It is common to need to trim the outboard up to keep the lower unit from blocking the SI beam on the affected side ...
Rickie
Getting ready to install the new HD transducer and thought I might leave the orignal on the boat too. I looked at the 3/4" thick transom mounting plates and thought I would try one and mount both transducers. Although I would only use one at a time for now (only one head unit) I was wondering if you used both, would they interfere with each other? My second concern is that if I move the new transducer 3/4" further back using the mount would this create a problem with the beam bouncing off the bottom of my outboard? I don't know how these SI beams work so I'm not sure how they miss the motor on that side.
It is common to need to trim the outboard up to keep the lower unit from blocking the SI beam on the affected side ...
Rickie
www.podunkideas.com <--Click here
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https://www.crappie-gills-n-more.com/
https://cornfieldfishinggear.com/
------------------------>> Pro Staff Sonar Advisor
Some time has passed since I started this thread so I'll review I have a Helix 5 SI/DI gen1 unit on a Crestliner 17' aluminum boat mounted on the transom. I found that I was disappointed with the side image I was getting, so I ordered an XHS 9 HDSI 180T transducer ($200) hoping to improve the imaging. I finally got it mounted and out on the water. The transducer works (although the improvement is marginal). Here is my problem. I lose bottom at about 18mp. The boat maxes out at 35mph so we're not talking high speed. Should I keep fiddling with the new transducer (will it ever work) or should I ADD the old one to the transom and get a Y cable? Since the old puck has side and down imaging, is it even possible to use a Y cable on these two transducers. If it can be done, which Y cable will I need? I think the original ducer is an XNT.
Thanks to anyone who can help me out or refer me to a higher power
It is possible to get high speed depth readings with a SI xducer ...
The challenge is to get "clean un-aerated" water flowing across.the xducer face (Sonar will not read thru air) ...
Have someone drive the boat while you peek over the transom ... (Please don't fall out of the boat) ...
"Clean un-aerated" water will be the same color as the lake water - any white color around or close to the xducer is aerated turbulent water ...
You want the xducer in the "un-aerated" colored water using the following depiction ...:
Rickie
www.podunkideas.com <--Click here
------------—————
https://www.crappie-gills-n-more.com/
https://cornfieldfishinggear.com/
------------------------>> Pro Staff Sonar Advisor
Rickie: Thanks for your input, especially the diagram. I have NOT looked over the rear of the boat while running. Since my old ducer worked OK I just assumed the new one would work in the same spot. Also, I have been meticulous about levelling the ducer horizontally, but I did not consider the vertical dimension. This may explain why I was getting such a big rooster tail into my motor if it was angled in that direction. I assumed it was because the ducer was too far down into the water. As soon as the lakes go back into their banks I'll get out and try it again. Really do appreciate your help.
I have a Helix 5 with same problem.I called manufacturer and just ask plan do i have to have another finder just to see bottom when underway. The answer was yes. But they do have a Y cable that will run two transducer to the Helix 5 .Cable was about $70 and Transducer was about $40. You can get the cable at Cabela's . I havent don't it yet but do plan too
Sounds like to me that y'all are putting in more money, time and effort into a real small 5 inch unit. You might be better served to buy someone's bigger used unit. Also with my Helix 10 I only use the one transducer on the transom of my boat and I don't have an issue reading on plane at 35mph. Just my 2 cents.
I would love to have a Helix 10 on my boat and a Helix 7 on the bow. However, the cost of alimony payments would far exceed their cost. I'm lucky if she lets me buy the cable.