Placement of Transducer
 

Just got a 31' Chris Craft that needs fishfinder/chartplotter. Was looking at new lowrance with sidescan/structurescan and am wondering how to install transducers so that all functions work. I was told sidescan wont work if transducer is installed to inside bottom of boat. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated


Unc

You can spend thousands on the equipment; but transducer placement can render it useless.
If memory serves me correctly, the side scan transducer is mounted a bit lower than the regular "skimmer" transducer for the fish finder. They also have to be a foot or more apart to work properly.

You might consider mounting a starboard material plate to the stern so you can adjust the transducers without drilling multiple holes in the transom.

I do believe the side scan must be mounted on the transom; but the fish finder transducer can be fitted to shoot "thru hull". You can even buy better transducers like "airman" for the fish finder.

Even if you decide to do it yourself, get an opinion from a professional. If you purchase from Jim at BOE; I'm sure he would give you some good suggestions.
5th

thanks 5th i'm kinda new to fishing the bay and dont know what or where BOE is,but jim sounds like the man i need to talk to.i live in va. but go into md. now and then for work.will be pulling boat out to clean and paint bottom in about a week so i need to get everything ready to install by then. i dont think the marina where it is has had much to do with the newer units out

nevermind i finally looked around on this site and found BOE

Yep; Jim at BOE sponsors this site. They do internet sales and also brick and mortar store in Stevensville Md.

If you order your equipment from him, he will explain installation. SOMETIMES, they have a CD video of some of their equipment and instructions:D
Call Jim. Tell him you were recommended by guys on his site, and see how he can help you.
5th

thanks guys great info i'll definitely be getting in touch with jim soon

I just installed a sidescan unit - Simrad.

It was not too hard - for regular transducer.

The sidescan / downscan transducer was more involved. It has to be placed so nothing is in the beam. I got lucky and had good location.

You need to worry about trim tabs and such that might cause a shadow area.

Every hull will be different. If you can get photo of hull - likely BOE can offer best location.

Be sure to take various angle photos - not just from stern.