I. Getting started
To get the most accurate and reliable readings from your fish finder, you need to install the transducer correctly. A transducer that isn’t installed properly can give you wrong readings, break down often, and even damage your boat. Because of this, it’s important to know the right way to install it and do it that way.
You will need some important tools to install a transom mount fish finder transducer the right way. These include a drill, drill bits, a screwdriver, masking tape, silicone adhesive, a wire stripper, and electrical tape. Depending on the structure of your boat and the type of transducer you want to install, you may need extra tools like a jigsaw or a hole saw.
By following the steps in this guide and using the right tools, you can make sure that your transducer is mounted correctly, giving you the most accurate and reliable readings during your fishing trips. So, let’s get into the details of how to install a transom mount fish finder transducer correctly.
Different kinds of transducers
There are different kinds of transducers on the market, and each has its own features and instructions for how to install it. Let’s look at the most common kinds of transducers that fish finders use.
A. Transducer Mounted on the Bow:
Most boats can use transducers that mount on the transom, which is the most common type. They are easy to set up and can be put on either the boat’s transom or hull. Most transducers that are attached to the transom are mounted outside, which makes them more likely to be damaged by bumps or debris in the water.
B. Transducer in the hull:
In-hull transducers are put inside the boat’s hull, which makes them less likely to get broken by debris or a hard hit. The sonar signal is sent through the hull of the boat and into the water by these transducers. In-hull transducers need a smooth, clean surface to work right, and it can be harder to put them in than a transom-mounted transducer.
C. Transducer Through Hull:
With a thru-hull transducer, a hole is drilled through the boat’s hull and the transducer is mounted on the inside of the hull. Most large boats have through-hull transducers, which are more expensive than transom mount or in-hull transducers. They give the most accurate and reliable readings, but installation must be done by a professional.
D. Transducer on Wheels:
Anglers who change boats often or fish from a kayak or canoe will find portable transducers useful. These transducers are powered by batteries and can be easily attached to the side of the boat with suction cups or clamps.
Choosing the right type of transducer for your fishing needs depends on a number of things, like the size of your boat, where you fish, and how much money you have. Once you’ve chosen the right transducer, you can move on to choosing the best place to put it.
III. Choosing the Right Place to Put It In
To get accurate and reliable readings, it’s important to put your transducer in the right place. Here are some things to think about when choosing an installation site:
A. Flow of water:
To get accurate readings, the transducer needs to be placed where the water flow is steady. Don’t put the transducer close to the propeller or anything else that might stir up the water.
B. Problems with other equipment:
The transducer can be messed up by other things on the boat, which can lead to wrong readings. Avoid putting the transducer near motors, pumps, or any other electrical equipment that could cause electrical interference.
C. Water Depth:
When choosing a place to install, it is also important to think about how deep the water is. If the transducer is mounted too high or too low, it can change what the readings show. When the boat is at rest, the transducer should be mounted so that about 1/4 to 1/3 of its length is under water.
D. Hull Subject:
The material of the hull can also change how well the transducer works. Sonar waves can be absorbed or reflected in different ways by different things, like wood, fibreglass, or aluminium. Make sure to choose a place where the material of the hull works with the type of transducer you are using.
To get the most out of your fish finder, you need to take the time to put the transducer in the right place. Once you’ve found the best place, you can start getting the hull ready for installation.
IV. Getting the Hull Ready to Install
Before you can put the transducer on the boat, you need to get the hull ready. Here are the steps to take to get the hull ready to be put in place:
A. Wiping Down the Surface:
The first step is to clean the area where the transducer will be put. Use soap and water to clean the surface of any dirt, grease, or oil. If you need to, use a degreaser and make sure to wash the area well with clean water.
B. Putting on glue:
Put a small amount of silicone adhesive on the surface where the transducer will be mounted. The glue will help hold the transducer in place and keep water from getting in through the holes where it is mounted.
C. Hole-Drilling:
Drill the mounting holes in the hull with the right-sized drill bit and a drill. Make sure you don’t drill too far or too deep. Wrap the area with masking tape to keep the gel coat from chipping or cracking.
