transducer placement

[superflydudebike]

Just purchased an Eagle Cuda 168. I'm not so sure that I will be keeping the boat that I currently have, so I have this grand idea of attaching the transducer to a board and clamping the board to the transom. I figure that this will help determine best possible placement for permanent attachment if I keep current boat or it will allow me to transfer it to a different boat easily in the spring. Any inherent problems with my plan? I want to try the locator out yet this fall. I made a metal piece that will overhang the transom and attach to the board in case the clamp fails. It will act like a hanger.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: transducer placement

I've seen someone do the same thing by clamping the board by a C clamp to the transom on a Jon boat, the person was also changing the rigged mount to a permanent mount but did claim that it worked for a temporary use and that this is the way it was setup when he bought the boat. Seems a bit risky in my opinion. Those transducers would be high dollar if you end up breaking it.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: transducer placement

Install the transducer as it's intended to be installed. If you sell the boat, take it off, seal the two screws and insert them. No big deal. The next owner will likely install a locator and not have to drill the holes. You can also buy a transducer mounting board that secures permanently to the boat. Transducers are screwed to that board (it's a plastic material). Again, remove the transducer if you sell the boat. Again, the new owner will be thrilled to have the board already installed.

 

[superflydudebike]

Re: transducer placement

So how will I know about correct positioning of transducer? The manual talks about proper location, but also warns about stuff like turbulance from ribs, cavioation plate, etc. I just don't want to go drilling holes in the boat and then realize the placement is wrong. I was just going to use it temporarily to determine proper position. Just want to make sure the thing works before retiring the boat for the year. And here I thought I was being rather clever. The motor that I recently bought has what seems like some sort of metal sensor attached to underside of caviatation plate. It does not to appear to have had any cable connection. What would this be for? Should I remove it and repair holes or is it better just to leave it alone?

 

[jtexas]

Re: transducer placement

Not 100% confident in your clamp arrangement?

Don't be intimidated by the thought of drilling your transom - everybody has those thoughts the first time - go ahead & install your transducer...you can do it!

Look at the bottom of the boat.....find a spot that trails a smooth section of hull, i.e., doesn't follow a line of rivets or a strake or any other design feature or irregularity, around 12 or 18 inches away from the motor. the bracket probably has slots that allow you to fine-tune the height....you want the middle of the transducer aligned with the bottom of the hull. remember that it needs to be parallel with the waterline - which probably isn't level with the horizon when the boat's on the trailer at the curb.

What kind of motor is it with a sensor underneath the antiventilation plate? Might want to find out if it has some function before taking it off.....

 

[John_S]

Re: transducer placement

"You can also buy a transducer mounting board that secures permanently to the boat. Transducers are screwed to that board (it's a plastic material). Again, remove the transducer if you sell the boat. Again, the new owner will be thrilled to have the board already installed."

Yep, thats what I would recommend. If you don't get it perfect on the initial install, you don't have to drill new holes in the boat. Keeping a good reading while on plane, usually takes some trial and error, even when you follow jtexas's recommendations (whick I agree with).

 

[superflydudebike]

Re: transducer placement

The motor that has the sensor is a 1986 Evinrude 15 HP. I know it has had at least two previous owners. The guy that I purchased it from had it as a back-up motor on a small houseboat. I guess I was concerned about how it will affect performance. It is screwed to underside of cavitation plate. It seems to perform fine with it in place. I like the mounting board idea. Couldn't I just use a plastic house deck board or would this be too thick?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: transducer placement

Are you sure your not looking at the torque tab and not a transducer? If there are no wires on it, its not a transducer.

 

[superflydudebike]

Re: transducer placement

Two separate issues here. I have a transducer that needs mounting. I also bought a newer motor and it has something attached to underside of cavitation plate. I'm trying to figure out what it is and if I should remove it.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: transducer placement

Post a picture. But like I said, if there are no wires on it, it's not a transducer. There are only two things you should see on or around the AV plate 1) the torque tab and 2) a sacrificial anode (the silver looking blocks). Anything else is an add-on and probably not needed.