So I just got a helix 10 with SI and everywhere I read along with the instruction manual says to put the transducer to the right of the engine; however, I have a tiller and plan to do some sharpeshooting with it and always fish off the left side of the boat.
My plan was to put it pretty far to the left of the engine. Anyone with a tiller do this and how is your SI readings?
Thanks
I have a Helix 10 with SI on my 17.5 Navigator tiller with a 75HP on it. Mine is mounted on the right side according to the instructions. As long as you keep it far enough away from the prop I don't think you will have any issues whichever side it's mounted on. Make sure you level it after installation. Instructions for that can be found on the internet. I can run wide open and keep bottom readings but it starts struggling beyond 50 ft deep or so on a soft bottom when in auto mode.
My boat is a 17 ft deep v with a 40 hp I mounted and have all my previous transducers on the left with no problems I have it mounted on one off those plates that's kind of like a small cutting board that screws in above the waterline. I have the helix7 g3 mega si. And the side imaging and all other functions work great. And a side note is the helix uses alot more power than my my last one a 597ci. Plus before I had a bow mount trolling motor I always mounted my transom trolling motor on the right. But all boats are different just my opinion.
my SI ducer is mounted on the right side, and I get good readings without trimming the motor up... -----Tiller also ----
but it's your choice
what I do recommend is using a mounting plate... allows you to move/add things without drilling extra holes in your boat...
this is only an example, there other sizes available, on Amazon, etc...
I run a tiller, put it on the left....not to mention that only makes sense considering your graphs are over there. ZERO reason to run them on the right and run the cables across the transom anyway. you'll have to trim your motor up quite a bit to get a clear SI reading on the right. Other than that, you're good. you should get a high speed ducer as well, SI ducers don't pick up depth over 10 MPH. They are like $90 i think, mount that outside of your SI. Just follow the directions from humminbird. SI ducer needs to be higher than your typical 2d.
I believe that Hummingbird recommends transducer mounting on the starboard side of engine (with a clockwise prop spin) to avoid water disturbance while at higher speeds. If mounted on the port side while fishing at low speeds trolling or drifting or while anchored I don't believe it will be an issue but that is just what I believe to be accurate, I have not tried it.
I have a tiller also. I think what he is saying is he would like to mount the transducer more towards the port/left side of his boat so its closer to where he would be jigging over the port side while watching his new locator. I fish that way to a lot and can often see my jig but not always.
My transducers are in the center of my boat. Side imaging is tucked up under the set back transom and another transducer glued inside the center of the bilge.
If you really wanted the transducer closer to where your fishing maybe a second 2D one mounted on the transom on the left side just for jigging?
I' running an 18.5 Alumacraft with a 90 HP tiller. The right side mount works just fine and is normally preferred to avoid any prop interference. Be sure to level the transducer and get your depth right. You will know you have the transducer too deep if you get a lot of splash off the ducer when on plane. There is a learning curve with SI so don't be afraid to experiment with your settings and distance. Be aware your lower unit may cause a reflection or interfere with your left hand SI views. You can get away from this by trimming the motor up while using the SI. Good Luck
