Topic: Transducer clearance needed

[GEEMAN]

After MUCH researching I am finally ready to pull the trigger on an 898c SI BUT I may have a problem. I will only have 6" of clearance between the transom ( 16 ' 648LDV War Eagle ) and the lower unit of my motor to mount a transducer. If I am correct, the 898c SI transducer is 6" long ? If so, it seems I wouldn't have enough room to install it without the lower unit interfering with the SI signal. Is there another option transducer wise that would work with the 898 other than the 6" transducer?  Totally new to all this so please excuse he dumb questions = old dog new tricks.  Thanks for your time.

[wolfs4evr]

SI is only good up to 5mph or so of speed.  If you are going to troll with the gas just trim the motor up some in those situations if it does produce some blockage.  When on the electric up front just remember to trim up the big motor a little.

[GEEMAN]

Thought of doing that but I have no power trim = a PIA with a bum shoulder. The more I am reading the more I am thinking I may be SOL as far as installing an 898 on my new boat. Bummer. My original thought was to go with a 798c HD SI Combo but liked the idea of the larger screen for my older eyes. In the end, I may end up going with the 798 after all. Appreciate the idea though.

[Roddy]

Geeman, Can you go with a trolling  motor mount?  Roddy

[GEEMAN]

I have a bow mount and transom mount trolling motor. I'm a walleye guy who fishes rivers%99.9 of the time so I would like the HB mounted at the back of the boat ( tiller) . I think the trolling motor mount would work alright but being I'm on a river and dealing with current and dodging other boaters it would be difficult to keep the transducer on a steady course. I could run my main motor but due to the transom design it would be pretty close to the HB transducer and I think prop wash interferance would become an issue. One soloution would be for me to buy a bigger motor with trim and tilt but that's not feasable $$$$ right now. Thanks for your input, it's much appreciated.

[newkid4si]

GEEMAN
    Before you give up on the 898 I would like to make a suggestion.
    Contact the dealer you bought the boat from. They may have dealt with this issue before.
    An experienced boat rigger may have your answer.
    I have a 16' aluminum  with about 6" clearance to the motor and I run a 998.
    Once you experience SI you will be happy you made that choice.

[GEEMAN]

Hey Newkid

I'm already sold on the HB SI units and will own one sooner or later.    I rigged the boat myself (save the running lights) from trolling motors to cleats with plans for adding a new HB SI unit. I was thinking the HB ducer was in the 3-4" range and just assumed allowing room for the HB ducer would be no big deal - OOPS ! RE: contacting my dealer (5 hour round trip unfortunately) . GOOD idea and I will call them to see if they can offer a solution. If not, I may just have to wait a couple years until I can swing a new motor with tilt and trim before I invest in an HB SI unit.

Seeing as you have 6" of transom/lower unit clearance? do you have any signal issues with your set up? I am assuming your transom is flat/strait across at/below the water line? Do you have your ducer mounted to a mounting plate or is it mounted directly to the transom? Thanks for your input!

[newkid4si]

GEEMAN
      I'm sorry. I made a mistake. I took the tape measure out today and the transom/ motor clearance is 8".
      I was the victim of a senior moment. They happen more frequent lately.
      Must not have allowed for the power tilt/trim. ( 20 hp outboard ). I'll do better next time.
      I'll get this part right. Transom is flat-- transducer mounted directly.
      The 8" clearance does get me clear L/R beam ability.

[GEEMAN]

No sweat newkid. I appreciate you taking the time to double check your set up. I'll get something figured out in time .... maybe. LOL