Best Transom Transducer Placement For Bass Boats

Transom transducers are a type of device that provides information about the water underneath a boat, which is especially useful for fishing. When it comes to bass boats, there are a few key considerations for mounting a transom transducer. Firstly, it is recommended to mount the transducer in the centre of the boat to ensure it is fully submerged in the water. It is also important to avoid mounting the transducer near any struts, strakes, fittings, or devices that may cause water disturbance, as this can interfere with the transducer's signals. Additionally, when drilling holes for the transducer, it is important to avoid drilling too deeply and to use a manual screwdriver to avoid stripping screws. Bass boat owners should also consider the type of transducer based on the material of their boat, with stainless steel transducers being the only option for aluminium boats.

Transom transducer installation tips

Transom-mounted transducers are a great choice for most trailerable boats. They are relatively affordable, easy to install, don't require cutouts, and perform well at less-than-planing speeds. However, they may experience spotty performance when on a plane. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your transom-mounted transducer installation:

Use a Mounting Plate:

Use a mounting plate to minimise drilling into your transom. Commercially available options include screw-on and stick-on plates, or you can make your own out of Starboard or expanded PVC. This will help you fine-tune the transducer's position without drilling new holes.

Drilling Tips:

When drilling holes in your transom, measure the length of your screws minus the thickness of your mounting bracket. Mark the necessary depth on your drill bit with a wrap of painter's tape to avoid drilling too deeply. Do not use electric drivers when tightening self-tapping screws into fiberglass, as this can cause stripping.

Seal and Chamfer Your Holes:

Drilling below the waterline requires extra care. To avoid gel coat cracking, run your drill in reverse until the bit reaches the fiberglass. Then, use a countersink to chamfer the edges around the hole. Seal the installation by coating screws and filling pilot holes with a quality marine sealant approved for below waterline use.

Positioning the Transducer:

It is important to level your transducer with the transom waterline. Most installation manuals recommend positioning the transducer so that its bottom surface is parallel with the hull bottom and either flush with it or slightly below. Adjust the transducer in small increments until it reads well at speed.

Check for Interference:

While transducer cables are shielded, it is important to test your unit with the cable loose on the deck to ensure optimal performance. If you notice any interference, you may need to route the cable differently to mitigate the issue.

By following these tips, you can optimise the performance of your transom-mounted transducer and ensure accurate readings from your fish finder.

Avoiding interference

When mounting a transom transducer on a bass boat, there are several factors to consider to avoid interference and ensure optimal performance. Here are some tips to help you avoid interference:

• Maintain a Safe Distance from the Motor: Place the transducer away from the motor to minimise interference and ensure clear sonar signals. This is crucial as vibrations and electrical signals from the motor can disrupt the transducer's signals.
• Avoid Turbulence: Stay clear of areas downstream of strakes, struts, fittings, water intakes or discharge ports, as these can create air bubbles and turbulent water, leading to inaccurate readings.
• Steer Clear of the Propeller Path: On single-drive boats, avoid placing the transducer in the propeller's path. Turbulence from the transducer can cause cavitation, degrading performance and potentially damaging the propeller.
• Consider the Hull Shape: The hull shape of your boat can impact the transducer's placement. Boats with different hull shapes, such as a deep V-hull or a flat-bottom hull, may require different mounting techniques.
• Opt for a Mounting Plate: Using a mounting plate minimises the need to drill into your transom. Commercially available options include screw-on and stick-on plates, or you can create your own from Starboard or expanded PVC.
• Avoid Excessive Depth: Mounting the transducer too low increases drag and exposes it to potential damage from debris. It can also create turbulence, hindering performance.
• Check for Interference: While transducer cables are shielded, it is important to test your unit with the cable loose on deck to ensure optimal performance. Compare the performance before and after routing the cable to identify any potential interference.
• Use Marine Sealant: Apply a marine-grade sealant to the transducer mounting bracket to create a watertight seal. This prevents water from seeping into the boat and ensures proper adhesion.

The importance of transducers

Transducers are an essential component of any bass boat. They are the sensor that makes it possible to understand the underwater world. Transducers are usually ultrasonic transmitters and receivers in one. They send out pulses of sound, which reflect off objects in the water and return to the transducer, which then translates this data into information such as depth and structure. This information is then displayed on a fish finder or multi-function display.

