Rigging Help: HB 988SI HD Transducer Install

[Moose-Hunter]

Been pullin' my hair out with this one. I just installed (almost) a new HB 998 SI and need a little help with transducer placement. I have a HB dual beam currently on the transom and will keep this for better "on plane" performance. But where to mount the HDSI side imaging transducer. Here's what I came up with so far... (Be advised, I will be mounting these to a mounting plate/board to avoid swiss cheesing the transom)

Question... Should I go with this configuration (ON A MOUNTING BOARD) or change it? If changes are needed... What?

[TruthWalleyes]

your si transducer will be throwing a real big rooster tail if you mount it that low. go to bbc forum for lots of pictures of si install on many hulls.

[kerryd15]

I am no means an expert, but I would try to center between the rows of rivets running down the hull.

[hitthebricks]

You might want to move the transducer a inch or two to the right to avoid the rivet line. The middle line of the ducer should line up with the bottom of the boat but it still will create a major tail. Keeping the ducer too low will also create a lot of safety releases from the mount bracket.

Good Luck,

HTB

[John Mickish]

As Truth says, big rooster tail that way and more subject to damage. It's ok for the DSI transducer to be out of the water on plane since your not using it anyways.

[delmuts]

For certain; log into HB website to see all the ways others have mounted the transducers. One thing i did notice. When you're normally running and using the SI; where or how much is your motor trimmed? You need clearance so the signal can get past the lower unit for a signal to that side.

[Moose-Hunter]

Thanks guys!!

Current Depth/Position of SI transducer:

It's only sitting that low in the pics for alignment purposes. To physically see the location in relation to the rivet lines. As mentioned, using the "Y" cable my dual beam will be for use "on plane". Seeing that this HDSI 'ducer is close to $300... It'll be pulled up for protection if nothing else. Besides... The thing is as big as a trim tab!!

This hull (2012 Lund ProV with the IPS2 hull) has added strakes way forward towards the bow and out of the pic. I may have about an inch, maybe less, of lateral movement to the right. I'll drag my old bones under the hull and get actual measurements later today.

As long as I feel the pictured locations are "close", I'm going to mount the mounting board center on their locations. Thus giving them the most possible "adjustment" if necessary.

BTW... Does anyone know where I can get the the material the mounting board is made of in larger, cut your own shape", sections?

Thanks again... You folks have help greatly. Please feel free to add to this post!

[John Mickish]

It's HDPE plastic. Any commercial plastic supplier should be able to help you. It's also the same stuff as commercal cutting boards.

[h8go4s]

I used a piece of composite deck board, the solid kind. It's made for outdoor use, so I figured it would work. I spray painted it black before putting it on. That was 3-4 years ago and still ok.

[Moose-Hunter]

Here's what I ended up with...

I'm not 100% sure of the locations or the heights but the positions are in THE BEST places for unfettered water flow. The dual beam "may" be a bit far to the starboard and may "air out" in tight corners. But... I think if I'm turning THAT sharp, I won't be going that fast anyway. Thus the stern will be planted a bit deeper.

The HDSI 'ducer is mounted very close to the same spot where the dual beam was originally mounted. About 18" from the center line of the hull. Moved only slightly to hopefully "cleaner" water flow. With the main engine trimmed up so it j-u-s-t flips to "2", gives the HDSI a clear shot all the way across the transom. The Pro Kicker can be in it's most dropped position without causing interference.

The mounting board I used is too small to allow for a clean install and to allow max vertical adjustment. That said, a new piece, 18" x 5" of custom cut and routered black Starboard has been ordered. This will allow the use of at least one mounting hole, be taller for more vertical adjustment, added width will also allow me to mount the board lower to match the plane of the hull with a custom bevel.

I probably screwed this project up six ways from sunday. But... We won't know until the ProV hits the water. With the looks of it, should be about the 4th of July.

[TruthWalleyes]

Looks good. are you running those to 1 bird with a switch or do you have 2 birds?

[Moose-Hunter]

Looks good. are you running those to 1 bird with a switch or do you have 2 birds?

Running both to a "Y" cable then to my new 998.

[TruthWalleyes]

right on, im doing the same with si & quad beam