Topic: Mounting Plate Help Installation

[BryanB]

OK, I bought a mounting plate from Bass Pro Shops and was hoping on some advice on the best place to start on mounting it.

Just a little background on the problem I'v been having is once I get over 10 mph I lose all depth readings which means a nervous trip across a lake area that I'm not familiar with. I took some pics so maybe some of you can guild me on the correct starting spot, and from there I can move the Transducer around if needed.

Could this metal lip shown in the Pic below be causing the problem?








I was going to use a router and route notches for the outlets on the Transducer Mounting Plate so it will sit flush on the transom and can lower it down closer to the bottom edge of the transom. Was thinking of mounting the transducer in between the 2 outlets shown in pic, but will my transducer be to close to the motor then ? I read stay 15" away. I feel I need to get the transducer away from that metal lip thinking that might be the cause of the major interference I'm getting once I speed up and lose all data. But I don't want to add more problems by moving it to a worse spot and getting bad images while moving at slower speeds.
I also feel that the images I get on SI and DI are no where near as good as some I see posted, so maybe moving it to clear up the higher speed depth problem will also improve my SI and DI at lower speeds,





I would be happy to add more photos if needed, or even video if that would help.
Thanks a lot guys !



 

[Humminbird_Greg]

I would say that the lip is definitely producing air bubbles as you go faster.  Moving the transducer away from it would help.  Don’t worry as much about the 15-inch rule as it applies more to inboard boats versus outboard.  The only thing you have to worry about is having it right in front of the prop or cooling water intake on the motor as it could cause a cavitation bubble to form at speed and not allow any water to flow through the prop or into the cooling water intake. This does not happen often but it does happen.  I would move it to the left of the water outlet that is just to the left of it.  Make sure it is not right behind that strake up underneath the hull. It looks like it also needs to be mounted lower in the water as well.

[sonar2000]

these larger big foot transducer from Hb all seem to have issues with speed and bubbles, cavitation etc. You will probably eventually find a sweet spot that will work at speed less than 8 to 10 mph. over that most are putting thru the hull for depth..

Chuck

[Humminbird_Greg]

Our inside-the-hull transducers are not made for use with metal hulled boats like he has.  The AlumaDucer (made by RadarSonics) is made for use inside of a metal hull.

We do not recommend an true Thru-Hull transducer for boats that are trailered as the transducer could be damaged while loading or unloading.

[sonar2000]

If it is shoot thru the hull it will be ok.  If it is stick thru the hull then trailering can be an issue if you are not careful of the placement..

Chuck

[BryanB]

Thanks a lot for the input guys. Going to try to work on it today.

Ya think this location would work? Or be a good start?


And also how far down in the water should I go this time. The last time I had it mounted a little lower where it is now and I had a rooster tail shooting 10' high as I ran across the lake    I guess that metal lip was reacting to the transducer in a strange way, so I raised it up a half an inch or so.

[Humminbird_Greg]

Yes that is where I would try It – but watch out for that trailer bunk.  You may have to end up cutting it a few inches shorter or using some sort of material as a spacer between the transducer and the hull.  You don’t want to load the boat and tear off your transducer… I would mount it so that the parting line between the upper and lower housings of the transducer was at the bottom edge of the transom.  For the roostertail try installing the black rubber roostertail plug that came with your unit.

[George]

Where the "X" is marked is where I placed my transducer without any issues, the 2D worked great in this area.  Did not have any issues with the bunk and the transducer, once installed looked at the opportunity to hit the bunk with the transducer.  If need be cut the bunk short and Greg suggested, but look first, it may not be a problem.

George

[BryanB]

Well off to get some new screws to mount it.

Yes that is where I would try It – but watch out for that trailer bunk.  You may have to end up cutting it a few inches shorter

Yes I noticed that when I was installing the plate thinking CRAP now a new problem. But once I held it up to the plate flush it clears by a 1/2" thank goodness.

  For the roostertail try installing the black rubber roostertail plug that came with your unit.

I don't recall seeing anything like that in my box, actually never knew there was such a thing. I'll look for it now, thanks.

EDIT: Yup, I found it. Thanks for reminding me of that piece , I never knew about it.

[BryanB]

Ok, it's installed. Any opinions on adjustments ya would do?

Also installed the anti rooster tail part.







I can't thank you guys enough for all your help !
BTW, HAPPY 4th everyone, and be safe out there, God Bless...

[calli1]

Understand also...with your motor trimmed the way you have it shown in the last photo...you might shown interference on the left side of the screen because the transducer is going to pick up your lower unit.  These side scan units aren't made for speed anyway so what I do is have mine trimmed up....the motor that is level or up a little more than level.  Good luck.

[BryanB]

Yes I understand that, I was going to do just what you said.

But does the mounting look correct now?

[calli1]

Looks good to me.  I have a 18 ft Aluminum boat myelf...maybe just a little interference with the running ribs on the bottom of the boat but enough for trouble.  Mine works great and I even run the 2D ducer as well on the other side.