Help with finding out what type of depth finder I can use with minn Kota maxxum

I just got this trolling motor and need to find out if my hummingbird helix5 di will work on it.

The Maxxum does not have sonar built into the lower unit but you can mount it manually.

I have this model of minn kota bow mount on my Ranger. I do not have a helix 5 so I can’t specifically comment on that transducer but it appears you can simply mount it to the underside of the lower unit using a hose clamp-type fastener. Then you just bring the cord upward along the shaft using zip ties and electrical tape all the way to the unit.

I’ve done this with a Lowrance unit for years. Just make sure you don’t pinch the cord when you deploy and stow the bow mount.

It has a transducer built in but not sure what type it is. That’s why I’m asking

Lewis Brittain wrote:

It has a transducer built in but not sure what type it is. That’s why I’m asking

There is already a transducer mounted to the lower unit?

It’s in the motor housing

It’s built in

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Looks like a us2 style maybe? If so you would possibly need a cable to go from the existing cable to the helix and that would give you regular sonar. No down imaging. Look on minnkotas site and see what you can find. Good luck

I wasn’t aware the maxxum had sonar built in either just like gimruis said, but that is what it looks like in the picture. It’s not a fortrex is it?

hawghunter08 wrote:

I wasn’t aware the maxxum had sonar built in either just like gimruis said, but that is what it looks like in the picture. It’s not a fortrex is it?

That’s why I wasn’t sure what he was talking about when he first posted. Maxxums do not come with a sonar built into the head like some other models do. Either it’s not a maxxum or someone altered it. They don’t come from the factory that way.

I bought my boat off the show room floor in 2010 with a maxxum. It’s an 80 pound and has built in transducer so i.d say its possible it’s a maxxum and not altered in anyway.

Boone wrote:

I bought my boat off the show room floor in 2010 with a maxxum. It’s an 80 pound and has built in transducer so i.d say its possible it’s a maxxum and not altered in anyway.

That was my thought. He never said how old this motor was. IIRC, before the Fortrex came out, the Maxxum was MK’s top cable-drive motor. Seems like they’d have offered a built-in ‘ducer.

So I went to an older bass fishing forum from 2007 and found discussions about sonar built into the head of a maxxum. Evidently at one point they did offer an 80 pound thrust with this feature.

As for it being compatible with a helix 5, I’m gonna say that’s unlikely considering how old the bow mount is compared to the electronics, but I don’t know that for sure.

Thanks for the help. Guess I’ll have to see about getting a new transducer for it then lol

I would call Humminbird to see if they make a Helix 5 doggle (adapter) for that motor.It would be only 2D sonar but it’s nice not having another cable running up the shaft.

If you do end up buying a new transducer make sure you get the trolling motor transducer. That way it will fit flush on the trolling motor and you won’t have to get an adapter.

Thanks