Marina install of transducer on new boat?

[Mtlgrlie]

Hello all,

We just bought a new Alumacraft Classic 165 that will be "set up" by the Marina in a few weeks before we pick it up. It will come with a super duper basic Fish finder but I'm curious if they are going to install a basic transducer already, should I upgrade to what I'd like to have now and give it to them before they drill?? We've never owned more that a tiny Pelican boat so I'm unbelievably scared all around but definitely scared to install something myself on my new expensive to me boat transom. I wish I could say I have pictures, but I don't have the boat yet.

This is what I can afford: Helix 5, CHIRP Di GPS G2

I'm sure figuring that sucker out will take plenty of studying without side imaging also.  

 

I apologize for not knowing a darn thing about boats or fish finders. I'm a newbie at fishing too so my water world is exploding right now! I'll get better as I go.

 

Thanks to everyone and Wayne in advance. 

 

Leslie

 

 

 

 

 

 

[12poundbass]

I'd have them install it now rather than later.

[Wayne P.]

All the DI units come with the same transom DI transducer and there is no upgrade for it.

 

Their skill with attaching the transducer to the hull so it can perform will be the only concern.

[Mtlgrlie]

15 minutes ago, Wayne P. said:

All the DI units come with the same transom DI transducer and there is no upgrade for it.

 

Their skill with attaching the transducer to the hull so it can perform will be the only concern.

So if it's a basic super cheap lowrance or humminbird, it would be the same transducer? That would be a positive.

i would truly hope they know more than I do about it's install. ? Wouldn't that be truly sad. Would you recommend me epoxying on of those white plastic-y bases to screw to in case it should be adjusted or moved? I believe the unit I liked said it had a flip adjustable mount. Would that let me help it after they mount if it's a bit too high? I can deal with super slow speed reading only if they mount it a bit off.

Sorry if what I just wrote makes no sense. Like I said, I'm a newb AND have to decide now.

Thanks Wayne for your knowledge.

[Wayne P.]

NO, all HUMMINBIRD DI units come with the same DI transom transducer.

 

Lowrance does not have Down Imaging (DI), Lowrance has Down Scan (DS).

 

The equivalent Lowrance unit would be a HDI model, different brand and different transducer.

 

The "flip" mount is a safety trip in case of impact and is fragile plastic if the mount screws are over tightened.

 

Yes a mount plate is a good idea if you have to move it or change transducers

[Mtlgrlie]

Thanks Wayne. I have a feeling they aren't giving me the DI version of the Pirahna 197c that I think will be included. It's 130 bucks installed when buying a boat. So I think that means it's not the same transducer.

Tomorrow I'll be looking at and deciding about buying the Helix 5 chirp DI GPS I mentioned. And take a chance the Marina will install it correctly. Gulp. I know I'm capable of the decision if I had a few weeks to study and think and it were in my driveway to stare at, but I don't. Mega snowstorm hitting us too. C'mon spring!

I also wish I could afford a 7" screen with SI, but I think I'm pushing my luck asking for the 5" DI.

I appreciate your time Wayne and if I choose the helix 5 route, I look forward to perusing the forum to figure out how the hell to make it work. 

 

 

[Sprocket]

I would definitely get a mount plate.  I've made several out of an old commercial cutting board.  They work great and cost virtually nothing.

 

SE Kansas grass grower

[Jig Man]

Get what you want and have them mount it since you have limited experience.  The mounting board's best use to me it keeping drill holes in the boat from being below the water line.

[Mtlgrlie]

Thanks guys! That's what I'll do. Too bad I'm staring at easily a foot of snow out my window.

Al least I did get to order my Humminbird and a few other goodies during the snow day.

[MickD]

The good marina boat sellers wire and install the electronics, totally free, if you buy from them.  They should (verify this with them) use a mounting board, [and should (for their boats) know the right location] which installs with just two screws into the hull, then all (it can be multiple) transducers can be installed with screws short enough to not requiring drilling into the hull.  In about 30 + years of boating with a transducer on the rear of the hull, I've never damaged one.

