Installing A Lowrance Transducer: Aluminum Boat Guide

If you're looking to install a Lowrance transducer on an aluminium boat, you may be concerned about potential electrolysis problems. To avoid this, it's recommended that you use a plastic transducer mount. You can either drill through the transom, attach the transducer mount with nuts, bolts, rubber-coated washers and silicone sealant, or mount a nylon plate to the transom, seal the mounting holes and then screw the transducer mount to the plate.

Avoid drilling holes in the boat

Drilling holes in your boat can be a daunting task, and it is natural to want to avoid it. There are several ways to do this and still successfully install a Lowrance transducer on an aluminium boat.

Firstly, you can use a mounting plate. This is a smart option as it minimises drilling into your transom. Commercially available options include screw-on Starboard plates and stick-on plates, or you can make your own out of Starboard or expanded PVC. When drilling, avoid going too deep by measuring the length of your screws minus the thickness of your mounting bracket and marking the necessary depth on your drill bit with tape.

Alternatively, you could use a Stern Mate system, which requires no drilling or sanding. It is a well-made and sturdy product that sets the transducer back about 2" aft into the "clean water" off the back of the boat. This means you don't need to mount the transducer way down into the water for it to work effectively at higher speeds, thus eliminating obnoxious spray or rooster tails from the transducer.

Another option is to use a Stern Saver no-drill mounting plate. However, be aware that the instructions require you to sand the gel coat on the transom to roughen it, which may be undesirable.

If you are set on not drilling any holes, you could also consider an in-hull (shoot-thru) transducer. However, be aware that this will result in a loss of sensitivity and some features may not work.

Finally, you could try using a suction cup to mount the transducer. While this method can be effective, there is a risk of the suction coming loose, which could result in the transducer ending up in the prop.

Use a plastic transducer mount to avoid electrolysis problems

When installing a Lowrance transducer on an aluminium boat, it is recommended to use a plastic transducer mount to avoid potential electrolysis problems.

A metal transducer mount can cause electrolysis issues, so it is best to opt for a plastic alternative. You can purchase a plastic transducer mount from marine stores, or you can create your own using a cutting board from a hardware store or Walmart. If you go the DIY route, you'll need to cut and shape the plastic to fit your boat.

When installing the plastic transducer mount, it is important to follow these guidelines:

• Mount the transducer at least one foot away from the engine's lower unit to prevent air bubbles from interfering with the propeller.
• Do not mount the transducer directly behind the ribs or thru-hull fittings.
• On aluminium boats, mounting the transducer between two ribs typically works best.
• Remember to silicone the holes for the screws going into the transom to prevent leakage.
• Periodically wash the bottom of the transducer with soap and water to remove any oil film or growth that may collect, as this can reduce the transducer's sensitivity and even prevent its operation.

By following these steps and using a plastic transducer mount, you can avoid potential electrolysis problems when installing a Lowrance transducer on your aluminium boat.

Mount the transducer at least one foot away from the engine's lower unit

When installing a Lowrance transducer on an aluminium boat, it is important to carefully consider the placement of the transducer to ensure optimal performance and avoid any potential issues. One key factor to keep in mind is to mount the transducer at least one foot away from the engine's lower unit. Here's why this is important and some tips to help you achieve this:

Firstly, this distance between the transducer and the engine's lower unit helps to prevent air bubbles from the transducer from interfering with the propeller. Air bubbles can cause cavitation, which can damage the propeller and impact the performance of the boat. By maintaining a distance of at least one foot, you reduce the chances of air bubbles affecting the propeller.

Secondly, the transducer's performance can be impacted by the engine's vibrations if they are too close together. The transducer uses sound waves to detect objects underwater, and vibrations from the engine can interfere with the accuracy of the readings. By mounting the transducer at least one foot away, you minimise the impact of these vibrations on the transducer's performance.

Additionally, the transducer should be mounted in a location that does not interfere with the boat's trailer. This is an important consideration when choosing the placement of the transducer to ensure that it does not get damaged during transport or storage.

When selecting the mounting location, it is recommended to mount the transducer between two ribs on the aluminium boat. This provides a secure and stable mounting point for the transducer. It is also important to avoid mounting the transducer directly behind the ribs or through-hull fittings as this can impact the accuracy of the readings.

To ensure optimal performance of the transducer, it is essential to maintain and clean it periodically. Oil and dirt can accumulate on the transducer, reducing its sensitivity and potentially affecting its operation. Washing the bottom of the transducer with soap and water will help remove any oil film or growth and ensure accurate readings.

Wash the transducer with soap and water to remove oil film or growth

It is important to periodically wash the bottom of the transducer with soap and water to remove any oil film or growth that may collect. Oil and dirt reduce the transducer's sensitivity and can even prevent its operation.

To wash the transducer, start by disconnecting it from the ultrasound scanner. This is necessary if you plan to do anything more than wiping or spray cleaning. Then, remove the transducer cover, if applicable. Next, use running water to remove any residual gel or debris from the transducer. You can use a damp gauze pad or a soft cloth, along with a small amount of mild, non-abrasive liquid soap (such as household dishwashing liquid), to thoroughly cleanse the transducer. Consider using a small brush, especially for crevices and areas of angulation, depending on the design of your particular transducer. Finally, rinse the transducer thoroughly with running water, and then dry it with a soft cloth or paper towel.

The drying step is imperative as any remaining water can dilute the disinfectant. Always perform Minimum Required Concentration (MRC) testing of the high-level disinfectant (HLD) solution before reprocessing to ensure efficacy.

Do not mount the transducer directly behind ribs or thru-hull fittings

When installing a Lowrance transducer on an aluminium boat, it is important to remember not to mount the transducer directly behind ribs or thru-hull fittings. This is because, as a boat moves through the water, turbulence is caused by the weight of the boat and the propeller. Directly behind strakes, ribs, or rows of rivets on the underneath of the boat, the turbulent water is much stronger and can cause issues with the transducer's performance.

Aluminium boats, in particular, often have hundreds of rivet heads protruding into the water. When the boat is moving, each rivet streams a river of air bubbles. If these air bubbles pass over the face of the transducer, "noise" is shown on the sonar unit's display. This is because the transducer is meant to work in water, not air. The signal from the transducer is reflected by the air bubbles, and these reflections are very strong. They will interfere with the weaker bottom, structure, and fish signals, making them difficult or impossible to see.

To avoid this issue, the transducer should be mounted at least one foot away from the engine's lower unit. This will help to prevent air bubbles from the transducer interfering with the propeller. It is also important to periodically wash the bottom of the transducer with soap and water to remove any oil film or growth that may collect. Oil and dirt can reduce the transducer's sensitivity and even prevent it from operating.

When mounting the transducer on an aluminium boat, it is recommended to use a plastic transducer to avoid potential electrolysis problems.

Frequently asked questions