Correct transom transducer location ?

[LoweStinger]

Hey guys, I am going to do the install of my new Garmin echMap 73sv very soon and would like to know the correct location to have the transducer, It is very large as its the GT40-TM SideVu / DownVu. I never had good readings at any speed more than 5 - 10 MPH with my current one, so I want to make sure I locate it in the right place the first time !!

 

This is the current location of the old one still on the boat, Looks like its almost in the middle of those ribs but its closer to the rib on the right.

 

 

 

 

[Wayne P.]

No transducer should be in that location for any speed faster than idle. The transom step is forward of it. All you get is cavitation in that location. 

It needs to be near where the livewell intake is and the transducer itself needs to be partially BELOW the bottom of the hull.

 

It took until the 2012 year model Trackers to finally install a transom transducer so it can work properly. Your hull is no different.

 

[LoweStinger]

Hi Wayne, Thanks for the reply ! So I should install it on the step, Ok got it. Now how far from the rib and center should it be from where my arrow is place in the picture ? : Also in that same location there is a water outlet in the front of the boat for the front livewell before the curve up of the hull, so should I consider installing on  the left side : ?

 

Thanks

 

[Wayne P.]

Where your arrow indicates is perfect, centered between two hull stakes.

[LoweStinger]

21 minutes ago, Wayne P. said:

Where your arrow indicates is perfect, centered between two hull stakes.

Ok now will the water outlet on the front of the hull in that same location create a problem ? or should I locate it to the left side ?

 

[LoweStinger]

46 minutes ago, Wayne P. said:

 

Well I think I'm already going to have a problem mounting it this location... I just measured the area where I place my arrow and its 2 1/2 inches top to bottom of the hull angle, which will allow the transducer to hang well below the hull.. Top of the transducer bracket to bottom of transducer is 3 1/2 ... How much of the transducer is allowed to hang below the hull ? 

[Wayne P.]

Do you have enough space on the other side of the keel or closer to the keel?

 

Didn't the transducer come with installation instructions that indicate its exposure to water flow?

[LoweStinger]

28 minutes ago, Wayne P. said:

Do you have enough space on the other side of the keel or closer to the keel?

 

Didn't the transducer come with installation instructions that indicate its exposure to water flow?

Actually Its very vague on installation, not much detail on that.... I supplied a PDF file of what I received with it..

Transom_Mount_Transducer_Install_EN-US.pdf

[Wayne P.]

The illustration and notes on the left side of page two pretty much state what most transducers require to START. Then adjust if needed as described by testing on the water.

[LoweStinger]

I was wondering if it would be possible to mount the transducer "Under the step" This would allow me more locations to mount it. I just don't have the depth I need where originally discussed.

 

I would have to have the bracket in the position like pictured but mounted under the step.

 

Would this work ?

[Wayne P.]

2 hours ago, LoweStinger said:

I was wondering if it would be possible to mount the transducer "Under the step" This would allow me more locations to mount it. I just don't have the depth I need where originally discussed.

 

I would have to have the bracket in the position like pictured but mounted under the step.

 

Would this work ?

 

The face of the transducer has to be at least on the same plane as the bottom of the hull.

 

You could attach the mount to the underside of the step, but you would need to put a spacer between it and the mount bracket to lower it.

 

I use that position with one of my transducers, but mine is above the hull bottom, boat can't get on plane with a 9.9 so it makes no difference. I drilled and tapped the holes to use bolts rather than sheet metal screws.

 

I like the angle of the cable coming out of the transducer, much easier to do what you propose than with a Humminbird transducer.

 

 

[LoweStinger]

So I held it where I think it would work best under the step and it looks perfect there !!!  The only problem this way I see, there is no adjustment to slide it side to side on the bracket.. So I would have to place it perfectly. How much below the hull should the Transducer be or should it be even ? Where I held it looked to be about 1/4 below. " I see what you mean about the cable Wayne, Its almost designed for this situation "  

 

Thanks !!

 

 

[Wayne P.]

2 hours ago, LoweStinger said:

So I held it where I think it would work best under the step and it looks perfect there !!!  The only problem this way I see, there is no adjustment to slide it side to side on the bracket.. So I would have to place it perfectly. How much below the hull should the Transducer be or should it be even ? Where I held it looked to be about 1/4 below. " I see what you mean about the cable Wayne, Its almost designed for this situation "  

 

Thanks !!

 

 

 

The left side of the transducer should be about 1/4" below the hull that is forward of it. That would make the right side even lower than the hull forward of it.

 

Probably can just move it about 1" to the right and have it perfect.

[WRB]

Good advice from Wayne!

The hull strake puts out about 3" wide stream of disturbed water, so just mount the TD edge about 4" to one side of the strake and you should be deep enough and in clean water t speed or idling.

You can also use a 1/4" thick spacer plate for a shim if needed to lower the mounting bracket.

Enjoy you new sonar unit.

Tom