Transducer help

[Bust it Big]

I have installed a Garman Transom Mount Transducer to compliment the new 3210 GPSMap I got. When I am at trolling speed or less, the sonar screens work fine showing all the detail you would expect but once I get some speed, the sonar screen goes on the blink, I am thinking a turbulence issue. I was very careful in following the transducer installation instruction but not good enough I guess. Should I adjust the transducer and if so, does it need to be lowered or raised.

[FinaddictMike]

That's really a tough one not seeing it. I had some problems getting my garmin transducer right and had it "tripping" or popping up over 35 in rough water. In my situation it worked best to leave the forward edge almost 1/4" below the hull of the transom's on plane waterline. I used a 3' level along the bottom of the hull to get the angle. And the trailing edge was about a 1/16" lower. Had to tighten up the spring loaded retention screws to keep it locked while pounding the waves. It may take some trial and error. Not quite as easy as the Lowrance skimmer which is simply an underwater torpedo. Good luck. I never did attempt a thru hull sounding system which required an epoxy air free pocket which shoots thru the hull but some boats come with a pocket in which to epoxy the transducer. You mentioned turbulance, trim tabs and the cavitation plate will disturb the water around the transducer if it's too close. There can be no air in the water below the transducer. This is where a nomination for the annual Darwin award comes in. Get the boat running full speed, a bungee to hold the wheel kinda straight and while holding your beer in one hand, hold onto something in the other and lean over the transom while skipping waves to see where the white water and clean water is. Where the clean water is trailing the hull is where the transducer should be. I'm kidding on that bungee cord thing of course (disclaimer)

[Bust it Big]

Thanks. I have a Grady White with a engine mount platform which extends pvder the transom by a couple feet which left me a limited are to mount but have not messed with trimtabs at this point. I hear you on the Lowarance transducer. That is what I had on last boat.

[Heaver]

I had a dealer install the fish finder for me. Afterwards I had the exact same issue with it as you are having with yours = at slow speed a perfect picture that would would not be there at planing speed. One look at the installation told me why - the transducer was install immediately behind a sharp hull chine where water was very turbulent at planing speeds. The only option was for me to movie it over to a spot with clean water. Had no further problems with the fish finder display at any speed.

Patched the old holes with gel coat repair material.

Hope you get your problem resolved...

Lou

[Heaver]

I had a dealer install the fish finder for me. Afterwards I had the exact same issue with it as you are having with yours = at slow speed a perfect picture that would would not be there at planing speed. One look at the installation told me why - the transducer was install immediately behind a sharp hull chine where water was very turbulent at planing speeds. The only option was for me to movie it over to a spot with clean water. Had no further problems with the fish finder display at any speed.

Patched the old holes with gel coat repair material.

Hope you get your problem resolved...

Lou

[CRYSTAL_CLEAR_D]

Depending on how deep those holes are you might want to consider using Marine Tex for the patch. Check out their website...


Sean