removing bow panel?

[Chasman]

I need to get to my depth finder thats in my bow. How do you remove the panel that surrounds the unit? I've taken the screws out, but the panel doesn't budge. I didn't want to force anything. I have a 2004 295proxl with a lowrance x97 in my bow. I have to replace the transducer is why. thanks

[F150owner]

I think the 295XL has the surround type black panel if I'm not mistaken. It's been a while since I had a STratos so I hope this helps. There are two screws on the ends that are visible from the deck. You'll need to remove the two plastic panels on each side of the depth finder. Pull out the panels being careful not to disconnect any wires. From there, you should see two really long screws that goes down into the top cap fiblerglass. Take those out, be careful no to strip the phillips head on the screw, you can't get these at Home Depot if you mess up. Once those are out, you can pull out the entire black panel and get to the back of the depthfinder.

Word of warning (and don't ask me how I know), but be careful when you're taking the depthfinder bracket loose and don't lose the nuts/bolts down into the bowels of the boat. Place a rag or towel over the opening to the bow to catch anything you drop.

Good luck!

[Jason Phillips]

Duane nailed it. There are screws that are hiddend by the switch panels.

[Chasman]

Thanks alot,, that is great info. All of it! again thanks a bunch!!