Transducer Placement for HB997C SI

Hello everyone. Been reading posts on this site for a while, just signed up and started posting. Just purchased a used 997c SI. The unit came with two SI transducers and a third 2d transducer. Putting unit on 17ft Xpress. Would like to hear suggestions on transducer placement. I don't think I will need both SI ducers, but yall tell me. In the following pictures, my motor is trimmed all the way down, so it seems there is plenty of room between boat and motor to get clear sight to both sides. Also, where on 2d ducer? The other SI ducer will either be back up or might look at putting up front, running second GPS and power cord so I can move unit to front.

Also, is the SI transducer suppose to be level with bottom of boat, slightly under, or above bottom line?

Appreciate any help. First SI unit and want to limit the new holes in boat!

Just look at some of these locations.


sideimaging : UnOfficial Humminbird Side Imaging Group

Did you get an owner's manual with the unit? If not, you can download one from HB website. Manual discusses best placement of transducers, and has a mounting template for positioning on transom and deadrise.

Here's mine I have to trim up alittle but so far so good.


http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...t/100_0873.jpg

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...t/100_1115.jpg

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...t/100_1116.jpg

Thanks for the info. I guess there isn't any reason to mount the second SI transducer on the back for my setup. How about the 2d transducer for high speed? Do most of you get bottom readings when running 35 to 40 with your SI transducers? My plan is to mount one SI transducer right beside existing transducer. That would leave plenty of room for the 2d transducer to the right and above the SI transducer so not to block the SI. Is that neccessary?

Also, any ideas on mounting second SI up front (TM mount or other) and moving the 997 from console to front while spider rigging. May require to much to constantly move backand forth. Thoughts from anyone welcome...

I would start by removing the existing transducer and mounting one of the HDSi transducers just to the right of that position. Hold off on the second HDSi transducer and the 2D transducer until you figure out if you really need them or not. If you need the 2D transducer for high speed readings than I would mount it on the opposite side of the motor in about the same location so as to lessen the amount of Si sonar that it blocks to that side.

Stickman what did you end up doing here? I can't decide what route I should take regarding high speed readings. I have the depth finder here and boat halfway taken apart but am in wait mode on the ram mount.

My unit only came with the SI x-ducer. I can't decide if I should order another x-ducer for high speed running and mount the SI so it's out of the water when Im running or just go with it as my sole x-ducer on the back of the boat.

Where fishermanwantabee has his should be fine for slow or high speed. You gotta be outside the step.

Big Ridge Brewer, I probably went overboard, but I mounted both SI transducers up higher on the boat for protection. I had two and the splitter cable, so I used them. I then mounted a 2d transducer down lower for high speed running because the SI ducers are above the water by several inches. I had the stuff, so I went the route of overboard so I wouldn't have to redo anything. I will try to get pictures soon and post. Not sure the best way, but I have gotten a lot of good side and down images.

so what is high speed (mph) and can anything be used thru hull? doubt it! If anyone has pics on a fiberglass boat please post. Thanks

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Originally Posted by Stickman

Big Ridge Brewer, I probably went overboard, but I mounted both SI transducers up higher on the boat for protection. I had two and the splitter cable, so I used them. I then mounted a 2d transducer down lower for high speed running because the SI ducers are above the water by several inches. I had the stuff, so I went the route of overboard so I wouldn't have to redo anything. I will try to get pictures soon and post. Not sure the best way, but I have gotten a lot of good side and down images.

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Over kill no advantage here!

I have come to the conclusion that there ain't no such thing as a good mount for the things.

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Originally Posted by Stickman

Big Ridge Brewer, I probably went overboard, but I mounted both SI transducers up higher on the boat for protection. I had two and the splitter cable, so I used them. I then mounted a 2d transducer down lower for high speed running because the SI ducers are above the water by several inches. I had the stuff, so I went the route of overboard so I wouldn't have to redo anything. I will try to get pictures soon and post. Not sure the best way, but I have gotten a lot of good side and down images.

