Boat transducer positioning and depth finder issues

DarrenEm · **Joined:** Sun Jan 08, 2017 12:06 pm **Posts:** 119

Me again, with another Q about the new boat lol.

Yesterday, during my first real test cruise, I noticed that the depth finder "Lowrance Hook 3X" was not functioning while I was basically at any speed and only functioning at idle. I don't believe it was even giving a proper reading while idling.

I'm thinking it's a positioning issue, as in angle and possibly also mounting height?. Can you guys have a look at the pics and let me know what you think?

Also, I picked up a new unit, the Lowrance Elite 4 CHIRP, and looking for some suggestions on a place that would install it. I called a local dealer who is known to me, but they said their service dept is about 3 weeks backlogged currently.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BwjaF ... WFPQmYzSUU

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BwjaF ... zJkX09TbkU

tomfoolery · **Joined:** Fri Nov 12, 2004 3:32 pm **Posts:** 144

From the photos, it looks like it is mounted too high. The skimmer/transducer should be just below (1/16 to 1/4 inch) the bottom surface of the hull. It appears that the angle is alright, but it might need to be adjusted to parallel with the running surface of the hull.
You can use a torpedo level to determine this angle.
Once you get it working correctly, you may need to adjust the sensitivity on the sonar. Sometimes leaving it in AUTO mode can give you a lot of surface clutter.

DarrenEm · **Joined:** Sun Jan 08, 2017 12:06 pm **Posts:** 119

tomfoolery wrote:

From the photos, it looks like it is mounted too high. The skimmer/transducer should be just below (1/16 to 1/4 inch) the bottom surface of the hull. It appears that the angle is alright, but it might need to be adjusted to parallel with the running surface of the hull.
You can use a torpedo level to determine this angle.
Once you get it working correctly, you may need to adjust the sensitivity on the sonar. Sometimes leaving it in AUTO mode can give you a lot of surface clutter.

That's what I was thinking. I can slide it down a little bit by just loosening the screws. I'll try that first and keep my fingers crossed.

sunrisecottageresort · **Posted:** Sat Apr 22, 2017 3:46 pm

Definitely too high and point the "nose" down a bit. Put a "square" on the transom and the bottom of the transducer. Transducer should be pretty close to resting on it. Maybe about a quarter inch off it at the back

Walleye 9 · **Joined:** Mon Jan 24, 2011 12:05 pm **Posts:** 1985

I just got a new transducer installed on my boat today and after reading your post earlier, I asked the guy about it and he said definitely flush with the bottom of the boat or even a touch lower.

Jim Lyon · **Joined:** Wed Aug 10, 2011 8:12 pm **Posts:** 423

I could probably help you install your new unit....im in Kingston

DarrenEm · **Joined:** Sun Jan 08, 2017 12:06 pm **Posts:** 119

Jim Lyon wrote:

I could probably help you install your new unit....im in Kingston

I appreciate the offer. I had a look at everything today and it seemed easier than I initially expected. I ended up doing it myself without too many issues. It's reading the depth ok now but I'm going to have to play with the sonar setting for the fish finder mode. I'll post a picture of the sonar reading when I get the chance. Also I need to buy that damn $150 Navionics chip! I didn't realize it was so expensive. Lol.

Walleye 9 · **Joined:** Mon Jan 24, 2011 12:05 pm **Posts:** 1985

Check the Buy and Sell page on here. I've seen Navionics cards for sale on here a few times in the past. Also try contacting Scott Walcott from West Lake Willows. He could probably lead you in the right direction with Navionics.

apmikel · **Joined:** Tue Mar 29, 2011 5:07 pm **Posts:** 232

It should still work though as long as you are not on plain and it still in the water. But defiantly below is better. Also make sure the transducer wire excess is not stored coiled up or with/ around bunch other wires interference will mess with it too.

thedrifter · **Posted:** Tue Apr 25, 2017 10:12 am

Can I suggest that you should not drill holes in your transom.Get a pice of 1 inch thick starboard and countesink long screws from the back( boat facing out) loctight nuts as to hold the stainless screws that the trawsducer will be attached. the starboard should be glued with 3M 5200. to the transom. But a very good idea is to make the starboard big enough to allow for additianal screws for future use, as you will probably want to add new equipment in the future. i.e.. a fishhalk speed and temp probe. if you slot the screws you can adjust for screw pattern placement rather than drilling holes in your new boat. Dose that make sense Im working afternoons and very sleepy. I have four screws still not being used but should I wish to make a change it is just a matter of sliding new equipment on and tightening it down.

DarrenEm · **Joined:** Sun Jan 08, 2017 12:06 pm **Posts:** 119

thedrifter wrote:

Can I suggest that you should not drill holes in your transom.Get a pice of 1 inch thick starboard and countesink long screws from the back( boat facing out) loctight nuts as to hold the stainless screws that the trawsducer will be attached. the starboard should be glued with 3M 5200. to the transom. But a very good idea is to make the starboard big enough to allow for additianal screws for future use, as you will probably want to add new equipment in the future. i.e.. a fishhalk speed and temp probe. if you slot the screws you can adjust for screw pattern placement rather than drilling holes in your new boat. Dose that make sense Im working afternoons and very sleepy. I have four screws still not being used but should I wish to make a change it is just a matter of sliding new equipment on and tightening it down.

Yeah that makes sense. On mine, there is a plate/bracket welded onto the transom that extends outward slightly. That's where the holes are drilled. The boat came with a Lowrance Hook series unit, so I just had to unscrew the old transducer and replace with the new one.

BATMAN · **Posted:** Tue Apr 25, 2017 5:14 pm

Darren,
It appears from your photo that loosening the nuts and lowering the bracket will not work. The bracket probably needs to be move down a couple inches in order to get the transducer bottom just below your hull.
BATMAN

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Boat transducer positioning and depth finder issues

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