Best Transducer Mounting Spots For A Ranger Bass Boat

When it comes to mounting a transducer on a Ranger bass boat, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, transducers provide valuable information about the water underneath your boat, making them especially useful for fishing. The ideal placement for a transducer is at the centre of the boat, ensuring it's fully submerged and away from any potential sources of disturbance or damage. Ranger boats are typically made of fibreglass or aluminium, and the mounting method will depend on the boat's material. For fibreglass boats, you have the option of transom mount, in-hull, or thru-hull mounting, whereas aluminium boats require more careful consideration to avoid galvanic corrosion. Pedestal mounting on the deck is also an option, offering a convenient position without the need for extra drilling.

Transom mount transducer

Transom-mounted transducers are a popular choice for bass boats, offering a balance between performance and ease of installation. They are known to provide comparable performance to through-hull transducers at less-than-planing speeds, making them a viable option for bass boats that typically operate at slower speeds.

When installing a transom-mount transducer on a Ranger bass boat, there are a few key considerations and steps to follow:

Location:

The location of the transducer on the transom is crucial. For single-drive boats, it is recommended to mount the transducer on the starboard side, where the propeller blades are moving downward. It should be positioned as close to the centerline as possible while maintaining a safe distance from the prop blades. For twin-drive boats, the transducer should be mounted between the drives.

Mounting Plate and Bracket:

Using a mounting plate can help minimize the number of holes drilled into your transom. Commercially available options include screw-on or stick-on plates made from Starboard or expanded PVC. Alternatively, you can create a custom mounting plate.

Once the mounting plate is in place, you can attach the transducer bracket. Drill holes for the bracket screws, being mindful of the depth to avoid drilling too deep into the transom. Use a manual screwdriver to tighten the screws by hand, as electric drivers can strip the screws. Apply marine sealant to the screws and fill the pilot holes to ensure a watertight seal.

Transducer Installation:

With the bracket in place, you can now attach the transducer. Follow the instructions provided with your specific transducer model to securely attach it to the bracket. Ensure that the transducer is level and parallel with the waterline for optimal performance.

Cable Management:

Route the transducer cable to the fish finder, using cable clamps to secure it in place. If you need to drill through the transom for cable routing, be sure to use the supplied cable cap and sealant to prevent water intrusion.

Testing and Fine-Tuning:

Once the installation is complete, test the transducer's performance. If you experience issues with sonar interference or losing the bottom at speed, you may need to adjust the transducer's position. Lowering the transducer in small increments or adjusting the angle can help improve performance.

By following these steps and paying attention to the specific recommendations for your transducer model, you can successfully install a transom-mount transducer on your Ranger bass boat, ensuring optimal performance for your fish-finding system.

Thru-hull transducer

A thru-hull transducer is a device installed below the waterline that provides data to a display. This data is usually in the form of depth and speed, but more advanced systems can also provide sonar, fish-finding, and side or forward views. When installing a thru-hull transducer, it is important to consider the size of the transducer and the angle at which it will be mounted.

If you have a Ranger bass boat with a setback transom, the most common location for mounting a thru-hull transducer is on the bottom of the setback, with the cable pointing towards the motor or back of the boat. This will require drilling holes in the fibreglass for the mounting screws and may involve tapping the holes with threads to accommodate the screws. It is also recommended to place a small amount of silicone on the face of the transducer that will be in contact with the fibreglass to help hold it in place.

When mounting a thru-hull transducer, it is important to ensure that the transducer is oriented correctly. The side of the transducer that faces the bow or points to the keel can affect its proper operation. A dry fit is also recommended before applying any sealants to ensure that the backing plate is the correct thickness and that the backing nut fits and tightens appropriately.

In terms of sealants, it is important to use a product designed for below-the-waterline applications, such as 3M 5200. Apply a generous bead of sealant around the inner lip of the transducer and fit it into the mounting hole. Then, move inside the boat and add more sealant to the area between the threads and the mounting hole, filling any gaps. You should also apply a layer of sealant along the underside of the backing plate before screwing on the tightening nut.

In-hull transducer

The major advantage of in-hull transducers is that there is no water resistance and no potential for fouling. The transducer is protected from damage by stones or driftwood. However, the downside is a weaker performance due to the transmission of signals through the hull. The maximum measurable depth is lower than with a transom transducer, and there are no in-hull transducers with integrated temperature sensors.

When choosing the location for an in-hull transducer, it is important to consider the type of hull and propulsion. On inboard planing hulls, the best spot is just ahead of the engines and prop shafts. For displacement hulls, the transducer can be positioned further forward. On outboards and sterndrives, an aft location is optimal, except for step hulls, which require the transducer to be placed forward of the steps. It is also crucial to ensure that there are no external strakes, intakes, or other hull features that could cause aerated water to flow over the transducer's location.

