Tab and Transducer instal issues on transom. HELP!

[Siahnide]

I am a straight up boat newbie, ive owned this boat for about 3 weeks and have taken it out once, so I apologize if this seems super simple to most. I have included a picture to help you help me
I have emailed Nauticus and they drew me the location of where to mount the Smart Tab Sx (in red), they said I have to relocate my hold downs on my trailer.
then yesterday I bought a Lowrance Elite 4 fishfinder/chart plotter. and I marked in yellow where I believe it should go..

So this brings me to problem #1, if I relocated my tie downs my trailer they would have to be directly vertical of the u bolt on my transom (trailer is 2.5 feet forward of transom) is this suitable for a hold down?

Problem #2, if this is suitable, that puts my tie down strap right over I think my transducer should be placed..i don't think the transducer can go anymore inboard without interfering with the leg.

What do you guys think I should do? is there maybe other tabs that could work elsewhere? im kinda at a loss, I wanna get out boatin! Your help is very much appreciated.


Bayliner Capri 2050 5.7L Alpha 1

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Tab and Transducer instal issues on transom. HELP!

Mount your 'ducer so you can watch the depths for safety. You have had the boat out once- the PO did not need tabs-- you may not either. Experiment with the trim on your lower unit 1st. In over 40 years on the water I've had many I/Os and never needed tabs. I put them on my off shore I/Os (more than 20 miles on the Atlantic) and outboards over 20' only.

 

[Siahnide]

Re: Tab and Transducer instal issues on transom. HELP!

I operate a few different boats at my work but never do repairs or maintenance on them (I work at a large shipyard) trim tabs would make a big difference, my buddy has a hydrofoil on his drive and has the same boat way better performance just from that.. I don't really want to go that route.
thanks for your input, I definitely will be putting the transducer on, but would also like some smart tabs. as well

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Tab and Transducer install issues on transom. HELP!

Re: Tab and Transducer install issues on transom. HELP!

Keep the tabs out as far as they will fit. Straddling a Strake is acceptable.
Move the Transducer as far in as long as it isn't in front of the prop or the AV Plate.

The Transom Strap going forward to the Trailer cross-member is acceptable.

 

[Siahnide]

Re: Tab and Transducer install issues on transom. HELP!

Re: Tab and Transducer install issues on transom. HELP!

im liking this, its sounding like all this stuff can work out for me
the Lowrance instructions said to mount the transducer at least 12" from the lower leg, is this with the leg in the full down straight position. how critical would having it 10" away be, as long as it is not infront of the prop or anti vent plate?

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Tab and Transducer instal issues on transom. HELP!

One thing to watch out for... make sure that your ladder, when deployed, won't hit the SmartTabs. Before my restore, I had a transom-mounted ladder similar to yours and I needed another inch or two of clearance when the ladder swung down or it would hit the SmartTab. Not good, especially if you have wet swimmers climbing out. Since my ladder was off anyway for my restore, I was planning to reinstall it with spacers to keep it further away from the Tabs, but I eventually relocated the ladder entirely and avoided that problem.

Anyway, just wanted to give you a heads-up in case you hadn't considered that.

Jim

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Tab and Transducer instal issues on transom. HELP!

Siahnide;

Please call me at 800-233-0194. You may not need to change the tie down location, just re-route the strap.

Needing or not needing trim tabs is a function of your tolerance for performance issues

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Tab and Transducer install issues on transom. HELP!

Re: Tab and Transducer install issues on transom. HELP!

im liking this, its sounding like all this stuff can work out for me
the Lowrance instructions said to mount the transducer at least 12" from the lower leg, is this with the leg in the full down straight position. how critical would having it 10" away be, as long as it is not infront of the prop or anti vent plate?

My transducer is very close to being in front of the drive. It works very well except for high speed with the drive trimmed in all the way. ( rough water )

I agree with Unclewillie you could move the strap attachment on the trailer pretty easily if necessary.

And as for the swim ladder my old setup was very close and I always had to remind everyone not to step on the tabs by accident.

The performance gains are worth the install issues so don't let anyone convince you otherwise.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Tab and Transducer install issues on transom. HELP!

Re: Tab and Transducer install issues on transom. HELP!

The performance gains are worth the install issues so don't let anyone convince you otherwise.

+1 on that!

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Tab and Transducer install issues on transom. HELP!

Re: Tab and Transducer install issues on transom. HELP!

I'm liking this, its sounding like all this stuff can work out for me
the Lowrance instructions said to mount the transducer at least 12" from the lower leg, is this with the leg in the full down straight position. how critical would having it 10" away be, as long as it is not in front of the prop or anti vent plate?

Moving the Strap is a minor issue.

The Instructions to keep the Transducer 12" away from the prop are generic and do not apply to your situation.
They mean 12" to the side. Humminbird recommends 15".
The reason is to keep the transducer out of the foamy Prop Wash.
It makes sense if you have an Inboard where the prop will be in front of the Transducer.

With an I/O or OB the prop is behind the transducer and the Prop Wash Interference issue does not exist.
There is a slight chance that if you locate the transducer in front of the prop, it will disturb the inflow to the prop and increase the chance of Ventilating the prop at high speed.

This setup has worked for me!