[Avalonjohn44]

Quote

Thanks to everyone and Wayne in advance.

 

LOL

[Mtlgrlie]

Dropped off my Humminbird Helix 5 system, Ram mount and transom mounting plate w/ a tube of the 3M Marine stuff yesterday to Point Breeze Marina. To install on our tiny new boat bought a month ago. I'm a tad worried considering how unbelievably laid back they are, but there it is. I've never dealt with any Marina before them so maybe it's just boat culture? They have a boat show to attend this weekend but they say they'll work on it. The sales guy asked what a ram mount was and how does it fit on the unit. He said the install "guys" can figure it out while he's at the show. Gulp. Cross your fingers with me please. ?

 

I feel like winter is never gonna end up here. But maybe it's the new boat and fishing gear that makes this year different.

 

At least Baseball Opening day is on Monday which also is my birthday! Woohoo!

[12poundbass]

They asked what a ram mount was? It's a marina? RED FLAG IS FLYING HIGH!!!

[Mtlgrlie]

8 hours ago, 12poundbass said:

They asked what a ram mount was? It's a marina? RED FLAG IS FLYING HIGH!!!

No kidding....but it was the sales guy. That's my hope at least. They sell a ton of bigger boats and he said he's installed his own but had never heard of that.

I know, I know....oh please don't kill my new tiny cute little boat Point Breeze Marina service dudes. ? I'm trying not to wanna throw up until it's in my driveway.

[OneShotOneKill]

I'd be less concerned with the method used in mounting and more concerned with them mounting in the proper location. not all hulls are created equal and some require a little more attention to detail.

 

Any decent sales guy should know what a ram mount is, but at the same time i'm not surprised he doesn't. sales guys arent always that bright.

 

If it's a marina that primarily sees a lot of larger boats going through they are probably more accustomed to flush mounting.

 

Using starboard VS screwing directly to the hull is really personal preference. a decent tech can easily make sure its a water tight set-up. The plus to using starboard is you can easily mount more than one transducer throughout the years without multiple screw locations into the hull. (as long as they prep the area correctly and use the right amount of 5200)

 

Post some pics when you get it back so we can check it out!

[Mtlgrlie]

Well, she hasn't been on the water yet (it's still freezing and raining and raining) but she's in my driveway! Here's a backend pic. Can't even describe how scared and excited I am to have it!

The fish finder mount install leaves a lottttt to be desired, but I don't want to focus my energies there right now. :/

 

Im hoping you guys will say the transducer mount looks A-ok.

[Wayne P.]

1 hour ago, Mtlgrlie said:

Well, she hasn't been on the water yet (it's still freezing and raining and raining) but she's in my driveway! Here's a backend pic. Can't even describe how scared and excited I am to have it!

The fish finder mount install leaves a lottttt to be desired, but I don't want to focus my energies there right now. :/

 

Im hoping you guys will say the transducer mount looks A-ok.

 

Looks to be close to the proper height, can't tell for sure with the picture angle. 

 

Did they install the rooster tail plug?

[Mtlgrlie]

18 minutes ago, Wayne P. said:

 

Looks to be close to the proper height, can't tell for sure with the picture angle. 

 

Did they install the rooster tail plug?

 

Nothing but manuals left in the box, so if it was included, I hope so!

 

Does this help? Is there a rooster tail plug on there? I recall a little piece of plastic (if that's the plug you speak of) when I looked at everything new. If it's not here, then they tossed it.

 

Thanks again.

 

[Wayne P.]

2 hours ago, Mtlgrlie said:

 

Nothing but manuals left in the box, so if it was included, I hope so!

 

Does this help? Is there a rooster tail plug on there? I recall a little piece of plastic (if that's the plug you speak of) when I looked at everything new. If it's not here, then they tossed it.

 

Thanks again.

 

 

 

It is installed