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Posts: 385
| Having problems with depth readings with boat on plane. I'll get a numerical depth, until I put the boat on plane then I just get a flashing number, usually the depth at which the boat planed out. Any suggestions? I'm thinking it might be turbulance from the outboard, but it looks like it's mounted in the right position.
Edited by Matt Collins 11/19/2007 9:44 AM
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | Matt, the first thing to check, is the transducer mounted correctly? What I mean by this is, look at your transducer, half of your transducer should be below the hull and half above the bottom of the hull. What you want to do is look at it at eye level. From what your saying, I have a feeling it's mounted a touch too high, this is usually the problem that you are expressing. I would try that first. Here are a couple good pics that were over on the walleye site that show pretty good transducer placement. This is how a transducer should be mounted.
Edited by Merckid 11/19/2007 10:34 AM
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Posts: 226
Location: W. PA. | I agree that it is more than likely a problem with the transducer placement, but installing it with half above the transom and half below is incorrect. You want your transducer as deep in the water as possible at all times but at least 12" away from the lower unit. Here is part of the installation instructions from Lowrance's website.
"Make certain the transducer's location doesn’t interfere with the trailer or hauling of the boat. Also, don’t mount it closer than approximately one foot from the engine’s lower unit. This will prevent cavitation interference with the propeller. Typically, the transducer should be mounted as deep in the water as possible. This increases the chance that it will be in the water in high speed and reduces the possibility of air bubble interference."
Basically you want to move over a foot from the lower unit and make sure there are no rivets or anything else on the bottom of the hull in that spot. If there are then move toward the outside of the boat enough to clear them and mount it as deep as possible. Also make sure it's not too close to your bunks. |
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Posts: 375
Location: Browerville, Minnesota | I was having the same problems with my unit this summer. Worked great until I got the boat up on plane and running fast. Made sure that the transducer was mounted in the same manner as MercKid describes (and yes I have a Lowrance). Still was having problems. What finally solved the problem was pointing the transducer "down" a click. Meaning that I put it a little less than parallel to the ground, end away from the boat farther down in the water, like the next notch on the mounting bracket. Now I have no problems with it reading at high speeds. I might put it down in the water a tad bit more, only because when I turn corners it loses its reading for a second. Give it a try. |
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Posts: 32935
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I worked as a field promotions rep for Lowrance for a few years, and can describe exactly what you need to do.
First, make sure the transducer is mounted on the starboard side of the boat. Make sure it is mounted to a lift strake that is part of the running bottom and will be in contact with the water when the boat is up on the pad. Your rig runs on a V Pad, so it's a bit different than other installations.
Lay a straight edge, preferably at least 4' long along the running bottom to the transducer mounting area on the strake you choose. Set the transducer on that stick, and mark the bracket holes allowing for some adjustment when tightening. Drill pilot holes, then a hole just smaller than the screw and counter sink a bit through the polyflake or gelcoat to avoid later crazing in the gel. Dip the screw tips in silicone sealant, and tighten down the bracket making sure the transducer is TIGHT to the straight edge.
Now tip the back of the transducer about 3 degrees, and it's part of the running bottom and will read at speeds to 70 MPH.
If you have the transducer deeper, several problems will result. Your boat handling at top end will suffer( and could suffer greatly), top end speed will suffer, a 'rooster tail' will be shooting water all over the place and there may be enough turbulence to get a bad reading anyway. |
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Posts: 385
| Steve, you wouldn't by chance have a photo of the location, would you? From your description, sounds like mine is in the right place.
Thanks |
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Posts: 32935
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Check the height and make sure the transducer tail is pointed down a bit. long as it's mounted on the Starboard side like the picture TJ posted it's the height, most likely. |
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Posts: 385
| Thanks Steve, I'll try pointing her down a bit and see if that helps out. |
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