mounting transducer?

[Raf]

just have a question about mounting the transducer for my fishfiner. how close can it be to the motor? if the motor is about a foot away from the tranducer and a foot lower than the transducer do you think it will affect the performance?

[enfield]

All I can say is try it and find out. The installation instructions for transducers say to mount them as far to the sides of the boat (away from the motor) as possible and don't mount them directly in line with the bottom strakes.

[waterfoul]

You want it as far from the prop wash as possible. Even in forward gear, if you are going slow... the lower unit puts out a wave/disturbance forward of the gear case... this can disturb the operation of your transducer.... especially if there are bubbles in the way. A lot of the newer bass boats combat this issue by "notching" the transom... thus placing the transformer further forward and lower in the water.

[Captain Tan Can]

Follow the directions and place the transducer a little below the bottom running surface of the boat as far away from the prop as possible. Don't put it behind any strakes that can cause disturbance or you will see a lot of surface clutter on the screen as your speed increases. The best way that I have found over the last 1/2 dozen boats is to mount a transducer plate on the transom. The mounting bolts for the plate will be the only thru holes in the transom and the plate gets all the mounting holes. If your initial installation doesn't work too well you can move the transducer on the plate without drilling any additional holes in the transom. You can also add other transducers, speed wheels etc. without any other holes. I have made my own with pieces of 3/4" Starboard that can be purchased at Boat US or West Marine but I see in Cabela's new Marine catalog on page 22 they offer two different sizes for a lot less $ than buying Starboard. Get the biggest one that will fit on your transom and silicone caulk the thru holes and around the entire perimeter of the plate and you will have great flexibility for your present and future needs. The plates run from $11.99 for a 4" x 12" to $17.99 for a 4' x 18". I see they also have a 12" x 18" for $29.99. The secret is the plate should be at least 3/4" thick for the screws to hold.

[SalmonBum]

You DON'T want to mount it too far up the side. Once on plane, the side to side action may cause the transducer to come out of the water. The closer you get to the chine, the more likely that this will happen (unless you always fish calm water :rolleyes: ). You want to mount it as close to the Centerline as possible, but keeping it just outside the rotation of the prop. This will ensure the transducer is always in the water. Do not mount in the line of Strakes or other objects that cause "unclean" water. Rule of thumb is to have the transducers' face half above\half below the waterline. As Capt'n Tan Can says, I use a Transom Saver as well. When I find the optimal spot to mount, I will also pre-drill a set of mounting hole above and below for a full range of movement, if needed.

I have mounted countless transom-mount transducers this way, and every one of them worked flawless, even in rough seas.

If you need a hand mounting, send me an email. I do them all the time.


Here is a link top a Garmin FF install manual: http://www.garmin.com/manuals/FishFinder340C_OwnersManual.pdf

[Jason Adam]

You also want to mount it on the side of the motor with the downspin of the prop(if the prop is spinning clockwise, you want your transducer on the right(looking at the stern from behind).

[brianroy6]

My bow mount electric trolling motor interferes with my picture bad,:dizzy:

Yet when on plane with the motor at full throtle, I have a crystal clear pic.

[Jason Adam]

My bow mount electric trolling motor interferes with my picture bad,:dizzy:

Yet when on plane with the motor at full throtle, I have a crystal clear pic.

That is probably electrical interference, not transducer placement. Need to re-work your wiring.