Depth Source
Marine Electronics
Install Checklist
Plan your install. Know what you need. Get it right the first time.
This tool is designed to educate you on everything required to complete a marine electronics install — not just the electronics themselves. Some items listed are available at Depth Source ✦ Available at Depth Source. Others — wiring supplies, hardware, tools — you'll source locally at a marine retailer or hardware store. This is a planning guide, not a product catalog.
Step 1 of 5
What are you installing?
Select all that apply — your checklist will be tailored to your specific combination.
📺
Chartplotter / Fish Finder
Any display unit — Garmin, Humminbird, Lowrance, or Simrad
📡
Live Sonar
LiveScope, ActiveTarget 2, MEGA Live — forward-facing sonar
⚙️
Trolling Motor
GPS bow-mount — Garmin Force, Minn Kota Ultrex / Terrova
🛰️
Radar
Dome or open array — Garmin Fantom, Simrad / Lowrance Halo
🧭
Autopilot
Garmin Reactor or equivalent heading hold system
📻
VHF Radio
Fixed-mount radio with DSC and optional AIS capability
Step 2 of 5
What is your hull made of?
Hull material determines your transducer mounting method and hardware requirements.
🚤
Fiberglass
Most bass boats, walleye boats, center consoles, pontoons
🛶
Aluminum
Aluminum fishing boats, jon boats, some walleye rigs
🪵
Wood
Older wooden hulls — less common, changes install approach
🛶
Kayak / Poly
Polyethylene kayaks and pedal fishing craft
Step 3 of 5
Do you have an existing NMEA 2000 network?
NMEA 2000 is the communication backbone that lets your electronics talk to each other. Most new installs build one from scratch.
✅
Yes — already installed
Backbone, T-connectors, and terminators already in place
🔧
Partial — expanding
Some network in place, adding devices or replacing parts
❌
No — starting fresh
New boat or first install — nothing in place
🤷
Not sure
I don't know what I have — I'll need help figuring this out
Step 4 of 5
How far is your battery from the helm?
Wire run length sets the minimum wire gauge for your electronics circuit. Undersized wire causes voltage drop — especially damaging for live sonar.
📏
Under 10 ft
Battery is close to the helm — small boats and kayaks
📐
10 – 20 ft
Typical on most bass and walleye boats with rear battery compartment
🔩
Over 20 ft
Center consoles and larger boats with battery well below or aft of helm
Step 5 of 5
Who is doing the install?
This helps us flag items where professional help is strongly recommended versus straightforward DIY tasks.
🔨
Doing it myself
Comfortable with wiring — handling the full install myself
🧑🔧
Hiring a marine electrician
Professional install — I just need to know what to buy
🤔
Not sure yet
Depends on complexity — want to see the full list first
