Mounting a fish finder on a 23? WA

[Bar Hopper]

I have a 1997 Excel/Wellcraft 23? WA with a fish finder that came with it. The transducer is mounted on the stern and it looks correct. However, if I go above 10 knots it blanks out. Do I have to mount the transducer down near where the drain plug is? Any thoughts and help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Black Snow Slide]

Re: Mounting a fish finder on a 23? WA

The transducer needs to be mounted in "clean " water. There can be nothing around to cause turbulence in the water. ie: drains from bait wells, pick ups for live wells, and prop wash. You need to have the bottom on the transducer pairilar with the level of the water. The transducer also need to be approximately 1/8" below the bottom of the hull to get and keep a good picture. And if that isn't enough to drive you crazy they like to be as midline as possible so when you turn you continue the good picture.

On my boat I installed mine on the opposite side of the ladder "right of engine" about 1/3 up from the keel where there is no ribs or steps of the hull and water is clean coming from under the boat at speed.

It sounds like it needs to be further down in the water by lose the screws and sliding the unit deeper into the water. Play around adjusting it till you get a good picture then when you get home, mark it, take it off, hit all the screw holes with 5200 and reattach and you should be good to go. Enjoy and good luck.

 

[Bar Hopper]

Re: Mounting a fish finder on a 23? WA

Thanks Black Snow Slide, I did know it needed clean water and it looks like I have it mounted like you do but I may not be getting clean water the way the Wellcraft is made. The stern comes to an end but then steps back about a foot and then goes down again about 5". This is where the drain plug is I may be getting cavitation from that recess in the stern?

 

[Jimdsi]

Re: Mounting a fish finder on a 23? WA

I have a 1995 23F that has the same stepped transom your describing. You will never get a stern mount transducer to work right on this hull. I bit the bullet and installed a Garmin thru hull transducer and it works great. Just try not to wince too much when your drilling that 2 inch hole in the bottom of your boat!!!