Topic: Transducer Location - Pioneer 197 SF

[ETnSC]

I am having an issue with the transom of my both blocking the view of the side imaging.   I am going to have to relocate the transducer down near the keel of the boat to clear transom projections that are blocking the view.  This will place the transducer in front of the prop.  The back edge of the transducer will be approx.  6" ahead of the lower unit and 18" in front of the leading edge of the prop at it full trimmed in position.

My question is how much does the prop turbulence affect quality of the side scan display at low and/or high speed with the transducer located within the projected cylinder of the prop? 

I know most transducer install instructions recommend locating the transducer at least 15" to the starboard of the prop.  This is not going to be possible on my boat and keep a 180 degree clear view.

Any input will be appreciated.  These are a couple of  photos of my situation.

[RGecy]

I have yet to comment on your avatar, but Go Tigers!  Where in SC are you located?

As for the transducer, its not interference from the prop noise, its more so cavitation from the waterflow around the transducer.  The transdcuer causes bubbles or turbulence that will cause your prop to cavitate.

It looks to me whats going on is the step or cavity on the transom is causing some turbulence or air bubbles get trapped behind the transom there and block the port side SI beam.  Also the foot of the motor may be blocking some it looks like, but you can trim it up a little.  The right side looks all clear.

There doesn't appear to be a whole lot of room for the bracket if you move it out to the side.  I would recommend checking where I put the arrow below and seing if the bracket will fit there.  That should give you pretty good clearance from the prop.

The other alternative is a dual SI transducer setup.  It works great!

Robert

[ETnSC]

Thanks for the reply.  I am located in the Myrtle Beach area. 

The spot that the arrow points to is not deep enough to mount the bracket.  I would have to move the bracket about 6"  to the port to have enough clearance which would put the transducer just inside of the prop cylinder.  The transducer would be about 18" ahead of the prop when the motor is full trimmed in.  The reason I think the fiberglass is blocking is that when the boat rocks as a result of waves the port side visibility extends farther.  Depending on the depth of the water port side display on the screen is approximately 40'.  Boat rocks display goes to 80-100'.  I am including 2 screen captures from Humviewer and a couple more photos showing and notch and transducer better.   

Normally I have the motor trimmed out probably another +6" when scanning.

Not quite ready to spend those $$$$ for dual SI transducers.

[RGecy]

Remember, since the mounting location is angled, the transducer is going to have to be mounted at the lowest point and the transducer will have to hang below the slope to get clean water for SI.  If the bracket fits, the mounting should be fine.

I have Photoshopped an Image of where I think the transducer will fit.

Robert

[jimf]

I also find out if you lien on one side of the boat you will get a longer range from the side image. Its just like when the boat rocks with waves.
I had to mount my trasducer under the boat just in back of the boat because I was getting a shadow 2 feet on the down image screen and I couldn't rasie my elec. motors anymore. gas motor was ok but when I used the elec. motors. I was getting a shadow 3 feet down and a dark shadow on the left side of boat. When I lifted the elec.motor up out of the water is cleared up very good. Come to find out the tip of the back motor was hitting it.
If you want to see the braket I made just look under the 997c si form were it says NEW Braket.
JIM

[Jolly Roger]

Jim,

of what you tell, I think you might tilt the transducer a bit.
Which side extends the side range when you lean over?
If you lean over to the left and the side range extends, tilting the transducer's right side a bit up might give you a better side range when the the boat sits normal in the water.

@ET: From the pictures I would say your current location isn't too bad.
My two cents

Harry

[ETnSC]

Thanks for the replies.  After looking at the boat today, it looks like Roberts suggestion may work.  Need to take the transducer loose and do a dry fit to make sure.   Will let you know how it turns out.

[jimf]

If I lean to the right side of the boat I get a longer range to the left side because you are shotting the beam up more out of the water. So you should make sure your boat is laverd in the water with all tackle and a buddy in the seat so you can make sure the trasducer is leaver. thats what I did.
With this new braket I will have to see how it works on the next fishing trip.
JIM