Humminbird Side Imaging Forums

Side Imaging Forums => 898c SI => Topic started by: Southbound on March 29, 2012, 08:50:35 PM

Title: able to see the bottom in switchfire going wide open? and rooster tail questio
Post by: Southbound on March 29, 2012, 08:50:35 PM

 Second time I have been out and mainly a "get to know your new 898 unit" trip.  two things I have found

The trans creates a rooster tail which sprays the side of my cowling when running 35+. can I adjust to prevent this?

Also  should I be getting a depth reading when going 35+. I would at least like to get a depth reading....

Title: Re: able to see the bottom in switchfire going wide open? and rooster tail questio
Post by: sonar2000 on March 30, 2012, 10:15:14 AM

If you are using an HDSI then depths above trolling speed can be difficult.
There should have been a rubber plug that came with the install to help reduce roostertail.
If it did not come with the unit you can call customer support and tell them you were missing the plug.  They might send you a new plug..

Check this posting for picture of the plug.

http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/index.php?topic=3762.msg22474#msg22474 (http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/index.php?topic=3762.msg22474#msg22474)
Chuck

Title: Re: able to see the bottom in switchfire going wide open? and rooster tail questio
Post by: Humminbird_Greg on March 30, 2012, 11:09:32 AM

There is no plug for this transducer – unless you create your own.  Usually the rooster tail is caused by the transducer being too low in the water but this is sometimes necessary to get depth readings at higher boat speeds.  It also exposes the transducer more to damage by floating debris, stumps, tress and rocks…

What type of boat do you have and does it have a fiberglass hull?  You may have to post some pictures of your boat hull for us to look at alternate mounting locations.

Whether you can get a depth readings at higher boat speeds is a function of the shape of your boat’s hull, how the water flows off of it and where you can mount the transducer.  Not all boats have a mounting location that will allow for this and also allow the Si sonar to work at its best.

Title: Re: able to see the bottom in switchfire going wide open? and rooster tail questio
Post by: sonar2000 on March 30, 2012, 12:28:12 PM

You are right on the plug.  However you can cut the plug to fit and help a bit.
Of course mounting is everything with these transducers..

Chuyck

Title: Re: able to see the bottom in switchfire going wide open? and rooster tail questio
Post by: Southbound on March 30, 2012, 12:47:35 PM

 Thanks Chuck and Greg for the help

 I try the plug...

so if all factors are favorably, hull type, mounted properly, etc. should I be able to get a swtichfire depth reading at high speeds?

Check out the pics to let me know what you think?

(http://)

Title: Re: able to see the bottom in switchfire going wide open? and rooster tail questio
Post by: Humminbird_Greg on March 30, 2012, 12:55:33 PM

Southbound,
I would worry about the depth readings at speed first and than fashion a plug of your own (some have just wrapped tape over the area between the transducer and pivot arm).

I would think that you would have to move the transducer down and to the left to get high speed depth readings, but than I have not seen how the water flows off the transom of your boat.  Usually you have to get the transducer down into the water deeper and for your hull that means closer to the center (keel) area.  I would think that you would need to try it just to the right of that black object in the lower picture which I think is a drain hole.  Your first image did not show up.

Is this a fiberglass or aluminum boat hull?

Title: Re: able to see the bottom in switchfire going wide open? and rooster tail questio
Post by: sonar2000 on March 30, 2012, 01:07:21 PM

southbound, try the suggestions and see if any help.

You can also search this forum and see that many folks have issues with the SI ducers and speed.
Most have opted to install a 2nd transducer like a shoot thru the hull...

Greg's question of what type of hull construction is good in that this will determine the type of thru the hull ducer you will need if you decide to go that way.

Again, try to take some time and use the search tab at the top and see just what others have found..

Chuck