Topic: Transducer installation on VIP Deckliner

[fishinpole]

I'm going to install a Humminbird 1198 on a VIP Deckliner 224.  This boat is a tunnel hull.  My choice for the transducer location is in the middle of the right hull.  I've attached a photo showing the hull configuration.  Does this seem to be an acceptable transducer location?  Any feedback will be appreciated.  Thanks.

[ITGEEK]

If you want to use side-imaging, the transducer needs
a clear line of site to both sides.
If you can see an obstruction while looking at your boat
on dry land, your transducer will certainly see that
same obstruction when the boat is in the water.

You may have to use a transducer on each side.

[sonar2000]

As ITgeek pointed out the transducers needs clear line of sight. Also clear of external interference such as water cavitation that could occur due to the hull design.
Something to consider is to make a temp location and try out. Of course this would be without holes until the desired spot is found.
I would suggest seaching the forum for similar statements regarding the location of the large transducers.
Try to get as much information prior to making a final location.
There are many such posts of interference with the transducers and surrounding influences....
Chuck

[fishinpole]

Thanks for the info.  The engine is set back on an extended transom so there is a completely clear line of sight.  I'm just curious as to whether or not the center of the right hull will be the least turbulent.  I'm hoping that somebody on here has installed a transducer on the same or a similar boat.  I've searched the forums and haven't found anything yet.  Thanks again.

[sonar2000]

I dont recall anything specific to your boat hull but side image transducer in general covering most installations.
Again as ITGeek said dont let anything get in the way of the signal. The si is parallel to the surface and 90 degrees down so it will get reflections off of the hull on the opposite side. The things are tricky but once you find the sweet spot you will be fine. 
You might consider some of the devices that allow the transducer to be lowered and raised depending on you needs and speed.. Some have been quite creative here also.
When you finish post some pictures of your work.

Chuck

[fishinpole]

I appreciate the suggestions.  I've already successfully installed a 798ci SI transducer on a McKee Craft so I know the things to look out for when installing one.  I'm confident that either of the outer hulls would be OK in terms of beam clearance.  My hope is that somebody has installed a side imaging transducer on a VIP Deckliner and can let me know if the center of either of the outer hulls is the best location.  It seems to me that there would be less turbulence in the center of the hull than toward either edge of the hull.  Thanks again.

[ITGEEK]

It's hard to tell from your photograph, but it looks like
the top portion of your transom is shaped like a triangle,
with the part that holds the motor protruding out.

On the bottom right of your transom, there looks to be
a nice flat, smooth spot with a clear line of site (both ways).
The center of that spot looks really good to me.

You will have to experiment with the transducer depth
to get the best possible setting.
Some people complain about water rooster tails being shot off
their transducer.

And it is normal to lose the bottom at fast speeds, because the
transom may actually be lifted off the water, depending on how
powerful your motor is.

[fishinpole]

I guess I should have worked on the photo a little more.  You're correct about the extended transom.  The motor and the transom are definitely not going to interfere.  I contacted Greg and he said the side hulls might not be enough lower than the center hull to provide clearance.  It's funny but that was never a concern of mine since they're definitely lower than the center hull.  I was hoping that somebody had installed a side imaging unit on a hull like this and could tell me what part of either side hull had the least turbulence.  I'm going to take a look at the clearances again today and try what Greg and you suggested and do a temporary installation using double sided tape.  The side hulls are really my only option for installation so I hope things work out.  I sure am anxious to get this thing installed!  Thanks.

[ITGEEK]

I don't see where one side of your transom would have more
turbulance than the other.
Unless one side had other accessories (additional water temp,
speed wheel), near the transducer which could aggravate the
water a bit.
Maybe there could be an advantage to one side or the other
because of the rotation direction of the propeller.  I'm not sure about
that though.
In your picture, it looks like your prop is a pretty good distance from
that flat mounting area (bottom right), and probably would not
cause any turbulence to the transducer.

I think a lot of people mount the tranducer on the right side of
the transom because a lot of  consoles/steering wheels are on the right
side, and it's the easiest and cleanest route to run the wires.

Good luck with your installation.

[fishinpole]

Your assessments are correct.  I'm going to take everybody's advice and slap it onto the middle of the right hull with heavy duty double sided tape to give it a try at really slow speed.  I'd think that by mounting the transducer slightly lower than the bottom of the hull I could avoid interference from the center hull.  If that doesn't work I'll buy a second transducer for the left side.  This would be a lot more fun to figure out if it wasn't so nasty outside!  Thanks again.

[fishinpole]

I tried it Sunday using double-sided tape to attach the transducer.  It worked fine but the highest I can install the transducer will be almost 3/4 of an inch below the hull and I think it might kick up at speed.  Next I'll temporarily install it on the center hull and see how that works.  This is a lot more complicated than I'd expected it to be!