Transom Skimmer Transducer Mounting Location

[cvan]

I'm getting ready to mount a Lowrance skimmer transducer on the transom of my boat and am seeking some advice on the proper mounting location. As I've never did this before, I want to make sure of what I'm doing before drilling holes.

In the attached picture, I'm planning on location #1 next to a pre-existing temperature sensor, but as seen in the picture it would be above the pad which is inset about 4 inches from the back face of the transom.

Anybody have any advice on the proper location?

Regards,
Chad

[BryanP]

Why not epoxy it in the hull?

[REEL_MAN]

If this is a new mounting call Linda Colt (800) 324-1356 ext 8747 at Lowrance. She possibly will trade you your skimmer for a shoot thru transducer. Mounting on the outside is nothing but trouble. If you don't mount it correctly you will have interference, pressure from the water will possibly turn it up or you can break it off if it catchs debris. You mount the shoot thru transducers in the pad area of the bilge. I take some sand paper and smooth the area then use plumbers putty to make a dam for the epoxy (lowrance provides the epoxy with the shoot thru) then place the puck in the epoxy and weight it down for 24 hrs.  Then run the wire to the depth finder.
Mounting inside is very clean and you don't compromise the hull by drilling holes in it.
Go shoot thru you won't regret it.

REEL_MAN

[fiker]

If one has an aluminum hull, shoot through is not an option.
You can use a piece of plywood that is clamped securly to the hull.  you can then mount the transducer to the wood.  After some experimentation you can determine the best place to position it on your hull. 
Remove the wood, and place it there.
Lowrance has I believe, (cause EAgle does) their manuals on line.  It will discuss there where to mount the transducer.

I have mounted three on the back of my aluminaum Tracker, and never had a problem. 
Just keep it away from the main engine, and out of line with the fins on the bottom.

I would prefer a shoot through. But, isn't mounting a shoot through not all that easy either?  I've heard that it must be level with the water level in order to read correctly.  If it's just mounted to the bottom of the hull, following the hull line, won't it shoot at the wrong angle? 
Just wondering.

[REEL_MAN]

Your correct, the shoot thru isn't for aluminum boats, just fiberglass.  When mounting inside (shoot thru) you mount as close the the center line as possible. Most of the bass boats have an area (the pad) designed for transduce mounting that is level as you can get. The main problem I have in mounting inside, is your on your head and in a confined area.
You mensioned the plywood on the back of the transom, I've seen that done also with 1/2in plastic also. Looks like a good solution if your having trouble with finding the best location.

REEL_MAN

[cvan]

Thanks for the responses, I learn something new all the time here.

I guess the big reason I did not consider the shoot thru hull option was to utilize the internal temp sensor built into the transducer, but upon reflection that is really not a big deal. More prominent was that I'm not sure whether or not the internal pad area has a flotation layer between the inner and outer hull area which would require removal of the inner hull.

Anybody know if there is a flotation layer in the rear pad of a 2000 Skeeter?

There is a pre-existing shoot thru hull tranducer mounted in the pad area for a in-dash flasher, but I cannot visually tell if they had to remove a inner hull layer when they installed it.

The Lowrance manual is pretty thorough, but I was just looking for other's experiences prior to mounting.

I'm going to attempt the shoot thru hull method and mount near the rear right of the previously installed tranducer.

Chad

[BryanP]

There is no "floatation layer", so you'll be fine.  It's scary how thin the fiberglass actually is on bass boats!  But they still hold up.  I have a Humminbird transducer epoxied in the bilge area on my Ranger, and ran an external temp sensor on the transom.

[REEL_MAN]

Lowrance has a shoot thru with the external temp. When I put in my 334 Lowrance (LEI) exchanged it for me. It mounts on the transom like your old sensor in the picture.

REEL_MAN

[DDBethke]

That is how I rigged mine as well (Shoot Thru Hull with external Temp Sensor)

[Genie]

Ditto.

[cvan]

Thanks everyone for the advice. The installation of the shoot-thru hull transducer was actually easier than I thought it would be.

I got the new sonar unit completely hooked up over the weekend and took the boat out for a its first time this year last night for about 25 minutes to make sure everything is in working order.  The new sonar unit is working good, just need to learn all the proper settings for fine tuning out on the water. I was able to mark fish with good arches. It is amazing how big a difference it makes with a high resolution color display.

Chad

[TCook]

Me and my partner 1javelin are going to attempt to install an eagle fishelite 642c for the first time for both of us. I am sure we are going to need alot of advice from you guys in order to do this correctly. I have read the past posts on this subject and came to the conclusion that it would be best to exchange the transducer that came with the unit for the shoot thru the hull puck style with exterior temp. My first question is, does eagle exchange the transducers like lowrance does since it is made by lowrance? I am sure I will have more questions about installation when we get to that point.

Thanks Tim

[REEL_MAN]

Eagle and Lowrance are the same company, just different product skins.
Give LEI a call 1-800-324-1356

REEL_MAN

[Waterfoul]

Eagle and Lowrance are the same company, just different product skins.
Give LEI a call 1-800-324-1356

REEL_MAN

Lowrance, Cadilac
Eagle, Chevy

[1javelin]

I happen to love my Chevy.  Thanks for letting me know our two Eagles compliment that!!!