Transducer causing rooster tail behind boat

[AnglerC]

My transducer was causing a big rooster tail behind the boat this summer. Any idea what would cause that and how to fix it?

 

[Johnny]

please post some photos of how you have it mounted now.
then the gallery can provide you with accurate feedback.

 

[NautiBuoys]

Could be a number of issues without seeing your setup. However, 2 of the more common are:
1) the transducer is mounted too deep. Typically it should be about even with the hull. If it is, trying tilting the front of the transducer slightly up or down; and,
2) the gap between the transducer and the transducer bracket is 'jetting' the water up. Try filling that gap; I have used hockey tape temporaily and when I confirmed that was my issue, I cut a rubber toilet flange in half and secured it. I did not want to fill that gap with silicone or 5200 so transducer could still kick up if hit.

 

[LDUBS]

Could be a number of issues without seeing your setup. However, 2 of the more common are:

2) the gap between the transducer and the transducer bracket is 'jetting' the water up. Try filling that gap; I have used hockey tape temporaily and when I confirmed that was my issue, I cut a rubber toilet flange in half and secured it. I did not want to fill that gap with silicone or 5200 so transducer could still kick up if hit.

+ 2 on this. My old transducer did exactly what you describe and it had a gap between the transducer unit and bracket. My new transducer came with a piece that fills that gap and I no longer have the problem. Both were Humminbird, btw.

 

[Johnny]

Dubs - so that is what that little filler piece is for ??? LOL
having never had a fancy fish finder before, I wondered what
that little filler piece was for - - - - now I know - thanks.

 

[Al U Minium]

When you find out, let us know. I want to do it, one on each side of the motor.

 

[RiverBottomOutdoors]

Could be a number of issues without seeing your setup. However, 2 of the more common are:

2) the gap between the transducer and the transducer bracket is 'jetting' the water up. Try filling that gap; I have used hockey tape temporaily and when I confirmed that was my issue, I cut a rubber toilet flange in half and secured it. I did not want to fill that gap with silicone or 5200 so transducer could still kick up if hit.

+ 2 on this. My old transducer did exactly what you describe and it had a gap between the transducer unit and bracket. My new transducer came with a piece that fills that gap and I no longer have the problem. Both were Humminbird, btw.

+3
Had same issue with Hummingbird transducer. They actually made a little rubber plug to go into the gap in the tranducer bracket. I called them and they sent it to me for free.

 

[AnglerC]

A few issues... First it's in storage and I can't get at till spring for pictures. Sorry Johnny...

Secondly... I had installed the transducer several years ago. It has performed perfectly. Then last year I completely rebuilt the boat. From the hull up. Add a livewell, pumps, new foam, deck carpet and paint. I'm not completely finished yet but I did get it out on the water before I put it in storage and when I did that is when I discovered this rooster tail issue.

 

[LDUBS]

Dubs - so that is what that little filler piece is for ??? LOL
having never had a fancy fish finder before, I wondered what
that little filler piece was for - - - - now I know - thanks.

Yep, it would be easy to toss that small rubber piece aside not knowing what it was for. Haha

Now I wish I could get the fish finder to ignore my downrigger weights. Drives my nuts.

 

[Johnny]

Yep, it would be easy to toss that small rubber piece aside not knowing what it was for. Haha

when I was installing my new Humminbird Helix 5, the directions said to install the filler piece.
from what I remember, it did not say "why" - just do it . . . . so I did.
I did not notice any spray or roostertail when driving at speeds. so it must work.
on my next rig, I will make double sure I don't loose that little filler thingamajig !!!

 

[AnglerC]

Can one purchase this little filler piece online? :lol:

 

[Johnny]

Angler, you have to be a little more specific as to what make, model and year FF you have.
I think the consensus would be to contact the manufacturer's customer service.
I have seen dead fish finders and transducers on ebay "parts only".
maybe you can find one that will fit yours or you can modify it to fit.

 

[richg99]

Hmmm. You didn't have the issue before you rebuilt the boat. After redoing the boat, you have the rooster tail.

Seems that something changed... i.e. weight in the stern; bow heavier now; etc.

If it were mine, I'd certainly try making some sort of filler.

As a matter of fact, I also have a rooster tail on my newish 1652 G3. Didn't bother me much, but it won't take a lot of time to try the "wrapping tape around the gap to see if it solves the problem". If the tape fixes it, I can make up a piece of aluminum and fit it into the opening.

richg99

p.s. I learn something every time I get on this site. Thanks, guys.....

 

[AnglerC]

All good stuff guys thanks. Didn't think of just wrapping tape around it to see if that fixes it. I have a HumminBird 587 ci.

When I did the re-build I removed the trolling motor and everything off the bow. Now all that's up there is the anchor. I did however install a livewell about mid point in the boat. Parallel to the transom. I can include a link to the build in here if anyone want's to see it. But I have the issue with the rooster tail with the livewell empty. Never thought about trying it with water in the livewell to see what happens.