Getting Transducer parallel

[isljam]

Hey folks.

Ok, maybe a dumb question, but how do you level the transducer horizontally, i.e. starboard to port (not vertically, I get how to do that) so it is perfectly parallel with the bottom. Obviously, I’m doing the install on dry land with boat on trailer.

I know the driveway is not level. And even it was, I can’t assume the boat is perfectly level sitting on the trailer.

I decide to use a spirit and wheel jack to get the boat level. But what surfaces can I assume are level on the boat.

Not sure the transom is level or the carpeted floor. Do I just lay a spirit level from starboard beam to port and assume that is a level surface?

Man It seems whenever I undertake a DIY, seemingly simple steps become overwhelmingly complicated. But I’m determined to get this done.

[turdle]

If its a traditional transducer without side scan, then it's shooting out a cone shaped signal, and the size of the cone depends on the frequency that you're running. As you can see in the image below, the depth displayed is never the actual depth below the boat, but the shortest distance between the transducer and the first return signal.

You will never get the transducer installed exactly plumb as the pitch of the hull varies depending on the boat speed, and roll changes depending on how the boat is loaded on the day. You're over thinking it. Just install the transducer pointing down when the boat is on the trailer. As long as its not out by 5 degrees or more, you are going to get decent readings. 

[Hweebe]

I'd just aim to draw a line on the transom from each corner where the bottom of the hull meets each of the sides.

In reality unless you have perfect weight distribution in the boat at all times, the horizontal level will always be out anyway.

Get is as close to level and spend more time fishing.

 

[Junky]

Don't fuss over it. 

Position it like this....