queenlene

I have a couple of 2009 yamaha fx cruiser shos and was asking the dealership service guys what the best option for installing a depth finder was. The guy said that either the 2010 or 2011 models have a new instrument panel with depth finder and water temp gauge. He said you could swap out the entire instrument panel. I've tried looking on yamaha's site and I can't see anything in the specs of the newer models about a depth finder or temp gauge. Does anyone know anything about this and know if you can swap out the instrument panels?

Ernest T

There is no manufacturer installed depth finder on any Yamaha model at this time. The cruiser models do have water/air temperature, fuel flow meter, compass, trip calculator, etc. Also you cannot easily swap out a cruiser instrument panel for a ski that does not have one. You would also have to install the necessary sensors (air/water temp., compass, fuel management, etc.). It would not be cost effective to try to do this............I don't think your dealer has ever tried it or he would know.

A number of guys have successfully installed various depth/fish finders on their skis. The type and brand of model is not as important as the transducer. Most guys have gone with a "shoot through the hull" type of transducer. Getting it located in the proper spot to get a good reading can be a challenge with all the turbulance under a ski hull. On the FXs most guys are locating it back near the battery area, but you may have to move it around some to find the best spot.

There are several long threads on this subject in this and other fourms.........try a search. Here is one: http://www.pwctoday.com/f14/through-...xho-71489.html

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2008 Yamaha FX HO Cruiser
2010 Hurricane Sundeck 2100