I bought a 1997 Bass Tracker Pro Team 17, a 17' aluminum boat with 40hp motor and troll motor. There is an old depth finder on it but it doesn't work. I note that the transducer is mounted on the bottom of the transom; it's a hinged bracket and the transducer is NOT parallel or in line with the bottom of the boat. Due to the hinge, it isn't pointed straight down. If you hit a log or something, due to the hinge, it can be knocked out of alignment like it is.

 

I want to buy a new fish finder (maybe two), where can I put the transducer? I might also buy another troll motor.

 

I guess the question is, where to put a transducer for a bow mounted fish finder and where to put one for a fish finder mounted at the steering console.

You put the transducer at the bow on the bottom of the trolling motor. Get the proper one for that application--a trolling motor PUCK.

 

For the console unit, if you want depth readings when running on plane, the transducer has to be at or just below the BOTTOM of the hull. Follow the installation instructions.

One more thing, Transducer Shield and Saver has a more sturdy spring loaded transom mount to protect the transducer better than the mount that comes in the box.

My I suggest that if you are going to buy a new sonar to mount on the TM, find out if there is a proper transducer shield for the transducer before you buy the unit. Not that  I know a whole lot about it but I have a very popular down scan unit on the bow and I have the transducer mounted on the TM and it works. But it isn't protected against hitting a rock or stump because I cannot find a mount that offers that kind of protection for my particular transducer. Perhaps someone will offer one in the future but now there isn't one that I have found.

 

Let me also say that given the sheer number of sonar units out there, it is surprising to me just how little there is in the away of consumer information and advice available. It's like you have to figure all this stuff out by trial and error or ask someone who has experience for help. This includes installation of the unit, available features and unit operation.