Fit a piece of plastic pipe to the hull where you want the transducer mounted. Put a wire brush on your drill and clean/ roughen the hull where the pipe will attach. Mount the transducer in the pipe in the same orientation you'd have it if it were hanging off the transom.
Where do you mount a transom mounted transducer?
Transom mounted transducers are attached to the back of the transom of a vessel. Trailered vessels typically use this mounting style. A transom-mounted installation usually gives good readings up to 25-30 mph depending on installation. Look for features on the hull like lifting strakes or keels.
How do you install a transducer on a boat?
Transducer Installation Guide 1 Transom Mount Transducers. When mounting on the Transom, be sure to use a straight edge to locate the Transducer so that it sits slightly lower than the Hull. 2 Thru-Hull. Thru-Hull Transducers are enhanced by the use of a Fairing Block. ... 3 In-Hull. ... 4 Pod. ... 5 Pocket/Keel. ... 6 StructureScan. ...
How do I install a pod transducer on my motor?
To find the best place to put it you can use one of three methods: Pod Transducers are designed to be fitted on Trolling motors, they attach via a large clamp assembly to the motor housing. It is important that enough free cable is left at the top of the motor to ensure it can turn freely.
How close to the hull can a transom transducer be?
Exception: when fitting is at least 4+ ft fore of the transducer. Rule #7 - Avoid installation of your high speed transducer immediately aft of a step designed into a hull. Note: when a true step is no further aft than midway of your hull, a transom transducer is a viable option.
Where do you put transducer on transom?
The location should be as close to the center of the boat as possible, but on the side of the downward swing the propeller. On the majority of boats, this will be on the starboard (right) side.
How far should my transducer be from motor?
The ideal mounting location on a boat powered by an outboard or an I/O engine is about 18-24 inches starboard of the engine's lower unit. If the boat has inboard power, mount the transducer far enough to starboard to clear any propeller turbulence.
How do I install Garmin transom mount transducer?
4:2922:58How to Install a Transducer (GARMIN ECHOMAP PLUS 73SV ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut. This is where the old one was and it must have worked right there so I'm just going to rollMoreBut. This is where the old one was and it must have worked right there so I'm just going to roll with that. Check the boat for anything else I don't really see anything. So fat surface right here
How do you position a boat transducer?
The general rule of thumb is to mount the transducer to the starboard side, which is the down stroke of most single outboard boat propellers (right hand lower unit). This side produces the least amount of turbulence and is most efficient in delivering the best performance.
Should transducer be flush with bottom of boat?
Ideally you'll want the transducer about flush with the bottom or hull of your boat. It could be too deep but it won't hurt to try it. If you can't get a bottom reading going wide open throttle you'll want to adjust it.
What happens if transducer is too low?
A transducer placed too low in the water will cause water to flow over the top of the transducer creating a rooster tail and creating air bubbles that will travel over the bottom of the transducer.
How far below boat should Garmin transducer be?
The transducer should extend 3.5 mm (0.125 in.) below a fiberglass hull or 10 mm (0.375 in.) below an aluminum hull . On boats with outboard or inboard/outboard motors, the transducer should be mounted as close to the centerline of the transom as possible but at least 38 cm (15 in.)
How far below the boat should a transducer be?
Thirdly the best bet when mounting your transducer to read at speed is to have the bottom of it 3-4 mm below the waterline. Because the transducer can only ping in water so you do want it submerged. If it's too deep sometimes the front face of it will create turbulence and bubbles = bad.
Does transducer need to be level?
The transducer must be level with the bottom of the hull to ensure accurate depth readings. You can use the following tips to make sure your boat is level when out of the water.
Should transducer be submerged?
Note: the transducer must be submerged in water for reliable transducer detection. If a transducer is detected, the unit will enter "Start Up" or normal operation unless you choose another option.
How do you mount a boat transducer without drilling?
5:028:09NO DRILL TRANSDUCER MOUNT - THE RIGHT WAY! (Take 2) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPress it down where we wanted it and put the mounting pin rate dead. Center press it up against theMorePress it down where we wanted it and put the mounting pin rate dead. Center press it up against the boat. Now that that's on there I'm gonna take all this stuff off so none of it gets trapped.
Can you put transducer on port side?
"Can a transom-mount transducer be installed on either the starboard or port side of the boat?" Ans: "We recommend mounting a transom transducer on the starboardside of a single-drive boat. This is the sidewhere the propeller blades are moving downward for minimal disturbance from the propeller.
How far should prop be from transducer?
Ensure there is adequate distance from the propeller(s). On outboard or inboard/outboard boats, it is best to locate the transducer at least 15" (38.1 cm) to the side of the propeller(s).
How far in the water should a transducer be?
