Garmin Transducer Question

[fellinger]

I am running a Garmin 441S. I like the unit, although I wish I had bought a larger screen. It works good but, when I get moving more than about 10mph I lose the bottom and it doesn't register a depth. I usually use it in 200khz mode. I was considering a thru hull upgrade over the winter but, wondering if I can get a little better performance by adjusting the transducer angle. Thoughts? Would pushing it down (pushing the angle more forward) give me a better hold since the sonar is being directed forard in the direction of the boat? I don't get any noise so, I think it is well enough below the water line and out of any motor cavitation.

[Reckless]

 Setting it to deep probably will not help. I am probably less than 1/8 inch below the hull. I actually get a small rooster tail from it. Did it ever work at higher speeds?

[fellinger]

Nope....Never really cared too much until I saw what some of my friends units can do.

[Reel Time]

 Theres a set height the transducer needs to be in relation to the hull, not the water line.

 If you installed per specs, then it is possible the transducer is weak, or angled to far back or forward,, or just getting interference from turbulence off the hull itself.

[Bucktail]

 

I would try changing the angle first before you do anything else.

[Luna Sea 5]

I get reading up till about 25mph.. before I lose the bottom

[Duffman]

On my old boat, an I/O Sterndrive setup, I mounted the transducer only 4" off the center line, and 1/8" below the hull.  I held a good bottom reading up to 18-19 knts. 

My newer ride, the previous owner installed the ducer approx. 24" from the centerline. I lose bottom over 9knts and its annoying as hell. Havent had much time to play with the angle as of yet to see if it improves.

Toying with the idea of using the transom mount transducer as a shoot thru in the bilge, no idea if it will work though...another experiment I want to try.

Have been told mounting too close to center line would cause cavitation problems, but never saw any evidence of it.

Not to keen on cutting a hole in the hull below the waterline either.

[wb]

my Garmin only loses bottom at speed after the growth starts to build up on the transducer. I scrape and paint and it is fine for a while again.

I am impressed however, when it still reads at 33kt, that is ludicrous speed for YSA.

[Reckless]

[Hotrod]

I have the same issue..

[fellinger]

I forgot to update everyone on this. I made an adjustment by aiming the tranducer just a bit forward. I now hold bottom till about 20k or so.

[Luna Sea 5]

thats good.  I lost mine completely towards the end of the year.  Too much growth on it.  I am pulling out tomorrow and scrape it up good.  I always hesitate to put too much bottom paint on it, think it will hurt the performance, but that is better then the growth.. Lesson learned..

[fellinger]

I've never painted mine.

[Bucktail]

Good news Fred.

Nick, make sure you use anti-fouling paint made specifically for transducers and not bottom paint you would use for the hull.

[Luna Sea 5]

thats what i use..

[fluke - u]

Good news Fred.

Nick, make sure you use anti-fouling paint made specifically for transducers and not bottom paint you would use for the hull.

I use the same paint.....

[fellinger]

I never even knew...... 

[Luna Sea 5]

I never even knew...... 

just because I am a crabbing.. doesn't mean I forgot how to fish and boat.. LOL..

[fellinger]

I never even knew...... 

just because I am a crabbing.. doesn't mean I forgot how to fish and boat.. LOL..

I guess your transduce is prone to more growth since it never gets on plane..... 

[Luna Sea 5]

I never even knew...... 

just because I am a crabbing.. doesn't mean I forgot how to fish and boat.. LOL..

I guess your transduce is prone to more growth since it never gets on plane..... 

LOL.. this is true.. anyway.. on that note, I need a new one installed... bummer.. more $$$$