Transducer Location

[Mac549]

I recently purchased a new Humminbird 597CI combo. My old Lowrance finally gave up. The problem I am facing is where to mount the transducer as my old one was mounted thru hull and I did not get good results with that one. I have also installed trim tabs which eat up a lot of real estate on the back of the boat. I do have 20" clear between the centerline of the prop and the inside edge of the trim tabs. Has anyone had experience with this, I almost wonder if I favored the trim tab and kept 12" or so from the prop it may work. Any ideas?

 

[tobnpr]

Are you referring to installing a transom mount, or another thru-hull?

On your boat, a transom mount would be fine- easier, cheaper, and adjustable.

 

[Lazy Daze]

If installed correctly, a thru-hull (actually going through the hull) will give the best performance. Maybe something was fouling your 3500? However, it does involve more labor to install it - along with drilling a big hole in the bottom of your boat - not by any means "hard", but not a place you want earn your "sea legs", so to speak, on drilling into fiberglass.

As Tobnpr said, though, the transom mount will do you fine.

You'll definitely want to keep it at least 12" (ideally) from the tip of the blades (not from the prop center). With what you've said, that's going to put you awful close to the tabs. That may or may not present a problem. The best thing you can do is observe the water coming off the transom - with tabs deflected - while on plane. Obviously there are safety pre-cautions here - maybe someone can follow you and try to zoom in with a camera. Just look for the cleanest water.

Also make sure it's not going to be in the way of the trailer. Yes, it can kick up, but it's just easier in the long run if you don't have to worry about it.

Another option is buying a thru-hull transducer as there's a very good chance it will match up with your old one (same diameter). Taking the old one out could be a bit of a bear, though, depending on how it was installed.

 

[Summer Fun II]

I have mine under the V birth !!. Why would you want it at the stern of the boat ??. Wouldn't you like to know BEFORE you ran into shallow waters ??. :huh: