Don't know if I'm posting in the correct forum, but I need some advice where I should mount my 3-in-1 Transducer.

I have some photos here on imgur. I have two positions where I'm using the stern saver. First position is almost on STBD side of my boat and very close and level the the bottom of the hull, you will see that I have the stern saver template and when I mount the transducer it looks like I can mount it where the water "wash" will hit it and be level with the hull. Where as position 2 of the transducer is a bit closer to the center line but right above the step of the transom. Any closer will just hit the motor and will be above the step.

Position 1

Position 2

Which location would be best? I can't mount it on the center line or under the step, I just don't have enough room, so it will have to be offset at least almost 1.5' from the center line of the boat. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Are you expecting to get a bottom reading while on plane? If so, it's my opinion that you will likely not get that with the transducer in Position 2. The pad will be sitting on the water at speed, and that step will be up in the air and foamed water. For off-plane operation, I like Position 2 with one concern.

The transducer's side-scan needs an unobstructed view to the left and right of the transducer's location. That transducer is very long, and I have no idea what it looks like if the transducer is mounted in Position 2. Will the transducer's view to the side be obstructed by the outboard's lower unit. I'm guessing probably so, but you need to hold the transducer up at the position and take a look. The outboard should be in a typical use trim position when you check this out. I hope what I'm saying makes sense.

Because of disturbed water in prop-wash, sonar manufacturers recommend against any mounting position to the left of the outboard, btw. This applies even when moving at idle. I agree with that advice.

It's possible you'll be stuck with doing something down at the actual pad of the boat to get under that step. This would be in order to scoot the transducer forward to avoid the blocked view I suspect you will have at Position 2. Regardless, keep it to the right side of the outboard.

You are in the correct forum for your question. There are a couple (or more) of Lowrance sponsored pros who visit here. One will come by and see your post to get more info I suspect. Give it a day or two, then "ping" your post to get it back to the top of the subforum.

Flippin-Out is spot on. If your Lowrance unit is a LIVE or a CARBON and if you currently have a Lowrance 2D sonar transducer mounted in hull, I would use that for your 2D sonar reading allowing you to mount the new Active Imaging structure scan ducer in a more protected spot (I could not see your position pictures). If you are running the Elite Ti2 with the AI 3in1 then you can only have the Active Imaging plugged in.

either spot will work, I have my garmin mounted about where your far right spot is to keep it from interfering with the prop on my champion 202.

Thanks for reply,

I fully understand what you're saying about the obstructive view of the side imagining from the lower unit, this was my concern with both positions. I could try locating the sensor maybe between position 1 and 2 to allow a bit more on the starboard side of the boat. But again, like you mentioned this will not give me reading while I'm on plane and moving. It even mentions this in the installation manual as well.

On the step below, I just don't have enough room and there is this weird curvature that along the back portion of the step that is preventing me from installing the transducer properly, if this curvature wasn't in the way I'd install it there, it would be the perfect spot because it can align well with the hull and the bottom belly of the transducer. Only real question I had what is the projected angle the side imagine produces if I try to look down at it? maybe I could eye ball it.

At this point, I'll wait like you said with others inputs as well and if not I might go with Position 2 as best as I can and hope for best and maybe post some video and photos of my results next time I go out.

Thanks for this, how is the Champion 202 any different from the Mean16? Do you happen to have any photos of your install if you don't mind sharing.

I will get a couple more this morning.

nice setup. I think I will go with position 2 and see how that plays out. I honestly feel that the best solution so far. doesn't that get in the way with one of the rear tie downs? I see it's almost right in line with it.

tie down barely goes across a corner of the mount. since I have a ramp about 200 yards from my storage I don't use them much.

On my Champion 187(06) I put the 3-1 transducer under the step pad where the drain/aerator plugs are located. It sticks out 2 inches toward motor, but it does not create a problem. Rob Jasper, Lowrance Pro Staff suggested this location and it is working great for down/side scan with no blockage.

On my 184 Champion I mounted a Stern Saver on the "roof" of the pad's step. I located the Stern Saver on the flat surface of the step's roof as far to the left (facing transom from rear) that still retained a flat mounting surface for the saver.

Screwed the 3-1's bracket to the saver and it's worked great. Had a TotalScan transducer mounted on same Stern Saver prior to the 3-1 and it worked just as well. I even get usable 2D depth readings while on plane up to mid speeds. Be sure to level the transducer after it's mounted.

I need advise. I bought a Larson 19 ft V fibegrass boat. It have a 150 hp and the other motor is a 9.9 but it is mounted on the right side instead of most I see mounted on the port side. I have a Solix12 Si-Di and it was mounted on the port side is it ok there or do I need to move it. I just bought the boat from the wife and owner wasn't available to show me anything. Bought as-is I haven't even had it in the water yet. Thanks Guys