Transducer Placement

[gunflint]

I have recently learned that I should be able to read bottom on my X102c at full speed (25 mph) and yet the signal washes out at about 1/3 throttle. I'm thinking it has to do with air under the transducer. My boat has 7 strakes running 5 inches apart along the bottom. I placed the transducer between the strakes. Now I'm thinking it might be better to place the transducer behind one of the strakes and maybe an inch or 2 below it. Any ideas? Thanks.

[Valv]

Try to look up Lowrance.com web site, it has instructions for the placement.

I don't think you have to let it drop as much below strake, 1/4" or 1/2" should be enough.

Don't install it near the center of boat, close to motor.

It would help if somebody can drive boat while on speed and you check transducer location (be careful, though).

[Surface Tension]

A 1/4 to 1/2 below the hull is plenty. I'd guess your outboards rotation is clockwise.(looking at it from the back)

Your ducer should then be mounted to the right of center. Note it is possible to mount the ducer too far from center and if you have a V shaped transom, the ducer could come out of the water when on plane.

Something else thats very important is mounting the ducer parallel with the beam(level) and parallel with the hull. Use a straight edge on the hull to adjust the depth, and angle of the ducer. With a V hull, one side of the ducer is going to be below the hull more then the other side so just make sure the least side is below 1/4-1/8". Some companies tell you to mount their ducers parallel with the hull and some say tip the back down a hair. Never tip the fount of the ducer down.

[gspman]

You could angle your 'ducer forward one notch if it's a lowrance. Then you'll get better readings at higher speeds and your low speed readings shouldn't be affected that much either.

[gunflint]

I have never heard of prop rotation direction being a possible factor. It could be significant. I had it mounted on the port side because that's where the holes were from the previous owner. I did use a strait edge to line it up last spring. I'll do some checking to see the spin direction of my new Yamaha I had to remove it for my painting project, looks like I'll be remounting it elsewhere. Thanks guys. It will be nice to cruise Sag a little faster than trolling speed.

[Jim Hudson]

Gunflint,

Also, be sure to turn up the ping speed on your unit if you already havent. This will allow you to get a better signal when on plane. If this was already done, use the advice given here and in your manual for placement.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Gunflint- Dont settle for anything else.. You should get a great reading at full speed... I have a Lowrance LMS480 and I can read bottom fairly well in 80 fot of water at 60 mph.. and I have my transducer mounted in the hull... you should be able to get the same type reading!