Transducer Location - Not Low Enough?

[phipps]

I finally got my pontoon up to the fabricator and he made and welded a bracket onto my pontoon for mounting my transducer. I got it home and mounted it up and noticed that it does not extend below the pontoon. Is this going to be a problem?

If it stops raining I'll post a picture.

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: Transducer Location - Not Low Enough?

Once your 'toon" is overboard, and as long as the face of the transducer makes contact with the water, you'll be fine.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Transducer Location - Not Low Enough?

It will probably not work at higher speeds due to too turbulent water.

I have always had to extend the transducer just below the pontoon to get it to work at higher speeds.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Transducer Location - Not Low Enough?

If you need it lower, it's simple to attach a small piece of aluminium plate to the existing bracket with ss screws. But remember, if it is below the toons, it can get damaged on the trailer bunks or cause damage to the bunks.

 

[phipps]

Re: Transducer Location - Not Low Enough?

Thanks for the replies. I will see how it does this weekend. I'd already thought about getting a piece of aluminum to extend it if need be.

Here's the best pic I could get after dark.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Transducer Location - Not Low Enough?

I would be very surprised if the depth finder works at higher speeds.

The plate mentioned by Jeep Man will probably be needed.

 

[phipps]

Re: Transducer Location - Not Low Enough?

Currently our boat, at its best, only gets up to about 13mph so I'm not sure "higher speeds" will be an issue. LOL

I'll see how it does this weekend.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Transducer Location - Not Low Enough?

Actually I should have said I will be surprised if it works much above idle speed.

There is a tremendous about of turbulence, even at slow speeds, at your current transducer location.

If it doesn't work at a particular speed, look at the back of the toon and you'll have an idea how low to go. The transducer needs to be in turbulent free water for proper operation.

Good luck.

 

[phipps]

Re: Transducer Location - Not Low Enough?

Well, I'll find out tomorrow. I'll be sure to let you know how it turns out.

 

[wing dam]

Re: Transducer Location - Not Low Enough?

Here is what I did, worked great.

http://www.louisianasportsman.com/printer_friendly.php?id=1536

 

[phipps]

Re: Transducer Location - Not Low Enough?

Well, it kinda worked. It was fine up to about 7-8mph and then it would come out of the water, but my boat won't do much above 9-10mph so it's really no big deal at this point.

 

[Snowfish]

Re: Transducer Location - Not Low Enough?

louisianasportsman show about the same set up that I use. I try to keep mine just below the log. That one seems deep, but maybe it's the camera angle. My 20ft SweetWater, with 60 Merc, will cruise at a blazing 22mph on the gps and 5200rpm. Sonar signal remains good unless I pick up a weed or other "floaty", but that's to be expected. Just below the tube and you'll have no worries. A little back, as shown, works even better.