Topic: Transducer depth

[CharlieC]

I have a v shaped hull and last night I mounted the transducer for my 898c SI to my hull following the instructions. My question is the transducer is level and mounted on the Starboard side. The right side is about 1/2" below the water line and the left side is about 1/4" below due to the angel of the v shape. Is this too low I am worried about the drag at 40mph. Does this sound correct to you guys?

[Wayne P.]

That sounds about right for a V-hull if those measurements are with the hull bottom and not the "water line". The most important thing about transducers is they have to be wet to provide a pulse for the unit to display the returns.

[CharlieC]

I was just looking at some other posts and someone asked if someone else had a stepped hull. There was no reply to that but I have a steped hull. Would it be better to mount in on the steped porton lower on the keel (basicly the bottom by the plug? The step is inset about 8" and would provide a great view of the bottom. Is there a problem with doing that?

[FuzzyGrub]

I have always stayed away from the step/strake.  I thought it was not recommended because of the water turbulance that can come of the side of the step/strake. 

[Wayne P.]

Yes, Charlie you can put it there if you have room. There will be no more turbulance there than the ones installed on a jack plate. You may get 2D at a slighly higher speed but not when on plane.
It surely will be more exposed to object strikes in that position though.

[FuzzyGrub]

I probably mis-understood what you meant by a stepped hull.  From Wayne, it sounds more like there is a step front to back by the transom.  HB does recommend not installing behind a strake, as what I thought you were describing.   

Most jack plate installations use a splitter cable and a 2D transducer to get good returns while on plane.