Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: fishfinder on 13 Whaler

Posted by stant01 on 02/15/10 - 11:37 AM
#1

My son's Whaler 13 (approx 1985 model) has a fishfinder that doesn't read while on plane. The transducer is mounted to the transom about 4 inches inboard (toward the hull centerline) of the port side keelson. It is set exactly the way the directions say it should be: Slightly proud to the bottom, slightly tilted down aft to maintain water pressure against the face while on plane. I've mounted transducers exactly like this on a half-dozen other boats and had no problem, so now I'm beginning to suspect turbulence from the keelson; that or a defective transducer. Has anyone else mounted a fishfinder under a similar 13? Where did you mount the transducer, and how well did it work?

Thanks for any help!

Stanton

Posted by TechTeach on 02/15/10 - 2:45 PM
#2

The cathedral hull causes air to be drawn under the t-ducer.

It is very hard to get a fishfinder to read on plane with a small boat, maybe others have had better luck.

Posted by DWinter on 02/15/10 - 3:43 PM
#3

I'd try lowering the transducer a little more. Don't go too low or it will make a rooster tail. I'd also mount it closer to the keel, try about halfway between centerline and first strake on stbd side.

Posted by mstahl1171 on 02/15/10 - 3:45 PM
#4

Here is what my neighbor did for his 13 BW. Despite what the directions say for the transducer..add 1 or 2 notches of downward angle to the transducer....if that does not work....then move the transducer away from the centerline and more towards the port side or stbd side. His is mounted about 6" from the stbd side of the hull and the transducer faces forward....about 2 notches more than the directions call for.

Does it work at slower speeds?? If so...just change the angle a bit and see if that works for you.

Mark

Posted by burtim on 02/16/10 - 7:37 PM
#5

You can see mine on my personal page. It performs wuite well on plane and otherwise. I lose depth indication if the ride is rough.

I simply did a little height adjustment after installation.

Posted by MW on 02/18/10 - 2:49 AM
#6

I've had several on my 15' sport, over the years and have never been able to find the "Sweet spot" for all hull speeds. It won't register when I get up on plane, it does work well at "slow " speeds which is where I should be anyway if in an unfamiliar area of unknown depth.

Posted by tmann45 on 02/18/10 - 4:26 AM
#7

Stanton, mine is mounted just to starboard of the drain tube, just off centerline. This is the only flat spot on my transom. I have pictures if you would like.