Bird SI Transducer mounting

[Canada]

My first post, but I been reading A-1 for years. I have a Stratos 386 XF (2008)and it has a 6 inch wide flat section on the bottom of the hull. It starts at the transom and runs about 3 feet long tapering in. Not sure but I believe this to be a perfect spot to mount a SI transducer? Read on the bird web site that you need to drill a hole thru the hull to mount this transducer in a glass boat. Any help or experiences would be greatly welcomed. The only reason I'm tring to mount this transducer is because NONE of my Eagle Lowrance products work properly, and I have 3 mounted on the boat, none older than 2 years. Although Eagle has been good about sending me new units yearly that don't work properly either. Ive been a Eagle Lawrence fisherman for 20 years, but toooooo many fishing trips have been ruined over the last 3 years. Thanks all.

[reddog]

My buddy has his mounted to the shelf that forms the step on his Stratos. It works great, both for side imaging and 2d sonar, and does well at high speed also.

Yes, they do make a thru hull ( not in hull) mount, that drills thru the bottom of the boat and mounts on the step also.

[Stripehunter]

If you're using a through hull, if it's up on a step, your hull will block one side of the SI. They only really work for SI down as near to the keel as possible.

[reddog]

I hope to have pictures for ya after this weekend.

[blueicecpa]

Go to the yahoo group on Sideimaging.

They have many picture showing How & where to install on the Transom, Bow Trolling motor and even a bucket for ice fishing.

Warren.

[Canada]

Thanks everyone for their help.