helix 7 di transducer location

multispecies1 · April 03, 2018, 08:07:06 AM

I just picked up a Helix 7 di. I have a 99 tracker 175 pro with a step hull design on the back. Where have you guys located your transducers? Pictures?

Oldfart9999 · April 03, 2018, 09:46:14 AM

If you're replacing an old sonar mount the transducer where the old one was. If not see what Hummingbird says. You can use a piece of plastic cutting board glued to the hull and screw the mount to the board using 5200 silicone sealer in the screw holes.
Rodney

multispecies1 · April 04, 2018, 05:58:27 AM

I plan to leave the old transducer on, I will pull the helix when I sell the boat in a couple years. My confusion is the step hull. I figure there are some guys on here who have done this.

Oldfart9999 · April 04, 2018, 06:23:24 AM

Mount it in the same place on the other side of the boat, just use a mounting plate. If there's room I'd put it next to the older one.
Rodney

Princeton_Man · April 04, 2018, 07:00:34 AM

I agree with Rodney. Below/under the transom, to the port or starboard side of your bilge drain and livewell intake. I'd get a Teflon mounting plate or make one from a kitchen cutting board from Wal-Mart. You really don't want the ducer below the pad.

Princeton_Man · April 04, 2018, 07:06:39 AM

Here's a couple shots I found on Humminbird's website. The first shows the right location, second shows use of mounting plate.

Oldfart9999 · April 04, 2018, 07:15:44 AM

Good pics!!! Don't be afraid to use the silicone sealant, it'll come off with a good blade when you need to.
Rodney

multispecies1 · April 04, 2018, 01:24:16 PM

Quote from: Princeton_Man on April 04, 2018, 07:06:39 AM
Here's a couple shots I found on Humminbird's website. The first shows the right location, second shows use of mounting plate.

That's the money shot. the old one was mounted up on the transom. I wondered if it should be mounted below on the step. Thanks, There is a lot online saying tracker didn't do the mountings right in the past. That's one reason I didn't want to mount it like the factory finder that has little fishinys on the screen to mark fish...lol

basss · April 11, 2018, 02:56:51 PM

I put mine on a piece of pvc board that I mounted to the transom with screws and 5200. I used the old holes of the previously mounted transducer, just with a size bigger screws.

As long as it gets good "clean" water, it will be fine. Clean water being water that doesn't come of off rivets, pleats, or other boat structure that put bubbles in the water causing the sonar pulses to disperse differently and not provide clear images on the screen.

scbassfanatic · April 12, 2018, 01:17:36 PM

I have a Helix 9 SI on an 05 Tracker PT175. I mounted my transducer, at the recommendation of WayneP I believe it was, on the step to the left of the drain and inlets as close to center as I can get. I attempted the factory location with a DI unit and it would not read on plane. With the current location, I read on plan at WOT.

multispecies1 · April 14, 2018, 04:51:06 AM

Quote from: scbassfanatic on April 12, 2018, 01:17:36 PM
I have a Helix 9 SI on an 05 Tracker PT175. I mounted my transducer, at the recommendation of WayneP I believe it was, on the step to the left of the drain and inlets as close to center as I can get. I attempted the factory location with a DI unit and it would not read on plane. With the current location, I read on plan at WOT.

I ended up locating it on the transom because the instructions said to stay 15" from the prop. My top speed on the boat is around 23mph. Hopefully I don't have any issues..... If so I guess Ill relocate. fingers crossed....

Goldstar225 · April 14, 2018, 10:18:38 AM

I installed my helix 7 SI/GPS on the recessed step of my PT190 after mounting starboard. After some tweaking I'm getting a lock on the bottom up to 45 MPH. I intend to move it up on the transom after I get an alumaducer because some of the waters I fish are stumpy and eat transducers.

basss · May 07, 2018, 02:27:23 PM

Quote from: multispecies1 on April 14, 2018, 04:51:06 AM... My top speed on the boat is around 23mph ...

Sounds like you have a speedster like me.

multispecies1 · May 14, 2018, 04:34:59 AM

Quote from: Goldstar225 on April 14, 2018, 10:18:38 AM
I installed my helix 7 SI/GPS on the recessed step of my PT190 after mounting starboard. After some tweaking I'm getting a lock on the bottom up to 45 MPH. I intend to move it up on the transom after I get an alumaducer because some of the waters I fish are stumpy and eat transducers.

What tweaking did you did you do to get high speed readings? I moved mine up a bit to eliminate rooster tail, and moved the tilt of the ducer and still get bogus depth readings at 25mph....

multispecies1 · May 14, 2018, 04:37:05 AM

Quote from: basss on May 07, 2018, 02:27:23 PM
Sounds like you have a speedster like me.

Ya the 40hp motor is a pooch... but I haven't had one fish make fun of me.... Maybe Ill have the boat I want in a couple years...

Kris · May 14, 2018, 07:44:12 AM

I put one of those plastic blocks from BPS on the back of my Ouachita aluminum boat. I had the transom replaced due to a previous owner using pressure treated wood in an aluminum boat, a large no-no. This keeps me from putting a lot of holes in the stern. If I decide to put a second transducer on the back I will probably put another block on the other side.

basss · May 22, 2018, 08:42:20 AM

Quote from: multispecies1 on May 14, 2018, 04:37:05 AM
... Maybe Ill have the boat I want in a couple years...

Ehh ... mine's paid for ... a lot to be said for that. I get to the same place, just a bit slower than most others but I don't fish tournaments so it doesn't matter to me. I can take in the scenery more too.

multispecies1 · May 23, 2018, 12:53:32 PM

Quote from: basss on May 22, 2018, 08:42:20 AM
Ehh ... mine's paid for ... a lot to be said for that. I get to the same place, just a bit slower than most others but I don't fish tournaments so it doesn't matter to me. I can take in the scenery more too.

Yes it is nice without a payment, But I do feel the need for a multispecies boat nevertheless.