Tip # 3 Waterline Thirdly the best bet when mounting your transducer to read at speed is to have the bottom of it 3-4 mm below the waterline. Because the transducer can only ping in water so you do want it submerged. If it's too deep sometimes the front face of it will create turbulence and bubbles = bad.
Can a transducer cause cavitation?
The transducer can cause cavitation that can degrade the performance of the boat and damage the propeller.
Should my transducer be tight?
NOTE: The bolt should be tight enough to hold the transducer in place when the boat moves at high speed, but loose enough to allow the transducer to pivot out of the way if the transducer hits an obstruction.
How to install a transducer in a boat?
In-hull Transducers must also be fitted in location before fixing the tank. To find the best place to put it you can use one of three methods: 1 flood the Bilge area 2 put the Transducer into the bag and fill it with water 3 Use a water based lubricant to temporarily 'stick' the Transducer in place
How to mount a transom?
When mounting on the Transom, be sure to use a straight edge to locate the Transducer so that it sits slightly lower than the Hull. Fix the mounts so that the screws are midway in the slots (as shown in images on the right). Look for an area of least turbulance when >Underway. Note: Don't mount behind any Planing straices or Scuppers that may be on your Hull. Popular Transom Mount Transducers include the Airmar P66 and TM260.
What is a thru-hull transducer?
This keeps the Transducer face parallel with the seafloor and improves high speed operation by creating a smooth water flow around the Transducer. These generally give better readings at speed and in a >Following Sea. Popular models include the B60 and B164.
What to do if you experience interference with a transom mounted transducer?
1. If experiencing interference with a Transom mounted Transducer, you must test drive the vessel to determine what speed the image is lost at.
What does it mean when a transducer is mounted on the Southboard side of the vessel?
1. Mount on the Southboard side of the vessel if the prop is clockwise turning (95%) this means that water is flowing over the top of the Transducer.
What is a pod transducer?
Pod Transducers are designed to be fitted on Trolling motors, they attach via a large clamp assembly to the motor housing. It is important that enough free cable is left at the top of the motor to ensure it can turn freely.
Where are pocket and keel transducers mounted?
These Transducers have a housing that is designed to flush mount in an external Hull blister or directly in the Keel. We recommend that these are mounted towards the front of the Boat around the second Bow wave.
How fast does a transom transducer go?
Trailered vessels typically use this mounting style. A transom-mounted installation usually gives good readings up to 25-30 mph depending on installation.
Where should a Garmin transducer be mounted?
Outboard and Sterndrive Vessels: the transducer should be mounted in front of and close to the engine or engines.
What is a throu hull transducer?
Thru-hull transducers are just that; a hole through the hull of the boat with the transducer installed through the hole. Thru-hull transducers come in two versions, tilted element or with a fairing block. Garmin also has SideVu transducers. If the hull has a deadrise of more than 5 degrees, a pair of thru-hulls will be required.
What are the disadvantages of a transom mount?
A disadvantage of a transom mount is that air bubbles will affect the sonar performance. The location should be as close to the center of the boat, and on the side prop wash. On most engines, this will be on the starboard (right) side.
How far away should a transducer be from a propeller?
On boats with outboard or inboard / outboard motors, the location should be at least 15in. (38 cm) away from the propeller. The location should not be in the path of the propeller on single-drive boats. The transducer can cause cavitation that can degrade the performance of the boat and damage the propeller.
What is GT transducer?
GT transducers and some third party transducers may provide 3D structural down and side view imagery. These 3D structural views require the transducer to remain as straight as possible. As the transducer spins, the imagery drawn is based off of which way the transducers side and bottom surface is facing. These views work best when in a heading hold. Traditional 2D is not effected by the rotating transducer.
How close to the keel should you mount a cone signal?
Avoid mounting too close to the keel; cone signal shape is approximately 22 degrees. If too close to the keel, it can pick up an echo
How to mount a transducer to a boat?
Fit a piece of plastic pipe to the hull where you want the transducer mounted. Put a wire brush on your drill and clean/ roughen the hull where the pipe will attach. Mount the transducer in the pipe in the same orientation you'd have it if it were hanging off the transom. Seal the mounting holes with the 5200. Leave a half-inch or so between transducer and hull.
What is the purpose of installing a transom transducer on a piece of starboard?
Installing a transom-mounted transducer on a piece of Starboard that is thru-bolted above the waterline prevents transom rot from occurring.
Why do transducers fail?
Even careful sealing will eventually fail because of the stress of running on plane. A better option uses a piece of "plastic wood" such as structural grade Starboard as a mounting point.
How to shoot through a fiberglass boat?
If the bottom of your hull is solid fiberglass, meaning not cored, you can shoot through the hull by mounting a transducer inside the boat. I'm not a fan of epoxying a transducer directly to the inside of the hull, although it's definitely the easiest. I prefer to mount the transducer in a plastic pipe, then fix the pipe to the hull.
