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I am installing a depth finder/chart recorder with a transom mount transducer. I would like some advice on best location for installing.

Mine is installed on the starboard side, about 3" below the waterline and mid distance between rudder and the edge of the hull.
Cable is routed together with the steering cable -- through the hole on starboard wall and from aft berth it goes up to the pedestal.

Looks like a good spot! I will try that.
Thanks
T

I mounted mine below the Stbd rear table seat and about 6" from the keel. Works perfectly.

I didn't feel like drilling holes in my brand new hull when I installed mine so I got a large stainless steel hose clamp and mounted mine to the water ballast port which puts the transducer even with the bottom of the hull about a foot port side of the engine. It's worked great there even when I had the boat laying on sand at low tide so I have never moved it--we are on our fifth season with the boat now!

Doug & Angie

Doug W wrote:I didn't feel like drilling holes in my brand new hull when I installed mine so I got a large stainless steel hose clamp and mounted mine to the water ballast port which puts the transducer even with the bottom of the hull about a foot port side of the engine. It's worked great there even when I had the boat laying on sand at low tide so I have never moved it--we are on our fifth season with the boat now!

Doug & Angie

Mine came mounted on the transom flush with the bottom of the boat. However, if I were doing it, Doug's method would be the way to go. It addition to no new holes, it is protected against grounding, especially when backed into a beach.

I mounted Mine inside , port side where the bilge meets the ballast tank. Already had a Hummingbird transducer located stbd @ the waterline. They both seem to agree with each other + or - a bit. Ron.

I am also a bit reluctant to start drilling on my hull. I will try Dougs idea first., it sounds good to me, thanks for all the input.
T

on my other fish boat i made a ali. bracket that bolted to the transom about a foot above the waterline- that extended into the water- and it was attached to it.
on my , i got a "shoot thru the hull" transducer( not to be confused with a thru hull transducer), and it is mounted portside , mid ships right next to the ballast tank.
works perfectly- not worrying about it being damaged, or kicking up, or getting kelp around it etc etc.

Just a thought. I used to own an 2003M with a stern mounted unit - it was peeled off by some lake debris. I mounted a depth finder on my 95 Santana 2023C up in the foredeck ahead of the ballast tank. Not sure if that is an option on the Macs in terms of where the tank starts - perhaps somewhere forward port or starboard would also work. I definitely like having it mounted in the bow as it gives a little more warning on the approaching depth. I just used silicone 3" from the centreline where the hull is less thick.
Paul

Check that. I meant beneath the fore berth.
Paul

I think JohnCFI and mrron_tx are talking about the internal puck transducer.

Gater Dunn wrote:I think JohnCFI and mrron_tx are talking about the internal puck transducer.

Correct, I would not be happy drilling the hull

just make sure you get the "shoot thru the hull" transducer.
the "thru hull" transducer requires cutting a big hole in the hull.

when i was ordering mine there was a lot of confusion between me and the saleman- but luckily we got the terminology sorted out.

Just finished installing the transducer bracket on my 26X, Turns out the mounting bracket was pre-formed to fit a 3 1/2" pipe, (same as my ballast intake) it even had a slot for a hose clamp.

First time I had taken time to inspect the bracket since recieving it from Lowrance. Made the little project very simple.
T