Hello,
This is my first time posting. I am a proud new owner of a 998c. I am also a first time rookie boat owner and want to make sure I do things right the first time.
First of all I am posting pics of my transom for a better idea of what I'm working with. The boat is a Crestliner Fish Hawk 1650. I have included a tape measure in some of the pics for a good reference of motor clearance. The Motor is at its lowest possible position in the pictures (or at 0 trim). Also you will notice (and I am thankful for after researching this) I have no ribs, rivets, or any other things in the area to cause turbulence so I can stick this thing about anywhere I want to get it perfect.
My first question/idea is that I want to use a transducer mounting plate. Based on the picture illustrating the motor distance from the transom, should I expect any issues with the motor being in the way using a mounting plate?
I plan on using a metal based 2 part epoxy to fill all the screw holes that are currently in the transom and then covering them with silicone and the transom plate. I have seen many opinions on this on other forums/posts and it seems to be ok.
Secondly, based on the pictures attached, I am planning on mounting the SI transducer between where the current ducer and spedo pickup are. Both of these items will be no longer used so I am not worried about them being in the way. The picture is deceiving, but the tape measure is right in line with the motor so the distance on the tape is exactly how far from the motor this would be. Based on the instructions the SI ducer should be 15" from the motor which is about where the current spedo is. Will an inch or so closer really make that much of a difference? I want to make sure the ducer has good water contact.
Thanks in advance for any help