Depth sounder for step hulls
 

I'm looking to install a new sounder, because I've not been able to find the "sweet spot" for a good shoot thru location for the transducer. The one I purchased from West Marine seems to be a decent product, it's a "Hawkeye". I get depth readings when off plane, but as soon as I start to get on plane, depth goes away. I know it has to do with the steps, & I've got it mounted about 6" from the transom, & up from the keel. I've moved it 3 times, & the readings are the same. Perhaps I need to go to a different brand, or am I just going to have to bite the bullet & go to a transom mount. I am really trying to avoid that, but I may not have a choice. Anyone have the same trouble with the ZX, or any other stepped hull? I have considered mounting it in the forward bilge area, in front of the steps, but just not sure what, if any reading when on plane....Any tips will be greatly appreciated....

I have a step bottom and put a transducer that shoots thru the fiberglass. I put the transducer half way up from the transom and glued it to the fiberglass. No drilling or modification needed. It works great and is out of the way.

Unfortunately, I tried that first, & I get the same reading. The one I have now is epoxied to the floor, I've also tried silicone, & no difference.....Thanks for the input

What kind are you using I`ll be looking for one soon.

thanks

You have to install the transducer in front of the first step.
The air bubbles created by the steps stop the unit from working.

I looked this evening, it will be rather easy to move it up to the front bilge compartment. I'll move it & let ya know how it reads when on plane.

Also if your hull is cored ( bulsa or other ) the builder usually will have a spot with solid hull to mount the transducer.
You can't shoot through a cored hull.

BINGO,
That's the correct answer!
Dean

In my opinion, all a depth finder does, is confirm the fact when you are hard aground. :eek:

True but he does get a reading, just not while on plane. I don't believe this is his problem. I say go in front of the step as you plan.
Brandon

Mine works great at slower speeds. Below 50mph. But after the hull starts airing out, forget it. Just too much air to get a good reading.

Darrell.

Yes but if you find that spot put the transducer in a large zip lock bag full of water with the boat in the water. Move the transducer around until you find it reads. That is excalty were you need to glue in in place. Be absolutly sure you DO NOT get air bubbles in your glue or the transducer will never read.

On a step bottom boat the transducer has to be in front of the front step or it will never work at any speed.

I do appreciate all the input on this, I will be moving the transducer up in front of the first step. That is where the forward bilge pump is. I know that I'll lose the reading at certain speeds, I'll just make sure I'm below that speed when I'm in unfamiliar water.....It definetly beats driving by feel :D ...That tends to be rough on the outdrive...

So the 'ducer can read as you move it around the hull bottom while the boat is in the water. If there is any air between the ducer and hull bottom it will not read, thus the bag of water.

I just installed one on a 42 fountain. I installed it under the cabin step, right in front of the first hull step(same place factory installs it. I had to mount it about 4inches from the keel, because the center of the boat was cored. The customer said in flat water it was reading at 50mph.