Transducer Location w/ Smart Tabs

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CntrySngr

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 31, 2005
Messages
196
Hey guys,<br /><br />I have received my Fish Finder and am ready to install, but I have a "problem". I want to leave room for some Smart Tabs as I plan on adding them soon as well. To do this I will need to move my Transom Straps. This is going to limit the location I can mount my Transducer to.<br /><br />
CSlocate.jpg
<br /><br />Notice in the above image, this is what I planned on doing. However I am concerned that the Transducer is going to cause some problems with the prop. In the location I have pointed out I have the centerline of the ducer at 6 1/2" from the prop (when straight). What will this do? Any other ideas for mounting the transducer? I really want the water temp function, so thru-hull is my LAST solution.<br /><br />Thanks for the help.
 
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nboater

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 14, 2004
Messages
41
Re: Transducer Location w/ Smart Tabs

Installation instructions for our fish locator recommended that the transducer be located no closer than 1 ft. from the prop. It's my understanding that gavitation occurs if it is located closer, resulting in false, and/or distorted readings on the screen.
 
C

CntrySngr

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 31, 2005
Messages
196
Re: Transducer Location w/ Smart Tabs

That's what I am afraid of. That's why I was hoping for some input.<br /><br />I would think that the prop is lowered down well below the ducer, so it shouldn't cause any problems, but I wasn't sure. Was hoping for some expert advice.
 
M

Moody Blue

Captain
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
3,136
Re: Transducer Location w/ Smart Tabs

Transducer could cause problems with prop ventilation but not likely the prop turbulence will cause problems with transducer readings. Anytime you introduce turbulence in-front of the prop area there is potential for ventilation to occur. Thats why the recommended distance is 12". I have my transducer located 12" from center and only 3" from the trim tabs. Was concerned about interference between tabs and transducer but everything seems to be working great, even at planing speeds.
 
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nboater

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 14, 2004
Messages
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Re: Transducer Location w/ Smart Tabs

I'm just a novice at this. But it appears from the picture, once you install the Smart Tabs there is little or no room for the transducer to be placed far enough away from the prop. It looks like you are headed for a thru hull transducer. It appears that the best location for the transducer is right at the left-hand arrow making the spot for the Smart Tab. But that area is obviously not available. JMO/FWIW
 
C

CntrySngr

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 31, 2005
Messages
196
Re: Transducer Location w/ Smart Tabs

Wonder if I could do this:<br /><br />
CSlocate2.jpg
 
S

stevens

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 4, 2005
Messages
799
Re: Transducer Location w/ Smart Tabs

I wish I had a picture available of my transom to show you, but I don't have one yet. In any case, my setup is almost identical to what you describe in your first picture above, and it has worked out just fine for me.<br /><br />You could measure out the required 3-4" from the chine, add the 12" for the width of the tab, and see where that would take you. It probably won't matter at all if the transducer is placed right next to the tab, as long as they do not get in each others' way.
 
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nboater

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 14, 2004
Messages
41
Re: Transducer Location w/ Smart Tabs

I don't know, but according to my manual, the spot just to the right of your blue bar is considered a poor location for the transducer. Again, that is FWIW. Also, the best location according to the manual is located in your first picture at the left-hand Smart Tab arrow at the boat hulls strake.
 
dingbat

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,320
Re: Transducer Location w/ Smart Tabs

I don't think you will be real happy with the performance you get with a transom mount with tabs on the back. My transom mount transducer worked pretty well until I installed hydraulic tabs and very thing went to heck in a hen basket. I changed over to a in hull mount using the Airmir P79 mount and I have no problem holding bottom or marking fish at 40 mph. I’ll never do a transom mount again.<br /> Airmir P79
 
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stevens

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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May 4, 2005
Messages
799
Re: Transducer Location w/ Smart Tabs

Country - are you getting any wiser from this?
 