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This is what I'm thinking. I believe I would prefer to have the SI x-ducer out of the water when running at higher speeds. Of course this means I have to order the Y-cable and a 2D x-ducer.

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Originally Posted by Cane Pole

I have come to the conclusion that there ain't no such thing as a good mount for the things.

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I see you have yours on that retractable rod so I am assuming you prefer it not be submerged when running?

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Originally Posted by Cane Pole

I have come to the conclusion that there ain't no such thing as a good mount for the things.

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Mine works good for me. Just have to know what your scanning! I like to be different!

I have had nothing but good out of mine. Didn't try it any other way though, so I can't really speak for how overboard I went. I just thought the higher might keep them out of stumps and rocks when fishing shallow...I am by no means suggesting buying a 2nd SI ducer. On the other hand, I was told by a lot of people to go with 2d in addition to SI. Not sure how it works without 2d because I never tried it. There are others on this site with a lot more wisdom on this topic than I, maybe they will chime in.

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Originally Posted by Fisherman_Wantabe

Mine works good for me. Just have to know what your scanning! I like to be different!

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I don't think knowing what you're scanning is the problem. It's where to mount it and whether or not a 2D x-ducer is beneficial. I'm leaning towards the SI not being in the water when running 40mph.

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Originally Posted by Big Ridge Brewer

I don't think knowing what you're scanning is the problem. It's where to mount it and whether or not a 2D x-ducer is beneficial. I'm leaning towards the SI not being in the water when running 40mph.

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BS, you got to know if your outboard is in the way or not, and more :rolleyes: do I have to spell it out :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Big Ridge Brewer

I don't think knowing what you're scanning is the problem. It's where to mount it and whether or not a 2D x-ducer is beneficial. I'm leaning towards the SI not being in the water when running 40mph.

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Why would it be?????

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Originally Posted by Big Ridge Brewer

I don't think knowing what you're scanning is the problem. It's where to mount it and whether or not a 2D x-ducer is beneficial. I'm leaning towards the SI not being in the water when running 40mph.

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What you going to see at 40 MPH???? Water??

Boys. this is not rocket science! Use some common cents! :p:p;)

For some reason Wantabe the point you seem to be missing is it comes down to personal preference. Some people like minnows over jigs, some people like 10' poles over 12'. Some people don't want the SI x-ducer in the water when running on plane. I have seen numerous boats like this and it appears to be a few here on this board rigged the same way.

Now thanks for your input that it's overkill but before you reply again I think I know where you stand.

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Originally Posted by Big Ridge Brewer

For some reason Wantabe the point you seem to be missing is it comes down to personal preference. Some people like minnows over jigs, some people like 10' poles over 12'. Some people don't want the SI x-ducer in the water when running on plane. I have seen numerous boats like this and it appears to be a few here on this board rigged the same way.

Now thanks for your input that it's overkill but before you reply again I think I know where you stand.

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Nah, just what works and what don't work. :rolleyes:

Fisherman wantabe do you get a depth reading at speed? I had mine where at above 15 mph i lost depth. I moved it over to the outside of the step,havent tried it yet.

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Originally Posted by wilbur

Fisherman wantabe do you get a depth reading at speed? I had mine where at above 15 mph i lost depth. I moved it over to the outside of the step,haven't tried it yet.

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Yea, get reading up to about 25 mph, (that's about as fast as I run :p) the picture looks funny, but the depth reading stays solid. Don't know just how accurate it is but it's pretty close I think, from running over some areas I have fished before it's seem real close.
It took me 3 trys to get it close to being right, I think or it's the best I've been able to do between the 2 boats I've had the SI on.

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Originally Posted by Fisherman_Wantabe

Nah, just what works and what don't work. :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Fisherman_Wantabe

Yea, get reading up to about 25 mph, (that's about as fast as I run :p) the picture looks funny, but the depth reading stays solid.

