Thread: Updating and Upgrading My Skeeter F-80 Strada

This Skeeter has never had a transducer installed on the Transom. I am going back to all Humminbird on this boat. A simpler install with a 10in Helix Mega unit on the Bow & Mega Live transducer on the trolling motor. No poles, no foot control, setting this boat up for a new way of Single Poling I've discovered is very effective. A single Helix 10 will be on the Console.



Starting with the Side Scan transducer I get the mounting bracket installed loosely with no sealer to make sure my transducer is transversely level before sealing and locking down.



When installing a Humminbird transducer like this one having a means of pulling the fixed side of the mount away from the stainless bracket to align the thru fastener system. Here I'm using a Body Shop tool to pull outward on the mount to get the hardware / hole aligned.



Fine tuning your Side Scan transducers is critical for very good returns on the screen. Now a starting point is needed. Here I place the hull in a slightly up bubble on the cockpit deck assuming a slight "nose up" posture to the hull while going 3-4mph side scanning. To get me close I use another level under the Transducer itself leveling it before tightening. I have installed enough electronics that this will get me very close to perfect. Once I get on the water I will bring the same level with me, place it on the deck in the same position, using flat washers under the back I will stack enough flat washers underneath to raise the level till the bubble is level. Counting the number of washers to get level is critical and I tell people to put the washers in one pocket so you get a exact repeat at home. Returning home I will again put the washers under the level on the deck and turn the tongue jack till the bubbles are level. Once the bubble is level I will re-check the transducer for level, if it is not I will adjust it level at that time. This method of dialing in a Side Scan transducer is flawless.



Tucking the Side Scan transducer up like I do helps to keep from hitting the transducer changing the setting or worse damaging it. I like to run Split Transducer Cable Connectors so I have a high speed transducer (but much cheaper) in the water at all times still getting depth & temp but using the more expensive transducer for DI & SI.