How to Mount a Transducer on a Boat
GPS and sonar devices require a specific transducer to operate properly. Determine the type of mount to be used, then select the transducer that's best suited to the device by matching the frequency of the device to the frequency of the transducer. There are four types of standard transducer mounts. The bolt through-hull mount and the shoot through-hull mount are the most complex and typically are the standard for factory mounted hardware on new boats. The trolling motor mount and the transom mount are more common after-market installations and moderately easy to accomplish.
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Things You'll Need
- Sonar device
- Transducer
- Transducer mounting bracket
- 2 adjustable wrenches
- Tape measure
- Black marker
- Power drill
- Phillips screwdriver bit
- 1-inch drill bit
- 5/8-inch drill bit
- No. 29 drill bit
- 3 No. 10 stainless steel wood screws
- 1/4-inch plastic cable clamp
- Marine sealant or adhesive
Instructions
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1
Select the transducer mounting location on the boat transom.
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2
Align the ratchets on the transducer bracket. Slide the bolt through bracket and transducer.
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3
Assemble the transducer bracket using bolt, washers and nuts included with transducer bracket. Carefully tighten.
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4
Align the transducer to the transom so that its face is parallel with the ground and its center line is even with the bottom of the hull. Mark through the bracket screw holes onto the hull using black marker.
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5
Drill mounting holes in transom according to black marks using a No. 29 drill bit.
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6
Place a small amount of marine sealant or adhesive in each of the mounting holes.
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7
Secure transducer to transom using two No. 10 stainless steel wood screws.
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8
Drill a hole in the hull above the waterline for the transducer cable using the 5/8-inch or 1-inch drill bit.
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9
Pass the transducer cable through the hull. Completely seal the pass-through with marine sealant or adhesive.
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10
Drill a hole for a cable clamp halfway between the transducer and the cable pass-through hole. Use a No. 29 drill bit.
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11
Place a small amount of marine sealant or adhesive in the clamp mount hole.
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12
Secure the transducer cable in plastic clamp. Attach the clamp to the hull using a No. 10 stainless steel wood screw.
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13
Connect the transducer cable to the GPS/sonar device.
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14
Test the unit according to the owner's manual. Adjust accordingly.
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1
Tips & Warnings
To function properly, the Skimmer transducer must be in the water at all times and in a location that has a smooth flow of water when the boat is moving. Do not mount the transducer closer than approximately 1 foot to the engine's lower unit. This will prevent cavitation interference from the prop. Aluminum boats with strakes or ribs on the hull can create large amounts of turbulence at higher speeds. A good transducer location on these types of boats is between the ribs closest to the engine.
If the transducer is not placed in a smooth flow of water, interference caused by bubbles and turbulence may show on-screen in the form of random lines or dots. The unit also could lose bottom signal when the boat is on plane.
For single frequency transducers, with a one-piece bracket, assemble it with the cable passing over the bolt and through the bracket.
When mounting the transducer, make sure it does not interfere with the hauling of the boat.
Do not overtighten the transducer bracket lock nut. The transducer may not "kick-up" if it strikes an object in the water, resulting in damage to the transducer.
Use caution when routing the transducer cable near other wiring and cables.
