Sailboats
On sailboats, the transducer should be mounted where the acoustic beam will not be shaded by the keel. A spot forward of the keel is usually best. Try to find an accessible spot with a minimum deadrise angle. See Figure 4.
Powerboats
On IO’s transducers mounted close to the engine usually yield good results. On inboards, always mount the transducer well ahead of the propeller. Turbulence from propellers seriously degrades transducer performance. Make sure that the
Recommended Area |
SAILBOAT |
Recommended Area |
FIN KEEL |
Recommended Area |
FULL KEEL |
Figure 4. Sailboat Transducer
transducer is not shaded by the prop shaft(s).
On displacement hull powerboats (such as trawlers), the transducer should be mounted amidships, relatively close to the keel (centerline of the hull).
On planing powerboat hulls, the transducer should be mounted well aft and close to the keel to ensure that the transducer is in contact with water at higher boat speeds. If the vessel is capable of speeds greater than 25 knots, you may wish to review installation location and operational results on similar boats before proceeding. See Figure 5.
Recommended Area |
IO’s and OUTBOARDS |
Recommended Area |
INBOARD PLANING HULLS |
Recommended Area |
INBOARD DISPLACEMENT HULLS |
Figure 5. Powerboat Transducer
TRANSDUCER
2" [50mm]
minimum
Figure 6. Transom Mount Transducer Location
12DS41 Owner’s Manual