By Paul Lebowitz

When kayak anglers install a fishfinder, they are faced with a conundrum. If the sonar head itself – AKA the display – is mounted on the deck, how are we to wire it to the battery and transducer installed in the hull? That is, without running the wires through a hatch or leaving a gaping hole?

The solution is simple as CJ Siebler of Angler’s Yak Shack demonstrated recently. If the cables and their connectors are small, kayakers can get by with a liquid tight water seal produced by Ancor and other marine hardware manufacturers. The seal itself is small and tidy, although pricey at nearly $15.

Cable clams aren’t any less expensive (around $20), but at least they can handle larger wires and connectors. Installation is a snap:

1. Using a rotary drill bit, cut a hole in the deck just larger than the cable connector. Measure first and cut carefully.

2. Next, lay the base of the cable clam atop the included rubber washer, and then screw it onto the deck.

3. Drill a hole in the center of the included rubber stopper, then carefully cut a notch from the edge to the center. Thread your wires into the stopper and seat it on the base.

4. Attach the top section of the cable clam. As the bolts are tightened, the stopper will be compressed, thus creating a waterproof cable pass-through.

Those handy with tools have an alternative. Simply buy a rubber stopper and craft your own grommet.

WATERPROOF WAYS TO PASS WIRES THROUGH A KAYAK DECK – Here are two commercial solutions, a liquid tight water seal and a cable clam. Or, not shown, craft your own grommet from a rubber stopper. All will pass wires through the deck but stop water cold.