I'm going to go bowl legged and blind trying to figure out the best installation approach for both the head unit and transducer of the Garmin Echomap 93sv I got, to upgrade my 2006 Ranger 180VS F/S. If you guys have any experience with a similar setup, or general advice, I'm all ears! Here's my constraints/wants
1 - I intend to only run this single unit while I'm at the helm and fishing from the bow so I'm hoping to get the head unit in a spot where I can swing the display around to view while I'm casting from the front deck.
Options I've thought of: A. - RAM mount between throttle and toggle switches; I THINK I'll have enough articulation / clearance to view at helm and in front, downside may be glare / reflection on windshield when I'm on the deck; B - RAM mount on left side of
console where unit will be partially in the walkway between consoles, downsides may be people or things bumping the unit; C - RAM mount on front deck in front of windshield, I've heard a few people have done this and likely great when trolling on the deck but
this is my least favorite option, I want to be able to make adjustments and read clearly from the helm
2 - I'd like to only install / use the single transducer that came with the 93sv. Ideally this means that I can maintain at least 2d sonar up to a reasonable speed on plane. I'm struggling with this one as it seems people mount these things all over the transom - at the water line, on the bottom step, in between, etc.. As of now I'm leaning towards mounting closer to water line (far left or right boxes on the picture) but not sure yet what that will do to readings on plane. If I go lower, below water line, will that achieve better on plane results at the expense of DI/SI while trolling?
Are there any suggestions or tips from you guys that have done something similar? Which transom location would you use for the transducer? For any of the potential transducer locations, is it worth it to get a sternmate (may not fit on the middle step or even the very bottom step) or a custom cut piece of thick plastic? Am I crazy thinking I can be successful / happy with the 1 transducer and / or the 1 head unit?
Any advice is greatly appreciated!!