speed sensor, transducer install question

[Ron-O]

Quick question, I'm not seeing any information on how close I can install the Humminbird speed sensor wheel to the transom transducer. I was planning on the right side of the hull on each side of the little plastic pitot tube. Any suggestions? Any pics on your setups?

Ron

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: speed sensor, transducer install question

The transducer needs clean water. I would mount it away from the pitot tube.
The speed sensor wheel is not as critical but still needs no turbulence around
it.Not sure if you can see in this pic but i put mine on each side..

 

[protozo1]

Re: speed sensor, transducer install question

Here's a follow up question. I'm looking to install a transom transducer on an inboard boat. Where should I put it?

 

[Ron-O]

Re: speed sensor, transducer install question

Thanks for the pic. Looks like I'll have to find some way to route around my I/O for the wheel if I want to move it to the other side.

 

[Boatist]

Re: speed sensor, transducer install question

I have a 21 foot runabout and mounted my 8 degree transducer right next to the Pitot.
In fact transducer and pitot tube share the same screw hole.
On the other side of the pitot tube have my 20 degree transducer and it shares a screw hole on
the other side of the pitot tube.
Speed and temp share a screw hole on the other side of the 8 degree transducer.

So on the starboard side from the engine I have a 20 degree transducer, pitot tube, 8 degree transducer,
speed sensor, 24 by 12 trim tab then the chime.

Both the transducer work and never loose bottom signal and the speed sensor is very accurite.
I do under some condition need to reduce the sensitivy some at higher speeds or the screen is mostly black.
My depth finder is a 1985 model long before they came out with auto sensitivy.
Also my hull is a 21 foot modified V Aluminum hull.

One suggestion if you have not drilled any holes and mounted transducer think about a
transducer mounting plate first and then mount transducer to the plate.
This way you do not need to drill holes below the water line or if you use the short plate only need two
holes in the hull then can drill as many transducer mounting holes as you want without ever
drilling another hole in the hull.

Go to http://www.cabelas.com/

and search for TRANSDUCER MOUNTING PLATE. Then click on it and see both styles.

They sell them here at Iboats but I always have trouble finding them with the search.

 

[burroak]

Re: speed sensor, transducer install question

IMO, the placement of the speed sensor in relationship to other transom sensors is (within reason) not as critical as getting clean water flowing from the hull. Look for any item on the bottom of the boat that will create a turbulence as it comes off the hull. Avoid those areas.

Just a suggestion for waterproofing the transom access for the sensor cables. If you will note the stainless cover on the port side of the transom, it is sealed by making a gasket from the side of a 5 quart ice cream pail. Screw the plate to a sacrificial board with the pail side sandwiched in between. Cut the plastic flush with the plate. Drill a hole for the cable, cut with a utility knife from the hole to an outside edge. Install it over the cable and under the plate. When this is all assembled, caulk the hole from the inside for a water tight installation.

 

[Ron-O]

Re: speed sensor, transducer install question

I picked up a mounting plate from Cabelas when I got the Humminbird. I don't think it's going to work unless I cut it up a little. I can get the transducer away from the pitot tube, as for the speed wheel it may have to go more towards the IO unit. The toughest may be trying to keep everything out of the way of the bunks. I was trying to keep everything on the starboard side. I'll get a pic of the transom and post it.

Ron