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So you have no experience with anything over 25mph? Thanks for playing. ;)



See how that game is played? It really gets this thread nowhere. The reason I bumped this thread was to get feedback from the OP as to what route he took. He provided me with a solid answer.

If you think having a standard x-ducer is overkill, then please state your reasoning so I can weigh all the replies. And let it be informational & something I can use opposed to these snarky comments like "Use common sense", "What you want to see, water?". These comments are no help whatsoever.

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Originally Posted by Big Ridge Brewer

So you have no experience with anything over 25mph? Thanks for playing. ;)

I didn't say i had no experience running over 25, I just don't run much faster than that and look at the FF! I ain't no NASCAR Bass Fisherman. Like texting and driving it's not safe. Running a boat over 20 / 25 or more and tring to read the FF can't be safe either. :eek:

See how that game is played? It really gets this thread nowhere. The reason I bumped this thread was to get feedback from the OP as to what route he took. He provided me with a solid answer.

I ain't playing no game. When you put more than one transducer it causes problem, that I don't need. If you like problems by all means go fo it! :rolleyes:

If you think having a standard x-ducer is overkill, then please state your reasoning so I can weigh all the replies. And let it be informational & something I can use opposed to these snarky comments like "Use common sense", "What you want to see, water?". These comments are no help whatsoever.

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Well my SI transducer shows 2D as well as any other! ;)
And at 15 mph or over you will not see anything much but water with any FF.
The other comment "Use Common Sense" well that's been around all my life but alot of
people don't use it!

I will just keep my 2 cents to myself with your threads from now on.
Have a nice day:p

And here's the manual
Look at page 13 to 19 :p


http://store.humminbird.com/media/do...997_Manual.pdf

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Originally Posted by Fisherman_Wantabe

And here's the manual
Look at page 13 to 19 :p


http://store.humminbird.com/media/do...997_Manual.pdf

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Thanks but that came with the unit. :D

Thing is, I don't want that honking x-ducer in the water when I'm on plane. I seen a couple boats this evening setup with it raised so it's out of the water when running like Stickman. The owners really liked the setup.

I have a map for the unit so I can use that for aided navigation (shaded areas of depth, etc.), but I just like looking at the depth finder when running and seeing how deep the water is. It makes me feel comfy. I don't care for the amount of rooster tail that SI can/might produce. Besides, you fork out this kinda $$$ for the unit, another $100 seems minuscule at this point. :)

Cheers,

BRB

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Originally Posted by Big Ridge Brewer

Thanks but that came with the unit. :D

Thing is, I don't want that honking x-ducer in the water when I'm on plane. I seen a couple boats this evening setup with it raised so it's out of the water when running like Stickman. The owners really liked the setup.

I have a map for the unit so I can use that for aided navigation (shaded areas of depth, etc.), but I just like looking at the depth finder when running and seeing how deep the water is. It makes me feel comfy. I don't care for the amount of rooster tail that SI can/might produce. Besides, you fork out this kinda $$$ for the unit, another $100 seems minuscule at this point. :)

Cheers,

BRB

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That's cool, but I know about cost I have the 1197cSI and 777c2 on the bow with interlink and wheather sense :D
2 years running with it as is no problems. I fish alot of standing timber too.
So I still don't see the point :confused:
On my last boat Tracker PT175 it had some rooster tail, but now on the new boat
after trail and error it's good.
Each to his own man :p
Good fishing to ya!

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Originally Posted by Fisherman_Wantabe

On my last boat Tracker PT175 it had some rooster tail, but now on the new boat
after trail and error it's good.

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Is the boat you have pictured in this thread your current boat?

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Originally Posted by Big Ridge Brewer

Is the boat you have pictured in this thread your current boat?

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Yea, 2008 V18 All Fish :)

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Originally Posted by Fisherman_Wantabe

Yea, 2008 V18 All Fish :)

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I have the '05 model. By a quick look the hulls look to be same.