After you have cleaned and fixed the hull, you can install the transducer. Make sure to follow the instructions that came with your boat and transducer.
V. Putting the Transducer in Place
Now that the hull is ready, it’s time to put the transducer in. To mount the transducer correctly, do these things:
A. Putting the Bracket Together:
If your transducer has a bracket, you should put it on the transducer. Make sure that all screws and bolts are tight.
B. Where to put the transducer:
Put the transducer on the boat’s hull in the spot you chose. Make sure the transducer is straight and in line with the boat’s keel. Check the instructions from the manufacturer to see how the transducer should be placed.
C. Putting the Transducer in place:
To keep the transducer in place, use screws or bolts. Make sure to tighten the screws or bolts evenly to keep the transducer or hull from getting bent or damaged. Put a small amount of sealant around the transducer’s edges to keep water from getting in.
Once you’ve put the transducer in place and made sure it’s secure, connect the wires to the fish finder and turn it on to make sure everything is set up correctly. If everything works as it should, you can clean up and finish the installation.
Getting the Transducer Wired
Wiring the transducer is a crucial part of installing it. Here’s how to connect the wires:
Putting the Wires Together:
Follow the instructions on the package to connect the wires from the transducer to the fish finder. Make sure the colours and polarity of the wires match.
B. Taking care of the wires:
Once the wires are connected, run them through a conduit or tube to keep them safe. This will keep water, debris, and other things from damaging them.
C. Examining the Links:
Test the connections by turning on the fish finder and making sure the transducer is getting a signal before you finish the installation. Make sure the transducer is giving you accurate readings by moving the boat around in the water.
If you have problems, check the connections again and look at the manufacturer’s instructions for tips on how to fix them. Once you’re sure the installation is done and working right, clean up any sealant or glue that’s left over and tighten any loose wires. With these steps, you can correctly mount a fish finder transducer on the transom of your boat and get accurate readings when you go fishing.
VII. Calibration
Calibration is the process of changing the settings on the fish finder so that it can give you accurate readings based on how the water is. Here’s what you need to do to set up your fish finder:
A. The process of calibration:
Start by turning on the fish finder and going to the menu that says “calibration.”
Change the sensitivity settings to fit the water conditions where you are fishing. For example, if the water is clear, you may need to turn up the sensitivity to find fish. If the water is murky, you may need to turn down the sensitivity to stop debris from getting in the way.
Change the depth range to match how deep the water is where you’re fishing. This will make sure that the fish finder shows accurate readings of the bottom and any fish or structures there.
Change the angle of the transducer so that it is parallel to the water surface. This will make the readings more accurate by reducing the effect of the boat’s hull.
Move the boat around in the water and look at the readings on the fish finder to see if the calibration is right. Make any changes to the settings that are needed to make sure the readings are correct.
B. Fixing problems with calibration:
If there are problems with the calibration, there are a few steps you can take to fix them:
Make sure that the transducer is mounted securely and that nothing is blocking it.
Make sure the connections between the wires are tight and in the right place.
Make sure that the depth range setting matches the depth of the water you are fishing in.
If the problem persists, look at the manufacturer’s instructions or call their customer service for more help.
By following these steps to calibrate your fish finder and troubleshooting tips, you can make sure it gives you accurate and reliable readings while you are fishing.
VIII. In the end
Installing a transom mount fish finder transducer correctly is important if you want accurate and reliable readings while you are fishing. If you set up your transducer correctly, it will tell you important things about the depth of the water, where the fish are, and if there are any structures or obstacles below.
It’s important to carefully choose where to install the pump based on things like water flow, interference from other equipment, and water depth. For the transducer mount to be secure and stable, the hull must be properly prepared. This means cleaning the surface, putting on adhesive, and drilling holes.
Once the transducer is in place, make sure it is wired correctly and that the fish finder is calibrated. This will make sure that the readings you get while fishing are accurate and reliable. Fixing any problems that come up during the calibration process will help you get the settings just right for the water you are fishing in.
You can get the most out of your transom mount fish finder transducer if you take the time to set it up and calibrate it correctly. You will be better able to find fish, see structures and obstacles, and have more success fishing as a result.