New Bird on the way. Side imaging transducer question

[Mansell82]

Ok I ordered my new 1199 today and it'll be here Wednesday. I'm reading everything I can about installation so I can get out and play with it ASAP. I've heard about the SI 'ducer not reading 2D while on plane and that guys with this problem will epoxy in a thru hull 'ducer for the 2D. Another $100 is BS IMO. Is this really a problem or am I just coming across the handful of problem boats out there?

 

[EricM]

Depends on the boat/location/installation. Many transom mount transducers have the same problem unless perfectly set, and even then if the bottom of the boat creates bubbles. The through-hull units are in much less disturbed (aerated) flow. I do not have a thru-hull with my 1199 and I do lose depth on plane, but if I needed it for my fishing I would certainly mount one with the y-cable. You WILL need to if you choose to mount the SI transducer on a jack plate, it will not work at speed.

 

[Doug V]

It all depends on how you want to mount the transducer. It can read on plane but you have to mount where the transducer is in clean water when the boat is on plane but you subject it to underwater hazards at that position too. Most opt to mount higher for protection and add the XP 9 20 to shoot thru hull and the AS SI DB Y Cable to get all speed 2D readings

 

[VolsFan24]

I decided to mount my SI transducer a little higher and epoxy a 2D transducer in the bilge. I did it this way because I was told to get readings on my SI transducer while on plane, it would have to be mounted kind of low and will be out in the open to get hit by something in the water and break. Replacing a SI transducer is ALOT more than buying a 2D one to keep the SI safer. I thought that made sense to me, and is why I did it that way.

 

[Mansell82]

Ok just looked up a few prices and now I see that I don't want to replace the SI transducer. I will def get the thru hull if I feel like I need the high speed readings. Thanks for the input guys

 

[BulletTJ]

The SI will not work at the speed it requires a boat to stay on plane. To get the best picture your boat needs to be in the 4-5 mph range which is usually a idle speed. It is not designed to scan the bottom of the lake while you are running 40 mph. If I were you I would get the optional depthfinder puck and epoxy it in the belige area of the boat. It will give you a depth reading at high speed. I would also reccomend installing your SI transducer as close to the center of the rear of the boat. Usually a plate on the bottom of your jackplate is a good place to mount it. If you mount it off the side of the jackplate install it on the drivers side of the jackplate. As for the $100 puck being BS, just be glad you didnt buy a Lowrance unit because everything on it is an extra charge.

 

[Doug V]

I always recommend on high speed boats the additional shoot thru transducer but imaging sonar can read on plane speeds it's just the data is only going to show major changed not the small details like you are accustom to seeing when at slower speeds. The Highest detail images are at the slowest speed you can operate the boat.