C

CntrySngr

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 31, 2005
Messages
196
Re: Transducer Location w/ Smart Tabs

Originally posted by Stevens:<br /> Country - are you getting any wiser from this?
Click to expand...
More confused than anything! I've decided to try the first option above. The one you mentioned earlier Stevens. If that doesn't work, I've put holes in my boat for no reason! :(
 
dingbat

dingbat

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Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,320
Re: Transducer Location w/ Smart Tabs

trrans.jpg
<br /><br />I can tell you that this position doesn't work. I left this transducer here to supply speed and temp and installed the shoot thru as stated above for sonar.
 
C

CntrySngr

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 31, 2005
Messages
196
Re: Transducer Location w/ Smart Tabs

Originally posted by dingbat:<br />I can tell you that this position doesn't work. I left this transducer here to supply speed and temp and installed the shoot thru as stated above for sonar.
Click to expand...
My prop is lower than yours, I don't know if that will help or not. Why didn't it work?
 
N

nboater

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 14, 2004
Messages
41
Re: Transducer Location w/ Smart Tabs

FWIW - The trim tabs may change the plane angle enough to interfere with the proper alignment needed for the transducer to work properly. The centerline of the transducer needs to be even with the bottom of the hull.
 
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stevens

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 4, 2005
Messages
799
Re: Transducer Location w/ Smart Tabs

If I understand this correctly, you are mounting the transducer now, and saving enough space for potential Smart Tabs later on?<br /><br />If that is the case, I would suggest you measure it out carefully, and place the transducer as far out as you think you possibly can. Or, leave enough slack in the transducer cable just inside the transom so that you can move it later on, either inward or out.<br /><br />By luck, mine worked out well, but with less than half an inch between the transducer and the tab (which followed a year after the transducer).<br /><br />There is no way, though, that my depth sounder will give anything resembling good readings when I go faster than say 18-20 knots. If Dingbat can see both bottom and fish while going at 40 mph, his equipment and transducer must be a lot better than mine (Lowrance LMS-330C).<br /><br />Good luck. Hope it goes well.
 
dingbat

dingbat

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Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,320
Re: Transducer Location w/ Smart Tabs

My prop is lower than yours, I don't know if that will help or not. Why didn't it work?
Click to expand...
If it is your motor is setup incorrectly. In theory the cavitation plate should be flush with the bottom of your boat like mine.<br /><br />As for the transducer, there is just way too much turbulence behind the boat to get a good clean flow of water over the transducer. My transducer performance as marginal (maybe 15 kts) before the tabs and down right sucked (maybe 10 kts) with the tabs. I spent hours making adjustments to the transducer until I finally gave up and went to the shoot thru setup.<br /><br />
There is no way, though, that my depth sounder will give anything resembling good readings when I go faster than say 18-20 knots. If Dingbat can see both bottom and fish while going at 40 mph, his equipment and transducer must be a lot better than mine (Lowrance LMS-330C).
Click to expand...
Welcome to the limitations of the transom mount :( . If you took that same transducer and mounted in the hull or did a thru hull design you'd probably get just as good of performance as I do. :)
 
C

CntrySngr

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 31, 2005
Messages
196
Re: Transducer Location w/ Smart Tabs

Unfortunately the holes are already drilled and everything is installed except for actually screwing on the ducer. We didn't have any sealer and had to wait until today to get it. It was purchased at lunch time, so it should be done by the time I get home. (Roommate is doing it).<br /><br />Plan on taking it out wednesday to test it out. Will let you know how it works.
 
C

CntrySngr

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 31, 2005
Messages
196
Re: Transducer Location w/ Smart Tabs

So I didn't get to test it! We started the motor up and heard a strange noise. Couldn't figure it out, so we turned off the motor. However, the starter was still going. Had to undo the battery before it melted all the lines. Starter froze in the "engaged" position.<br /><br />We think what happened was that a month ago when we forgot the plug, the starter was submerged (there was a TON of water on the boat). A week later the boat wouldn't start. Tapped the starter celinoid (sp?) and it started fine. Left it at that...then tonight, this happens.<br /><br />So, went to Autozone, matched the starter up, bought some undercoating spray, 3M rubberized spray, and sprayed the new starter to "water proof" it. Will install tomorrow and hope to take it out Friday or Sunday. Will let you know how the FF works...praying that the starter is all that went bad!!
 
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