer cables in a piece of vacuum tube I split and run the wire through the rubber as an extra bit of safety.    

[fishinwrench]

Your 87 Ranger has a fuse/breaker panel under the console.  Just run a single 12v+(red fused) from console to bow to keep it as short as possible.  Wire loom is unnecessary, just tie strap it to the bow light wires.  Pick up your 12v-(blk) from the black wire at the bow light socket.  

Or....If you have a trim/tilt switch at the bow you can get 12v there and eliminate having to run unnecessary wiring.  

[Seth]

10 gauge is overkill, but you definitely won't be doing any harm by using it. I'd think 12 or even 14 gauge would suffice for a graph.

[MOBass]

I recently had to run a new power cord for my bow unit.  Ancor 14 guage duplex, easy to fish the one wire from battery to bow.