Lowrance Structure Scan transducer mounting location.

[wingtime]

Does anyone on here have a Lowrance structure scan on a Euro transom style aqua?  I just picked on up and I'm considering my mounting location options.  The instructions say I should mount it within a foot of the standard transducer. the possible locations are on the bracket on the transom or on the bottom of the step.  I also have to consider  how I'm going to run the cables.   The plugs on the ducers are pretty big and I'm not down with the idea of drilling a 1" hole in my boat for a cable.  Below are some pics of the install options in the manual:

[seabob4]

Bruce,
The lower pic, off the hull bottom.  Granted it's not the same, but the structure scan ducer mounted on the Cape horn...

[wingtime]

Bob that looks good.  Only thing is the new LSS-2 HD  transducer is three or four inches LONGER than the bracket!  I'm assuming that clam shell is full of 5200?   I have to go bring home the boat in the AM so i can start trying to plan things out.  Running wires up to the electronics box is going to be fun...  there is no way the ducer cable and network cables are going to fit thu the frame...

[gran398]

Agreed, option B.

[Blue Agave]

Have you considered not mounting it in the electronics box?  Personally I like to have my bottom machine down on the helm somewhere.

[Circle Hooked]

I agree with having it on the Helm, it is your go to equipment and it will be much easier to use on the helm.

[seabob4]

Bruce, there is a TON of 5200 in the pass thru as well as filling the clamshell.  Done a few of these installs...  

I agree with Fern and Scott.  You don't want to keep having to look up to see what's under you...

Keep in mind, the install shone in my pic is on a twin engine boat, so the ducers are centered on the keel.  Airmar recommends that transom mount ducers be installed 18" or so to starboard of the keel on singles, but with the configuration of the Explorer hull, I can't see where it would hurt to center the ducers...

[wingtime]

Well I thought I posted a lengthy reply earlier!  Guess I didn't submit it right.... darn it.  

Oh well.  The gist of it was this.  I have to consider all aspects of this install.  Yes I'm excited about it and I want to play with the new toy.  But I don't want it to look like it was just slapped on like some installs I have seen over the years.  So I want to have a solid game plan in place before I start the install.  I have an electronics box that has some pros and cons to using it and i have made a list below:

Pros to installing head unit in E-box:   I can lock it up.  The electronics are better protected from the elements.  Better shade on the screen so it's easier to read.  No annoying spray on the screens.  I all ready have the Furuno color scope and VHF up there.  Prewired terminal strip for power.  Easy connection of network to VHF for class D.  Unobstructed view of the display from other places in the boat such as the cockpit.  Can be easily relocated to the helm if I change my mind.    

Cons to using the E-box:  I have to look up to see display (doesn't bother me since it's not that far up, I'm used to it, the color scope is already there and I had my Garmin 441 up there).  Harder install due to chasing wires thru hard top frame.


Pros to install on Dash:  Easier install.  Closer to the controls etc.  Look down to view display.  Can't lock up the electronics.  


Cons to install on dash:  Exposed to the elements.  more sunlight on display making it hard to read, water spots etc on screen when it gets wet.  Cannot lock it up and is in plain view of thieves.  Have to drill holes in dash that has zero holes in it now.  May block view of instruments, switches or view while driving depending on location.  Can't see display from cockpit area.

Feel free to add on to the above list.  

In the mean time i think I will assemble the mounts and take the gear to the boat and see how it looks and feels in different locations.

[Circle Hooked]

leave it removable, i take all my electronics off the boat when not in use, they like the AC in the house

[wingtime]

leave it removable, i take all my electronics off the boat when not in use, they like the AC in the house

 Oh that kinda goes without saying...  i remove them too...  but it's for the short term storage situations that lock it

[Circle Hooked]

I get you, i have the best of both worlds thanks to Bob, a removable box

[TheKid]

leave it removable, i take all my electronics off the boat when not in use, they like the AC in the house

X2

Or you can put it in the E-Box to lock it up.

To combat glare install using a RAM mount. Then you can tilt it any direction avoiding the glare. It also makes it easy to remove.

[wingtime]

Sweet box Scott where did you find one that fit there so well?

[seabob4]

Sweet box Scott where did you find one that fit there so well?

Bruce,
The box came off the top of the Cape Horn helm.  Was replaced by non-skid and the famous LED cup holders!!





You can see it's outline in the cup holder pic...

[wingtime]

Went to the boat and took a few pics of the transom and held the ducers up in place in possible locations.  Saw a boat in the yard that had Bob's method of running the cable thru the hull.   It's gonna be a tight fit.  The trailer compounds the issue.  I think the best location for the LSS-2 ducer will be on the bottom of the step.  Well I'm gonna eat some grub now...

Boat in the yard with Bob's "method":