2004 SR Sundancer Through Hull Transducer Tilt Angle?

Simon65

New Member
Nov 6, 2017
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Boat Info
2004 Sea Ray 340 Sundancer
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Mercruiser 8.1S Horizons w/V-Drives
Zintex Gasoline Monitor
Krohler Generator
I am just replacing my original RL70C chartplotter/radar and Smartcraft, with SIMRAD EVO3 and VesselView.

I can't find any information on the factory fitted through hull transducer for the tilt angle.

The installer who is doing the work is removing the original transducer (forward centre line in bilge) and has told me that a 0 degree tilt is required.

With the deadrise of the 340 I though it would need a 20 degree tilt version.

I am missing something?

Is the deadrise angle where the current transducer fitted pretty flat?

Any advice much appreciated.

Thanks Simon
 
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If he is installing it on the center line of the keel it would be straight so zero degree. But I would doubt it is being installed on the center line so if it is to the side of center, you want the transducer that has the same tilt as your deadrise (21 degrees I believe) so a 20 degree one.

It make no sense to install a through hull transducer on the center line of the keel. Many reasons for that.
1. The keel is what rubs/hits on things if you happen to have a light grounding or bump a log. Why put the transducer at the location it is most likely to be damaged?
2. If you get put on dry land it will mean that blocking wont be able to go in that location (under the bilge is where the weight is and normally they will block you somewhere in that area.
3. The glass is probably 2 to 3 inches thick there and the keel line is key structurally. I would not want a 2 to 3 inch hole drilled there.

Are you sure the existing one is on the center of the keel? Maybe he is talking about an "in hull" or "shoot through" transducer with no hole through the hull? That might be installed on the center line, but not likely if its Sea Ray's original one. If it is a shoot through, I still think the centre line is a poor location because it will mean shooting through that 2 to 3 inches of glass.
 
If he is installing it on the center line of the keel it would be straight so zero degree. But I would doubt it is being installed on the center line so if it is to the side of center, you want the transducer that has the same tilt as your deadrise (21 degrees I believe) so a 20 degree one.

It make no sense to install a through hull transducer on the center line of the keel. Many reasons for that.
1. The keel is what rubs/hits on things if you happen to have a light grounding or bump a log. Why put the transducer at the location it is most likely to be damaged?
2. If you get put on dry land it will mean that blocking wont be able to go in that location (under the bilge is where the weight is and normally they will block you somewhere in that area.
3. The glass is probably 2 to 3 inches thick there and the keel line is key structurally. I would not want a 2 to 3 inch hole drilled there.

Are you sure the existing one is on the center of the keel? Maybe he is talking about an "in hull" or "shoot through" transducer with no hole through the hull? That might be installed on the center line, but not likely if its Sea Ray's original one. If it is a shoot through, I still think the centre line is a poor location because it will mean shooting through that 2 to 3 inches of glass.
 
You are correct, and I was mistaken. The SR location is not exactly on the centre line, I looked again. It is standard location for the factory installed Raymarine/Smartcraft transducer.

The replacement is a through hull and I got it confirmed today that this area is relatively flat so does not require a 20 degree tilt. We are installing an XSonic Bronze HDI XDCR 50/200 455/800 Thru Hull Transducer - 0° which actually allows for up to 11 degree deadrise which is adequate. For anyone looking for a new transducer is this one is excellent as it gives four frequencies from one unit so you get the standard sonar/depth/temp capabilities to 3000 ft plus down imaging to 300ft. More than adequate for my needs.


The 21 degree deadrise for the boat I discovered is the maximum angle on the hull. You need to locate where you will install the transducer and calculate the angle at that point. It will be fitted in the same place as the original factory transducer.

Many thanks for the response. I see so many threads on here about transducers it is obviously a complex subject with so many variations.
 
It make no sense to install a through hull transducer on the center line of the keel. Many reasons for that.
1. The keel is what rubs/hits on things if you happen to have a light grounding or bump a log. Why put the transducer at the location it is most likely to be damaged?
2. If you get put on dry land it will mean that blocking wont be able to go in that location (under the bilge is where the weight is and normally they will block you somewhere in that area.
3. The glass is probably 2 to 3 inches thick there and the keel line is key structurally. I would not want a 2 to 3 inch hole drilled there.

Are you sure the existing one is on the center of the keel? Maybe he is talking about an "in hull" or "shoot through" transducer with no hole through the hull? That might be installed on the center line, but not likely if its Sea Ray's original one. If it is a shoot through, I still think the centre line is a poor location because it will mean shooting through that 2 to 3 inches of glass.

Different boat, but mine is on the centreline in the forward section of the bilge.
 

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