Transducer Question

[skybolt_1]

I've got a Raymarine ST-60 depth system that came (uninstalled) with my 24' Bristol ketch. Because of pitch of the V-hull, I am unable to mount the transducer which came with the kit - needing a long-stem bronze one to fit.

The boat has a outboard motor well (which is covered) in the stern. I was wondering if it would be practical to make a transducer "probe" (I'm thinking that a 3 foot piece of PVC pipe made watertight at one end) which could be clamped next to the outboard.

My specific concerns are as follows:

If the transducer is removed momentarily from the water (by say, a wake) while in operation, will it be damaged?

Will the engine/propeller interfere significantly with readings? (I plan on making the probe at least as deep as the engine skeg, since the keel is about 2 feet deeper than that)

I have read the user manual and while it does state the best locations for the transducer as being forward of the keel and away from the propellers, etc, Raymarine makes a transom mount for the unit... not sure why they would do that if it would severely affect the operation of the unit.

Any thoughts would be great.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Transducer Question

It needs to be out of the path of water disturbance. This would require it to be at least 12-18" away from the prop. The transom mount would be mounted that far away on the back of the hull.

http://continuouswave.com/maintenance-logs/transomTransducer/ ] Click Here [/url]

http://www.eaglegps.com/Support/Tutorials/Transducer/default.htm ] And Here [/url]

 

[jtexas]

Re: Transducer Question

transducer leaving the water would interupt the signal, you would momentarily get nothing (on mine it flashes the last known depth until it reacquires the bottom).
no damage, though.

rickdb1 pretty much covered it. You would expect a good reading as long as the 'ducer is running in smooth water without turbulence or bubbles. maybe a couple pics of your transom & outboard?

 

[skybolt_1]

Re: Transducer Question

Hmmm.. Thanks for the advice. I'm thinking that there is probably no way to get it clear of the outboard safely without creating a huge hangup for things like lines/nets/whatever...

I think I'll err on the side of caution and get the long-stem through-hull. I'd rather do that than rip off part of my transom by accident.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Transducer Question

Not sure if you would have an interference problem or not from the engine; in reverse probably so, but you aren't in reverse very often. If you are only interested in depth and have one of the newer units, like my $99 Eagle 168 pixel. Depth soundings are solid in some terrible interference where the screen is filled with "things"....but the little number (depth) is still rock solid in the upper left corner.

Try it; just don't make a permanent installation out of it till you are sure it works.

As far as depth of the tube, I'd keep it up out of the slipstream. Don't stick it lower than the bottom of the transom as it will have forces (water flow) applied to it that you don't need. Just know what your keel depth is and add it to your reading mentally.

Mark