2010 tracker 175 Helix 10 si transducer location

[DanC]

Teying to figure out where to mount hdsi transducer for Helix 10. I circled the two transducers that I have now in red. I would like to put it in one of those locations. Would one of the locations that I circled in green be better? It will be more likely to get damaged in one of tge green areas but if it will work better there then I would do it. 

[Wayne P.]

Yes the two green marked areas are the best places IF you want depth reading on plane. The location for the Lowrance factory location has been wrong from the time the hull was changed to a stepped transom until the 2012 models.

Starting with the 2012 models, the transducers were put here where they should have been:

 

 

 

[DanC]

Thanks Wayne. So if I put it where the one in the picture is it would be best? Can it be on the right side or does it have to be on the left?

[Wayne P.]

Either side is fine. The transducer face has to have water contact when on plane if you want Depth/2D sonar.

Read the installation instructions.

Just now, Wayne P. said:

Either side is fine. The transducer face has to have water contact when on plane if you want Depth/2D sonar.

Read the installation instructions.

Evidently Tracker didn't.

[DanC]

I have read them. But they also show pictures in the webdite of them mounted where mine are now. If I mount it in the location in the picture you showed does it have to be completely under the boat? Or can I keep it up 1/2" to 1" to keep it somewhat           proteced?

[Wayne P.]

Ignore what you see from/about Tracker. Pay attention to the sonar installation instructions. Tracker did not until the 2012 model year.

Bottom line, the bottom of the transducer has to be wet to give you depth and 2D sonar. When your hull is on the surface of the water (on plane) the bottom of the transducer has to be just below the bottom of the hull just like in the installation pictures. Sonar won't work through air and not very well through aerated water like what you have now with the transducer aft of the transom step.

If you are concerned with possible impact damage of that expensive SI transducer like you are with the Lowrance LSS transducer, put it there. Add a XNT 9 20 transducer at the indicated location then connect the two transducers to the display with the AS SIDB Y cable. A broken cheaper dual beam transducer is a lot better than a broken Side Imaging transducer.

Another choice is to use a shoot-thru 2D sonar transducer (Alumaducer) inside the hull like fiberglass high performance bass boats do. There would be no exposure to a high speed impact. Use the Y cable with that setup too.

I'll send you a PM with more details.

 

 

[DanC]

I was more concerned about if I don't have the transducer actually hanging below the bottom of the hull that it would affect the quality of the images. Like if the bottom of the transducer is flush with the bottom of the hull or slightly above would the SI hit the hull and mess up the image?

[Wayne P.]

No the Side and Down Imaging will be fine. Just like with the LSS, the outboard will block the image on that side if put in the same place as the LSS. 

 If you put it "down there" it will see past the motor lower unit with no issues since most of the transducer will be recessed forward of the outboard. You would get SI, DI, and 2D up to about 7-8 mph with it just above the bottom.

I was using a HDSI transducer with a Transducer Shield and Saver TM-HDsi attached to the under side of the transducer step up until last weekend when I changed stuff around to put a Helix 12 CHIRP SI GPS at the bow where I had an ONIX 10 SI NT. I needed the TM-HDsi for the trolling motor mounted SI transducer since the ONIX SI transducer mount by Transducer Shield and Saver is different.

If you want to try it slightly above the hull bottom, attach it with the mount screws at the bottom of the slots at the height you want so you have the adjustability to lower it the length of the slots without drilling more holes.

I test a lot of stuff so I change things around occasionally.

 

[DanC]

That is a great idea. I will do that. Thanks Wayne. 

[DanC]

Does this look alright? I like not having to move the motor out of the way and also will be nice to have depth at a higher speed. I just have a feeling on a windy day I might end up smashing the transducer on the trailer bunk though. 

[Wayne P.]

That is a perfect installation.

Your trailer doesn't have side guides?

You can move the winch stand rearward a couple of inches and take the bunks out of the picture for transducer damage.

[DanC]

It does have guides. I guess it will hit the guide before it hits the transducer. Thanks for all of the help.