Before installing an in-hull transducer, it is important to verify whether your boat has a solid GRP hull or a sandwich hull, which is a GRP hull with a foam or plywood filling. If you have a sandwich hull, you must find an area without filling for installation or remove the filling from the desired installation area. Clean the hull in the desired location, removing any paint and dirt, and sand the area until it is smooth. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when mixing the epoxy adhesive. Apply the adhesive or silicone generously to the hull and transducer, ensuring no air is trapped below the material. Secure the transducer to the hull as vertically as possible, and spread the adhesive about 1 cm thick around the transducer. Allow the area to dry before routing the cables to the fish finder.

Avoiding galvanic corrosion

To mount a transducer on a ranger bass boat, you can mount it flush on the bottom of the setback with the cable pointing towards the motor or back of the boat. To do this, you will need to drill six holes in the fibreglass for the mounting screws. You might need to tap the holes with threads to accommodate the screws. Place a small amount of silicone on the face of the transducer that will be in contact with the fibreglass to help hold it in place.

Now, to avoid galvanic corrosion, which is an electrochemical reaction between two or more different metals, you can follow these steps:

• Understand the Basics: Galvanic corrosion occurs when two or more dissimilar metals are "grounded" and immersed in a conductive solution like saltwater, freshwater with high mineral content, or polluted freshwater. The metals must be different, with one being more chemically active (anode) and the other less chemically active (cathode). The anode will corrode faster, so it's important to choose the right metals to avoid corrosion.
• Choose Compatible Metals: When selecting metals for your boat, refer to the anodic index, which predicts the compatibility of different metals. In harsh environments like saltwater, the recommended maximum voltage difference between metals is 0.15 V. Use this guide to minimise the risk of galvanic corrosion.
• Sacrificial Anodes: Many boat and engine manufacturers use sacrificial anodes, typically made of zinc, to protect aluminium components. These anodes corrode instead of the aluminium parts, but they need to be replaced regularly. Don't overuse sacrificial anodes, as too many can cause a crust to form and hinder their effectiveness.
• Proper Maintenance: Always rinse your boat with freshwater after saltwater use. Repair any cracks or scratches that expose bare aluminium. Avoid using automotive battery chargers or lubricants containing graphite, as they can contribute to galvanic corrosion.
• Coating and Painting: If using dissimilar metals, consider coating or painting them to limit corrosion. If only coating one metal, prioritise the cathode (less chemically active metal). Avoid painting anodes or grounding plates, as this will render them inoperative.
• Avoid Treated Wood: Never allow aluminium to come into direct contact with pressure-treated wood, as it often contains copper, which can pull electrons away from aluminium and cause oxidation.
• Use Compatible Hardware: When choosing hardware for your boat, opt for high-grade marine stainless steel, preferably 316 stainless steel. This grade has a long history of use on aluminium boats and is less likely to cause corrosion.
• Anode Installation: For boats used in both freshwater and saltwater, consider installing an anode made from aluminium alloy below the waterline. Magnesium anodes are suitable for freshwater only, while zinc anodes can be used in saltwater.

Tips on mounting your transducer

When mounting a transducer on a Ranger bass boat, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure optimal performance and avoid any potential issues. Here are some detailed tips to help you with the process:

Firstly, it is important to identify the correct location for mounting the transducer. The centre of the boat is generally the best option as it keeps the device away from water turbulence and air bubbles, which can interfere with the transducer's signal. Make sure to avoid mounting the transducer near the engine's water intake or opening, as this can cause turbulence and affect the smooth water flow. Keep the device away from the edges of the boat where supports and fittings are fixed during storage and hauling.

Secondly, ensure that the transducer is fully submerged underwater when mounted. This is crucial for the device to function properly and provide accurate readings.

When choosing a mounting location, avoid placing the transducer among the boat's machinery. This will help minimise background noise levels and ensure clearer signals. Additionally, calculate the deadrise and line up the degree line on the transducer to the mould line for accurate readings.

For Ranger boats, a thru-hull mounting option is considered the safest. This involves mounting the transducer through the hull of the boat, providing the best clarity and performance. However, this method can be more expensive and challenging to install. If you opt for this method, remember to choose a location on the centreline of the hull and apply a marine sealant to the sanded mounting hole before threading the cable.

If your boat has a fibreglass or aluminium hull, you can also consider a pedestal mounting system on the deck. This option offers a lot of adjustment possibilities and convenience without the need to drill extra holes in the top finished edges of the boat. Measure from the deck to the top edge of the gunnel and add 1/4 inch to get the perfect fit for the pedestal system.

Incorrectly mounting a transducer can lead to various problems, from the device not functioning properly to engine issues. By following these tips and choosing the right mounting location and method for your Ranger bass boat, you can ensure optimal performance and a smooth installation process.

Frequently asked questions