GPS/SOunder install on a 1997 Rinker Festiva

[andywe]

I have a garmin 431s gps/sounder to install and am looking for recommendations on the best place to install the transducer. I want to keep it as clean as possible. Can I mount the transducer to just to the right of the out-drive or do I have to go further and outside of the out-drive indentation on the hull?

Suggestions on where the cable is to be positioned (under the swim deck or?) would be greatly appreciated.

I would entertain setting up a shoot through the hull install if I knew if the bottom next to the motor was just 5/8 fiberglass with no dead space or fillers if anyone knows that answer.

Drilling a few screw holes is not a scary thing for me, but I want it in the right place the first time.

Thanks in advance!

Andy

 

[Boatist]

Re: GPS/SOunder install on a 1997 Rinker Festiva

Usually about 12 inches or more from the engine on the starboard side for a right hand prop. As you go further away from the engine the transducer get higher in the water and may not work well at planing speeds. At least 1/2 of the transducer should be below the hull so on a V hull one side will be 1/2 below the hull and the other side will be lower still. It should point straight down, not to either side. It should not point forword to backward.

Do not mount it in line with anything on the hull that will cause turbulance at speed.

You may like to get a transducer mounting board and mount that first then mount the transducer. This way when you get a different unit later that has difference size mount you do no have to drill new holes in the transom.

All of mine I just glued on first with silcone seal and let cure for a few days. Then took it out for a test before drilling any holes. Also some of mine I made a bracket so the screw for the Pitot tube will hold it on. My smaller one is just glued on with 4200. My larger 8 degree transdicer uses the Pitot screw andd Glue.

Here is a link from Lowrance. You may also want to check Garmin site.

http://www.lowrance.com/en/Support/Tips-and-Tutorials/Installation-Guide/