Best Transducer Location?

[bjanakos]

I am installing a B150M on a '78 F-32 in the next few days and I am looking for an ideal location.

My personal requirements are that it must be relatively accessible (I'm not pulling any motors or fuel tanks) and interference from running gear should be avoided as much as possible.

I have a few locations in mind, and I am interested in what others have done, but I think I am shooting for option 1....

1- In the lazarette just aft of the fresh water tank. It should be forward of the props which is good, but aft of the intakes.
Pros - Easy to access, easy to install, On center line
Cons - cavitation may be an issue especially underway, intake cavitation may be an issue, long cable run. May need to purchase an extension

2 - In the engine compartment forward of the genny
Pros - Should be out of the way of cavitation, shorter cable run
Cons - Not as easy to get access/install, Off-center install due to keel.

3 - Forward of the cetner bulkhead
Pros - Well away from cavitation risk
Cons - Long and difficult cable run, off-center, larger deadrise.

[Stripermann2]

I have a couple.
1- is just as you described, in the lazarette aft of the water tank, port side. Easy to get to and service.

2- In the engine room, outboard of the starboard engine and just aft of engine. Easy access as well. This sensor has a wheel...

[bjanakos]

Thanks! Do you experience any issues reading the bottom at cruising speed with your #1? I also have one on the starboard side. It's an old speed/depth unit; possibly original.

[captainmaniac]

I have 2 transducers as well for my Autohelm / Raymarine TriData system. One is a depth sounder, the other is paddlewheel for speed. I upgraded from a vintage 1979 depth only config as soon as I bought the boat.

I had my marina do the transducer installs, because if the boat sinks after someone drills a 2" hole in the bottom of it, all I have to do is show the insurance company the work order! They reused the location for the previous depth transducer, which is port side of the keel, perhaps 6" off of the keel, about 6-8" aft of the forward engine room bulkhead. Basically underneath the front edge of the battery boxes and between the inboard stringers.

The other transducer was mounted to starboard, also about 6-8" aft of that forward bulkhead, roughly centered between the stringers holding the starboard engine.

Never had a problem with readings or reliability from either due to turbulence or aeration at any hull speed. Having said that, speedo always reads a bit low compared to GPS but you have to expect a simple paddlewheel gizmo is not going to be the most accurate thing in the world.

[K4282]

I just bought a Hawkeye depth/speed/air temp, after reading the instructions several times and looking over the boat my mounting location was starboard side, somewhat near the water intake, I believe it's closer to the keel, felt weird cutting a 2 in hole in the bottom of my boat :-/ I saved the piece lol The instructions made a good point to keep in mind a flat clean surface on the inside which was part of my reasoning as well as keeping it away from the intake and turbulence from the props

[bjanakos]

I'll send an update after the weekend.

I think I am either going to drop it right under the battery tray, or between the port stringers aft of the motor and in front of the intake.

Question.... Those boards that run down the center... Will they come out relatively easy? or does the genny rest on these?

[bjanakos]

I put mine port side about 2" outboard of the keel right in front of the battery tray. I'm not sure how far this boat lifts under plane but it's just aft of the mid-ship bulkhead, so I think I will be ok. I also removed the bronze mounts for the swim platform (the platform has long been abandoned) and installed a set of 5 underwater blue LED lights.

If anyone wants some swim platform hardware, PM me.