2010 Tahoe Q4 Shoot-Thru Transducer Capable?

[Mykroft]

Hello,

I'm about to be the owner of a new 2010 Tahoe Q4SF boat. I'm considering my transducer options for a Lowrance HDS-8 fishfinder that I plan on getting soon.

Given that I may end up also getting the LSS-1 StructureScan module for this fishfinder, I'll end up with a secondary, and quite large, transducer to mount on my transom.

While I could probably mange fitting that in even on the oddly shaped Q4 transom, I think that given that I might also add the SmartTabs at some point, there may be very little room left to mount all this stuff.

Does anyone on this forum have any experience with the newer Tahoe's on whether or not they work okay with shoot-thru transducers for the normal sounder? Is the hull in the bilge just plain fiberglass or are there any other materials in the construction that might interfere with the transducer signal?

Anyone have any install photos of this being done in a Tahoe Q4 engine compartment?

On a side note ... I didn't get a very good look at the engine compartment on the Q4 before I left the dealer last time and if anyone has any good shots of a 2009 or 2010 engine compartment from right above (showing the floor area of the bilge), I'd appreciate seeing those as well!

Thanks.

 

[das601]

Re: 2010 Tahoe Q4 Shoot-Thru Transducer Capable?

I have a 2008 Tahoe Q5 and installed a Humminbird 700 series fishfinder. I didn't like the idea of drilling holes in my transom on my brand new boat, so I tried the hull shoot through idea. It worked...............but I found that I didn't get true readings all the time and got frustrated. Bought another transducer and mounted it outside. All is good.

 

[Mykroft]

Re: 2010 Tahoe Q4 Shoot-Thru Transducer Capable?

I have a 2008 Tahoe Q5 and installed a Humminbird 700 series fishfinder. I didn't like the idea of drilling holes in my transom on my brand new boat, so I tried the hull shoot through idea. It worked...............but I found that I didn't get true readings all the time and got frustrated. Bought another transducer and mounted it outside. All is good.

Thanks for the info. I know I can always "test" the shoot-thru setup easily if I needed to and decide then too.

Also, anyone have any pics of the bilge/engine compartment area of a 2009 or up Q4 seen from above so I can see what it looks like inside? Thanks.

 

[schuetdm]

Re: 2010 Tahoe Q4 Shoot-Thru Transducer Capable?

Mike,

I also bought a 2010 Q4 SF last year and had a blast all summer. What did you end up doing for the transducer? I'm looking into my options and will be adding a fish finder come summer.

Also, I didn't have any complaints with porpoising at high speeds and mine seems to plane fast enough except when trying to get a skiier out of the water when there are several others in the boat. Did you do the smart tabs? I was thinking about getting a different pitch prop for watersports.

Thanks for any info or tips,

Darin

 

[Mykroft]

Re: 2010 Tahoe Q4 Shoot-Thru Transducer Capable?

Mike,

I also bought a 2010 Q4 SF last year and had a blast all summer. What did you end up doing for the transducer? I'm looking into my options and will be adding a fish finder come summer.

Also, I didn't have any complaints with porpoising at high speeds and mine seems to plane fast enough except when trying to get a skiier out of the water when there are several others in the boat. Did you do the smart tabs? I was thinking about getting a different pitch prop for watersports.

Thanks for any info or tips,

Darin

I ended up getting a normal transom mount transducer for my garmin and just drilling a hole in the transom to run the line. (And sealing it of course) Works great, though, I still am learning how to read the results. =)

As for the porpoising, I didn't always get it but I got it enough that it annoyed me. I did end up getting the SmartTabs and they make a huge difference. Porpoising is completely gone and I get up on plane faster.

I'm still on my stock 21p prop but I am definitely getting a new SS watersports prop with at least 4 blades, maybe 5 to improve hole shot. I'm considering a 19p SS 5 blade (high five) prop but I'm still doing my research.

 

[yourboatmyboat]

Re: 2010 Tahoe Q4 Shoot-Thru Transducer Capable?

Below the aft motor just starbord look close you can see a round spot in the hull. .If a transducer had been installed at the factory thats where it would mount.These boats I understand have a liner and there is a void between the outer hull and the liner. Where the round spot is the only true solid spot to the outer hull.