Transom-mounted transducers are a popular choice for bass boats. They are relatively affordable, easy to install, and perform well at slower speeds. They are also easy to remove and replace when upgrading to a new unit. However, they can struggle to hold the bottom at higher speeds, and careful installation is required to avoid excessive aeration.

The alternative to transom-mounted transducers is through-hull transducers. These are positioned through the hull of the boat and tend to provide more consistent and accurate readings. However, they are more expensive and installation is more complex, often requiring a professional. They also run the risk of being damaged by debris in the water or even the boat trailer.

When installing a transom-mounted transducer, it is important to use a mounting plate to minimise drilling into the transom. Care should also be taken to avoid drilling too deeply. It is recommended to hand-tighten screws to avoid stripping and to use a marine sealant to prevent water intrusion. The transducer should be level with the waterline and parallel to the hull bottom.

In conclusion, transducers are a crucial component of bass boats, providing valuable data about the underwater environment. The choice between a transom-mounted or through-hull transducer depends on factors such as performance, cost, and ease of installation. Proper installation is key to ensuring the transducer functions effectively and provides accurate data.

Different types of transducers

Transducers are the "ears" of your fishfinder. They send energy waves into the water and receive echoes, which are then displayed on your fishfinder screen. Transducers come in many different types, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common types:

• Through-hull transducers: These transducers are located in clean water, well forward of the engines. They deliver the best results, especially at speed. The cables can also be run separately from other cables and electronics, reducing interference. However, they are generally more expensive and require a large hole (1" to 3") in the hull bottom. They can also be damaged by debris, the bottom of the body of water, and even trailer bunks.
• Transom-mounted transducers: These transducers are relatively affordable, easy to install, and don't require cutouts in the hull. They perform comparably to through-hull transducers at less-than-planing speeds. They are also easy to remove and replace. However, they may have spotty performance when on plane and are prone to excessive aeration as water streams out from under the hull and props agitate the water.
• Pedestal-mounted transducers: This type of transducer is mounted onto the deck of the boat. It is a good option for bass boats with fiberglass or aluminum hulls, as they have few flat areas to mount a baseplate and downrod system. Pedestal systems are rugged and can be made to any height. They also prevent the need to drill extra holes in the top finished edges of the boat.

When choosing a transducer, it is important to consider factors such as the type of boat, the fishing techniques employed, and the depth and kind of fishing that will be done.

Tips for mounting a transducer

Transom-mount transducers are usually mounted directly to the boat's transom at the stern of the boat. The transducer needs to be located in the water and slightly below the level of the hull. The recommended size of a boat with a planing hull using a transom-mount transducer is less than 30 feet. They are typically used on boats with outboards, inboard-outboards, and jet drives.

Use a Mounting Plate

Use a mounting plate to minimise 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.

Tape Your Drill Bit

When drilling holes in your transom, 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 a wrap of painter's tape.

No Electric Drivers!

When tightening self-tapping screws into fiberglass, avoid using an electric drill or driver. Instead, tighten the screws by hand to avoid stripping.

Chamfer and Seal Your Holes

Drilling below the waterline requires extra care. To avoid gelcoat cracking, run your drill in reverse until the bit reaches the fiberglass. Then, use a countersink to carefully chamfer the edges around the hole. Seal the installation by coating screws and filling pilot holes with a quality marine sealant approved for below-waterline use.

Level Your Transducer with the Transom Waterline

Most installation manuals recommend getting the bottom of your transducer parallel with the bottom of your hull. This can be achieved by holding a long straight edge against the bottom of your boat and matching the fore-aft angle of the transducer. Use a horizontal guideline on your transom, such as the bottom edge of a jackplate, to ensure your side-imaging transducer is level from side to side.

If You Lose Bottom at Speed, Go Lower

If the recommended positioning of the transducer does not deliver the desired performance, lower the transducer in 1/8" increments until it reads well at speed. However, be cautious as mounting the transducer too low can increase drag and expose it to strikes from floating debris.

Frequently asked questions