Where to install high speed transducer?
Rule #5 - Avoid installation of your high speed transducer directly aft of a *lifting strake. Install at or beyond the "fair" side only, or 2+ from the broad side
Where is the transducer located on a sternmate?
Transducer Distance between keel or chine - Your high speed transducer, when using the SternMate™ system, is best located (with exceptions) from the keel to no greater than 70% outboard (either port or starboard) of the keel. While making a steep bank, generally will cause the transducer to lose contact with the water.
What causes transducer to sound?
We also know that "on-board" wiring issues, voltage drops and other settings may be responsible for any transducer sounding problems.
When installing a "multi-use" high speed/imaging transducer (when the intended use is dual?
When installing a "multi-use" high speed/imaging transducer (when the intended use is dual purpose), install it following the high speed transducer RULES. See More Useful Transducer Installation Information below
Why is a transducer a problem?
It's a PROBLEM because we create it. Dragging a transducer, forcing it to plow, creates problems (it also creates a rooster-tail), but that's exactly what we are taught to do...exactly like #1 below, or worse. We now know that there are much more effective methods available to correctly install a transducer.
Can you mount a transom on a boat?
SternMate™ transducer mounting system can easily be installed on most all boats. Some of the types of boats that use transom-mounted transducers for fish-finders, depth-finders, sonar and fish locators are:
Do transducers need to be plowed?
Rule #3 - Your transducer must "skim or surf" (not plow) and must be in direct, unobstructed contact with the water to obtain an optimum sounding. That's just the way they are designed.
How to fix a transducer mount?
Firstly drill holes in the marking made for the mount. Put sealant generously on the hole. Fix the transducer mount and adjust the position of the mount to perfectly horizontal to the ground. Place the transducer to check the position.you should then seal the nuts and bolts of the mount again.
How far should a transducer be from the propeller?
Generally, the transducer should get mounted parallel to the surface and extended ⅛ inch beneath the fibreglass hulls or ⅜ inch below aluminium hulls. However, you need to make sure that the transducer is away from the propeller for safety. You can hold and mark the holes to fasten the mount.
How to connect fish finder to cranking battery?
Next, run down the wire to the destination. You will need to secure the cable every 20 inches with clamps or zip ties. Keep the wiring and trolling motor away from each other as they can cause interference.
What mount is used for fish finder?
You can learn about the entire process of mounting the binnacle mount, which is the display of the fish finder. You will further learn about the transom mount, which is the most common type of transducer mount. A well-installed transducer will not get stuck in bunks and makes your fishing more productive.
How many cables are needed to connect a fish finder?
The fish finder must get connected to an electrical power source. There are two cables positive and negative that must get run to the fuse box or the cranking battery. The other connection is from the fish finder to the transducer to provide sonar data.
How close should a fish finder be to the helm?
The fish finder should be as close as possible to the helm. This position provides the best viewing angle. The unit should be between waist- and shoulder-high for non-fatigued vision. Don’t put the unit on an overhead position.
Where to mount fuse box?
Mount the fuse block under the console. You can use stainless steel nuts and bolts for the mounting process. The ideal location for mounting the fuse box is the one where it gets protected from external elements but easily accessible for repair and replacement.

Transom Mount Transducers
Thru-Hull
- Thru-Hull Transducers are enhanced by the use of a Fairing Block. This keeps the Transducer face parallel with the seafloor and improves high speed operation by creating a smooth water flow around the Transducer. These generally give better readings at speed and in a >Following Sea. Popular models include the B60 and B164. Also a Thru-Hull Transducer can come with a tilted el…
In-Hull
- In-Hull Transducers should be contained in a tank cut to match the Deadrise of the vessel, which is filled with Propylene Glycol (marine antifreeze). The tanks should then be bonded to the Hull using fibreglass Resin. Popular models include the P79 and M260. In-hull Transducersmust also be fitted in location before fixing the tank. To find the best place to put it you can use one of thre…
Pod
- Pod Transducers are designed to be fitted on Trolling motors, they attach via a large clamp assembly to the motor housing. It is important that enough free cable is left at the top of the motor to ensure it can turn freely.
Pocket/Keel
- Pocket or Keel Transducers are normally only used on commercial vessels. These Transducers have a housing that is designed to flush mount in an external Hull blister or directly in the Keel. We recommend that these are mounted towards the front of the Boat around the second Bow wave.
StructureScan
- Some brands such as Humminbird have a 3 in 1 Transducer however Lowrance/Simrad have a separate Sideimage/Downimage Transducer. This is used on all NSS and HDS series. Available in Transom Thru-Hull in plastic or bronze. LSS-2 StructureScan Transducer specifically needs to be parallel with the Waterline when the vessel is at optimum speed. Transducer should be within 30…