Lowrance Skimmer transducers are designed to enhance marine navigation and fishing experiences by providing precise depth and water temperature readings. Installation procedures vary depending on the mounting location – transom, trolling motor, or inside the hull – and whether the transducer is single or dual frequency. Proper installation is critical for optimal sonar performance. This article details the installation instructions for Lowrance Skimmer transducers, based on available documentation.
Transducer Types and Mounting Options
Lowrance offers several transducer types, including the Skimmer series. Smaller, single-frequency Skimmers typically utilize a one-piece stainless steel mounting bracket, while larger, dual-frequency Skimmers generally employ a two-piece plastic mounting bracket. A one-piece plastic bracket with an adjustable strap is used for trolling motor mounting. All these brackets are designed as “kick-up” mechanisms, allowing them to pivot upwards upon impact with an underwater object, minimizing damage and enabling easy repositioning.
Installation options include mounting the transducer on the transom, on a trolling motor, or through the hull. The documentation emphasizes that selecting the correct mounting position is a crucial step in the installation process. Installing inside the hull requires particular care, as the transducer is often permanently affixed with epoxy and difficult to remove once secured.
Transom Mounting Procedure
Transom mounting involves attaching the transducer to the exterior of the boat’s transom. The process begins with loosely assembling the bracket components and positioning them against the transom to ensure the transducer can be aligned parallel to the ground.
The following steps are generally followed:
- Assemble the mounting bracket according to the specific model (one-piece or two-piece).
- Position the bracket against the transom and check for parallel alignment.
- If drilling is required for the cable connector, ensure the hole size is appropriate (1" for manual locking collar connectors, 5/8" for push-on self-sealing connectors). The hole must be located above the waterline and sealed with marine-grade sealant after cable installation.
- Secure the bracket with screws.
- Perform a test run to evaluate performance. If signal loss or noise occurs at high speeds, adjust the bracket position downwards, ensuring it remains below the hull’s bottom edge.
Trolling Motor Mounting
For single-frequency Skimmer transducers, a specific trolling motor bracket (TMB-S) is available. Installation involves attaching the bracket to the transducer using supplied hardware, including a bolt, internal tooth washer, and nut. The adjustable strap then secures the transducer to the trolling motor.
Shoot-Thru-Hull Installation
Installing a transducer through the hull requires careful preparation and adherence to specific guidelines. This method is suitable for fiberglass hulls but not for wood or metal hulls.
The procedure includes:
- Cleaning and sanding both the inside surface of the hull and the transducer face with 100-grit sandpaper. The sanded area should be approximately 1.5 times the diameter of the transducer.
- Cleaning the sanded surfaces with rubbing alcohol to remove debris.
- Mixing a specialized epoxy (supplied by LEI Extras, Inc.) thoroughly, avoiding bubble formation. The epoxy has a working time of approximately 20 minutes after mixing.
- Applying a thin, even layer of epoxy to both the transducer face and the sanded hull area.
- Pressing the transducer firmly into the epoxy, twisting and turning to eliminate air pockets.
- Applying weight to the transducer while the epoxy cures for a minimum of three hours, and allowing a full 24-hour cure before using the boat.
Warning: The documentation explicitly states that only the epoxy provided by LEI Extras, Inc. should be used, as other epoxy types may not provide optimal performance.
Important Considerations and Warnings
Several important considerations and warnings are highlighted in the documentation:
- Hull Compatibility: Transducers cannot effectively operate through wood or metal hulls and require transom or thru-hull installation in these cases.
- Temperature Sensor Limitations: If the Skimmer transducer has a built-in temperature sensor, it will measure the bilge temperature, not the water surface temperature.
- Epoxy Usage: Only the epoxy supplied by LEI Extras, Inc. should be used for thru-hull installations. Other epoxies may not cure correctly or provide adequate adhesion.
- Transducer Orientation: When installing through the hull, the transducer should be oriented with the nose facing towards the bow of the boat.
- Cable Routing: If the transducer cable includes the sonar unit’s power cable, the transducer should be installed first before connecting the power cable to a power source. Refer to the sonar unit’s manual for power cable connection instructions.
- Warranty: LEI Extras, Inc. provides a full one-year warranty on their products.
Testing and Troubleshooting
After installation, it is recommended to perform a test run to verify proper operation. If the sonar loses the bottom at high speed or displays noise, adjusting the transducer bracket position downwards may resolve the issue. It is crucial to ensure the transducer remains below the hull’s bottom edge. For shoot-thru-hull installations, testing procedures are available in the installation booklet to determine if the signal is adequately penetrating the hull material.
Conclusion
Proper installation of a Lowrance Skimmer transducer is essential for optimal sonar performance. The documentation details specific procedures for transom, trolling motor, and thru-hull mounting, emphasizing the importance of careful preparation, correct bracket selection, and adherence to manufacturer guidelines. Utilizing the correct epoxy for thru-hull installations and ensuring proper cable routing are critical steps. Following these instructions will help ensure reliable depth and temperature readings, enhancing the marine navigation and fishing experience.