Transducer angle?

[Fly'n Family]

I want to have a Simrad EVO2 installed on my 370DA, and would like to know a little more about the transducer aspect. I've noticed there are a variety out there with different angles - why?

I boat on a lake with max depth of about 200', what would be the best transducer for this application?

What else is required other than the head unit, transducer, and the connection between the two?

How hard, and what's additionally required to get engine data on the unit?

Thanks

 

[juggernaut1]

Ducer angles are relevant if you mount the ducer off the centreline of the hull. The ducer angle compensates for the deadrise angle of the hull - otherwise the ducer beam will not be transmitting under the boat but off to the side of the boat giving an incorrect reading and which maybe treacherous if you're also relying on it for depth.

For example a 12 degree deadrise hull would require a 12 degree tilted ducer to effectively ensure the beam of the transducer is directly under the boat. Obviously none of this is necessary if you mount the ducer on the centreline of the hull as no compensation of hull deadrise angle is necessary. However, it is crucial to mount the ducer in "clean" water away from water pickups, strakes and the like which could cause air bubbles running over the face of the ducer and resulting in interference. Additionally, you've also got to deal with accessibility in the bilge itself when mounting the ducer. I'm not familiar with your boat but it may be a case of removing the existing depth transducer and replacing with the new unit.

In relation to the best transducer for your application, I would suggest that you head over to THT forum and specifically locate the member known as Semperfifishing for specific advice. He has a wealth of knowledge and is also a trader as is also Jim from BOE Marine.

In relation to your third point, nothing else is required to setup a standalone system apart from feeding power and a negative to the head unit.

I'm not sure whether it is possible to get engine data onto the head unit. Again, I would defer you to Semperfifishing or BOE Marine for specific information on your setup.

 

[Fly'n Family]

Thank you juggernaut - very informative. I'm going to the boat today and will take some pics of the transducer location. My hope is to remove the old one and put the new one in its place. The old "system" is dead, it's time to get something decent in there.

 

[MExcelsior]

Another option might be to install a structure/down scan skimmer on your transom. (Why not get the most out of that NSS evo 2 instead of traditional sonar, depth and water temp?) This will give you traditional sonar, water temperature, depth, side [structure view], and down view. These can also be installed thru-hull, but they are about a foot long and about 3-4 inches wide, and it might be hard to find a mounting location on the keel. I was thinking about getting a Transom Saver, and mounting this to the transom. The unit I believe just plugs into the NSS evo 2. (No need for power, as it is supplied by unit).

As far as the engine data, you probably don't have Smartcraft engines. Therefore, you will need to hook up the analog signals to either a Actisense or NoLand analog to Nmea2000 device. Then you should be able to get the gauges on your NSS evo 2. Also, depending on your engine capability, you might be able to go from J1939 to NMEA2000.

I would get a NMEA2000 starter kit and install on your boat, because once you understand the capabilities, you'll be adding all sort of new gear.

Enjoy your new system.

Mike

 

[BOEMARINEBRIAN]

Unfortunately with inboard or IO boats the transome mounted transducers are not the way to go. you will experience issues with prop wash causing sisturbance on the display. the way to do it on these boats in via the thru hull. Keep in mind that Garmin is the only company to offer a true all in one transducer . Having tradition Sonar, Chirp sonar, Down Vu and Side Vu

 

[cruiser]

Curious did you install this system and what transducer did you chose ? I'm purchasing the same system and trying to decide which transducer would fit this application best..