Depth Finder/Trandsducer Install on Ascend FS12T (Thru Hull)

Ready for another custom mod to add to your kayak? We’ve shown you how to install a transducer through a scupper hole (Jackson Cuda thru Scupper transducer install) and now we are going to show you how to add a through hull transducer and depth finder to your kayak. More specifically we will be doing the install on a 2011 Ascend FS12T.

First off lets talk about what you’ll need for the install.

We won’t go into detail about buying a depth finder on this post. If you’ve found your way to this post most likely you have already purchased one and are ready to move on to the install. Just so you know, I will be installing an Eagle Fish Finder 180.

As mentioned before, the kayak we are using for the install is an Ascend FS12T from Bass Pro. Don’t let that stop you from using these instructions as a guide for installing the thru hull transducer on another brand or model kayak. The way we are installing the transducer will work on just about any kayak.

Here’s a list of what you need for the thru hull transducer install and Depth Finder mounting:

1. Marine Goop - you can find it at Austin Kayak for around $6

2. Transducer pad - find it at Austin Kayak for about $4

3. Scotty post bracket 272 - This is specifically for the Ascend FS12T. Found at Austin Kayak for $15

4. Sandpaper - again, specifically for the Ascend FS12T, any kind will do and the more grit the better. Most of us have this lying around the house.

So for less than $30 you’re ready for the install.

To get started lets talk a little about installing a transducer that will be shooting through the hull of your kayak. In order for this to work the transducer needs to be centered and level in your kayak, otherwise your readings may be off. Also you may want to do some research on the transducer you are installing to make sure it is designed to shoot thru the hull. Almost all will, especially through a kayak hull.

Let’s go ahead and get started with the install. First pick the place you want the transducer to sit. Be sure you won’t be mounting the transducer in an area where you store other items or where it could be in your way inside the hull.  For the Ascend FS12T, the area right in front of the foam is perfect. It’s an area that’s further back in the hull and out of the way. There’s even a slight dip from the keel that will help you align the transducer. If installing in another area, just keep in mind the length of wiring you have that will need to go from the transducer to the depth finder. Before you start the install take a damp rag or rubbing alcohol and clean the area of any dirt or grime that may be on the bottom and then make sure the area is completely dry.


 Lets go ahead and put the pad down that will hold the transducer. Grab the transducer pad and start applying Goop to the bottom of the transducer pad as shown in the pic to the right. You don’t need much, just enough to keep the pad in place. The purpose of the pad is twofold: centering the pad first is much easier than trying to center the transducer without a guide (and also applying goop at the same time) and it also provides a good bed to apply goop for the transducer to sit in. Go ahead and put the pad down in the place you want the transducer to sit.

Next, sit the transducer in the pad BEFORE filling the inside of the pad with Goop. You need to get a feel for how the transducer will fit in the pad. Keep in mind that it needs to be level and straight. You will most likely have to do this reaching far into the hatch which is why I recommend practicing sitting it in the pad first before applying the goop.

Once you are comfortable reaching in and placing the transducer in the pad, the next step is the most important. The transducer will shoot thru your hull fine, however, if you don’t put the Goop down smoothly it will leave air bubbles which will affect the readings on your depth finder. You can avoid this by practicing applying a large amount of goop to something other than your kayak first. I took an old cardboard box and applied a good layer of goop so I could get a feel for how much was coming out of the tube and if I was applying it with or without the dreaded bubbles. It’s much easier than it sounds, trust me. There’s plenty in the tube to practice with so no worries there about running out. Slow and steady is key!

Once you’re ready to apply the goop, apply a good amount inside the transducer pad. You don’t have to completely fill the pad’s transducer cutout with Goop, you just need a good layer so that when you push the transducer down it creates a layer around the bottom of the transducer. Transducers are designed to be in water and the goop acts as the water surrounding the bottom. You can see below the final result on an Ascend FS12T. The transducer pad makes the install look very neat. I’ve seen countless installs with Goop everywhere and the pad helps eliminate that.



 I’d recommend letting the goop dry for around 24 hours at minimum. It would be best to let it sit for about 48 hours before moving the kayak.

Now the hard part is over (if you can consider that difficult at all!). Let’s move on to mounting the depth finder display.

Stock base on Ascend FS12T

If you notice on the Ascend FS12T (2011 model), it comes standard with what looks like a Scotty Deck mount bracket. Although it looks almost identical to a Scotty, it’s actually not a Scotty. No worries though, that’s not going to stop us from using the Scotty Post Bracket 272 to mount the depth finder. With a little bit of sanding we can fit the Scotty post mount bracket 272 in the rod holder with no extra drilling! You will also be able to use the stock rod holder again when you are not using the depth finder.

Take some sand paper, wrap it around the end of the Scotty post mount and twist. The goal here is to
sand the scotty post down to the size of the mount on the Ascend.

Twist post while holding sandpaper

 You can sand a little and test it. It took me about 5 minutes of sanding and testing and I had mine perfect and snug as you can see below. It will not fall out if you roll your kayak either. I recommend the Scotty Post Bracket 272 because it will allow you to mount almost any depth finder display. It’s not specific to the depth finder you see in the pic below. If you do choose to pick another post bracket by Scotty, you could still use the sanding process above to allow the post to fit in the stock Ascend base.

Depth Finder Display installed on Ascend FS12T

The wiring is simple after that.I ran my wires from the battery and transducer out the hatch directly to the back of the depth finder. You can still close the hatch on the Ascend FS12T over the wires without drilling holes in the hatch or in the kayak. This makes it easier for days when you don’t need or won’t use the depth finder. On those days, not only can you just tuck the wires inside the front hatch, but you can also use the stock rod holder since we didn’t replace the stock base mount!

If you are looking for advice on a battery and a great battery box idea be sure to check out our other post Installing a Fish Finder on a Kayak.

Enjoy this quick and easy install and we hope it finds you some fish!

-Teg