Transducer location

[mtorts]

Hey guys I recently purchased a humminbird 597 ci hd di and I'm having trouble finding the proper mounting location on my boat. In the manual it states to mount it at least 15" away from the prop wash however 15" is right in the middle of my bunks. If I go past the bunk there is a rivit right where I want to put it so I have to pass that which would put me at 20" away. Is this to far and is the angle gunna be to steep. I tried to attach a pic hopefully it works.

 

[mtorts]

Re: Transducer location


Here's another pic and I forgot to mention the transducer that is on there now is from a older unit that came with the boat. I wanted to keep it as a second unit but it can be removed if my only option is to put the new one there. However the distance away from the prop wash is only 8" from that ducer.

 

[natedogg3991]

Re: Transducer location

View attachment 206963
Here's another pic and I forgot to mention the transducer that is on there now is from a older unit that came with the boat. I wanted to keep it as a second unit but it can be removed if my only option is to put the new one there. However the distance away from the prop wash is only 8" from that ducer.

What about putting it on the other side of the prop? I am in a similar situation, looking for a new Finder but want to keep the old one. So I was planning to just put it on the other side of my prop as long as the cable will reach.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Transducer location

Shorten the bunk?

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Transducer location

With the Transducer in Front of the Prop, there will not be a prop wash problem unless you spend a lot of time in reverse.
The generic instructions for the 15" Clearance applies mostly for boats with inboard engines where the prop is in front of the transducer.

As long as the transducer is outside of the AV plate, the risk of disturbing the inflow water to the prop is minimized.

 

[mtorts]

Re: Transducer location

my kicker motor is on the other side which I use constantly so that wont work. I was thinking of shortening the bunks that way I could put it in several locations. UncleWillie so basically ur saying where the old ducer is would be fine. I can take off the thermostat which is the one right next to the ducer and mount the new one there. Would having the 2 transducers side by side that close cause any turbulence problems??

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Transducer location

The "thermostat" is actually the speedometer pitot.

 

[mtorts]

Re: Transducer location

Oh ok. I could still remove it because it isn't accurate enough to register my trolling speed so I never use it on that unit.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Transducer location

It looks like halfway between the Old Transducer and the White Thru-Hull would be a fine location.
Is the other Transducer still used?
Two Sonars on the same frequency are going to interfere with each other if they are both active simultaneously.

As stated, the "Thermostat" to the right of the current transducer is the Speedometer Sensor Tube (Pitot).

When mounting the Transducer, mount it Horizontal, and NOT Parallel to the Deadrise of the hull.

 

[mtorts]

Re: Transducer location

ok guys so these are the 3 options im thinking let me know which one you think would be best
1) take off both the old transducer and the speedometer and just run the new unit. I would just have to be sure to seal all the holes good and tight. The old unit would be a nice to have but not a need to have.

2) Put it between the old ducer and the white thru hull as willie said. Im just worried it may be to close

3) take only the old speedometer off and place the new ducer there. Then I can still run the old unit if needed.

ultimately my main concern is that this new unit is in a proper location and works to its best capabilities. Thanks for all your input.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Transducer location

... 2) Put it between the old ducer and the white thru hull as willie said. I'm just worried it may be to close...

You are worried it may be too close to What???
The prop on an outboard will not affect a transducer mounted on a transom.
As long as the Transducer is not in front of the prop, the Transducer's Wake will not effect the Prop at higher speeds.

You keep mentioning removing the Speedometers Pitot Pickup; Do you have a speedometer? Do you really want to disable it?

 

[ricohman]

Re: Transducer location

I would remove the old hardware and run the new transducer. You bought a very nice unit.
If the angle gets steep you can always use a sternmate mount. I don't think you need to worry about the prop wash. I would not let a bunk stop me from mounting anything. If it does its to long.
Here is a pic of mine.

 

[mtorts]

Re: Transducer location



I'm sorry I think I'm confused as to which is the speedometer for the boat and which one is for the existing unit. This is a photo of one that is on the other side. I thought this one was for the boat and the one next to the ducer was for the unit?? That's why I keep saying I can take it off. The manual states " for outboard or inboard/outboard boats it is best to mount the transducer at least 15" to the side of the propeller" which is why I am concerned

 

[mtorts]

Re: Transducer location

The other option is to cut the bunk and put it right at 15" which would be inline with the middle of the bunk just like richoman pic

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Transducer location

Speedometer...
The Paddle wheel on the left is likely for a sonar unit. Good at lower speeds.
The one on the right is commonly used for the dash mounted Gage. Nearly useless below 10 mph.

Transducer...
This is not the first time that manufacturers have printed confusing/wrong instructions.
Hundred of people have installed the transducer much closer to the prop in OB and I/O boats without any issues.

I had to move mine inboard to get the Side Scan to give a clear image.

 

[mtorts]

Re: Transducer location

Ok good to hear another person say that. So what I did was clamped a piece of 2x4 flush to the transom and attached the transducer to that. This way I can test it first, not that I don't trust u guys I guess I'm just a little paranoid. I will let u know how it goes

 

[mtorts]

Re: Transducer location

Uncle willie you were right first i tried the transducer to the far right it only worked at low speeds the i moved it next to the existing transducer near the motor and it worked perfect all day. For anyone who is unsure where to mount there transducer a piece of 2x4 cut to the same angle as the transom and clamed on works great. Just temporatily screw the ducer to the wood and find the best location.