Topic: Need help with si transducer placement on 2007 285xl

[Brandon285]

Hey guys I just bought a 2007 285xl (no jackplate) and bought a 798hdsi but I'm very confused on where to put the transducer I'd hate to mount it and it not be right and end up drilling a bunch of holes in the boat here are a few pictures of the transom

[Humminbird_Greg]

I would install it in about the same location as that water temperature probe just to the right of the motor mount.  I would get it as low as I could in that location, possibly even sticking below that step.  It needs to be low enough so that the motor mount does not block any of the left Si sonar beam.  I would then install an XP-9-20 transducer and AS-Si-DB-Y cable so that I could get high-speed depth readings.

[Brandon285]

Thanks for the reply I was really hoping someone would chime in, do you think on the left side of the temp sensor directly beside the motor mount or on the right side of the temp sensor further away from the motor, and if I put it on the next step down how far away do I need to stay away from those screens? Thanks again for the help this is all kind of new to me and the y-cable and through the hull is already on the way

[Humminbird_Greg]

I would put it between the temp sensor and motor mount if it will fit.
I do not know about the next step down installation as I do not know how far out those screens can stick before they start blocking some of the Si sonar.

[Brandon285]

Those screens only stick out maybe an inch as long as the transducer is past them that should be ok right?  Or would you just stay at the top, I actually thought about making a bracket and attaching it to the lowest part of the motor

[Humminbird_Greg]

The Si elements on that transducer would be situated at about an inch away from the transom when mounted.  I’ve seen where they interfere on some boats yet not on others.

I don’t think that I would attach the transducer to the motor.  Off the motor mount but not to the motor.

[Brandon285]

That's what I meant the motor mount, probably wouldn't work very good off the motor haha