XI5 modding?

[Nyghtryder_9]

I just installed a XI5 on my boat. Got the 24v 60in because it was what they had in Stock at the time. I had one on my last boat and had a hdi ducer on it doing the coil method. Worked but not astetically pleasing. This new one didn't not have pinpoint gps installed ( got that model so it would not have the built in ducer), so got the gps and installed it today. Looking at the head unit there is just 2 wire that run down the shaft to the motor. And there is plenty of room to run a ducer cable inside. Got me thinking. What if I cut the HDI ducer 12-24 in from the blue connector. Then drill a small hole in the xi5 shaft above the motor and below what would interfere with closing the motor. Then I could run the wire internally and come out another small drill hole in the head. Then just solder the ducer cable and be done. I know I would have to seal the drill hole on the shaft so water does not enter the motor. But it seems do able. Any thoughts? And I know it would void warranty, but it's just a thought I'm rolling around my brain.

[ksnouf]

I did the coil method but didn't wrap around the shaft. I just attached the coil to the deck at the base....when I pull it up it the coil just makes a loop. Looks much better than jamming up and it was too tight when around the shaft. Made it hard to pull up before.

[Nyghtryder_9]

So I went ahead with my idea. I drilled a hole in the shaft. Cut the hdi ducer cable about 18in below the blue connector. It is a tight fit, but was able to pull the cable thru. I drilled a hole in the head for the ducer cable to exit out of and coiled it down with the other cables. Siliconed to hole on the shaft and wrapped with a silicone tape for added protection. Instead off a junction box to re attach the hdi ducer, I went with shrink crimp connectors. The ducer cable had the power and ground separate from the info wires, both wrapped with a foil shield. So I did the same, separated them and wrapped with foil and then silicone tape. I took it out for about 2 hrs today to test and it worked perfect. Motor worked great and hdi preformed the same as it always has! So for now success!!!