I am installing my Humminbird 798CI SI combo and they say that you cannot have anything in the way of the side beam including the motor.  I don't see how it can be installed anywhere on the back of the boat without the motor blocking it when it's down.  The beam must go down at an angle not just sideways or else it would never hit the ground.  How far from the motor should it be?  It says keep it away at least 15" but the reason is to avoid turbulance not for the side beam.  I have a 2001 tracker PT 175.  I was going to put it where the old factory installed transducer was because it seems like the best spot.  Has anyone installed one of these on a tracker?

I would want it mounted on my trolling motor....  8-)

I would want it mounted on my trolling motor.... 8-)

Good luck with that unless you plan on never turning the motor.

As for the topic at hand, there should be a diagram in the installation instructions that shows the proper placement for the transducer. If memory serves, I've read about quite a few people installing the Side Imaging transducer on their jackplate.

If the hull of your 175 is the same as my 185, the stern should be stepped in a few inches below the motor mount.  Your old transducer was probably mounted on the edge of that step.  I would suggest mounting inside the step near the livewell drain & intake, but I would be leery of knocking it off.

Here is a short video I found on YouTube concerning SI transducer mounting.  Hopefully it will help.

Here is a sh

I can't put it on the step.  I just know I will break it.  I ended up just putting ot where the old one was.  I think if I have problems, I can trim the motor up slightly just when using the side imaging.  I have'nt tred it yet but I hope it works.  

this is a highly debatable topic but heres where i put mine.

Skunked Again, how does it work?  I put mine petty much in the same spot but on the port side.  I  really think that if it is an issue I can trim the motor up a little because I am only using at slow speeds.  Thanks!

Most of the ones I've seen are mounting on the bottom of the jackplate.

Skunked Again, how does it work? I put mine petty much in the same spot but on the port side. I really think that if it is an issue I can trim the motor up a little because I am only using at slow speeds. Thanks!

it works perfectly to 25 mph. after that the transducer is out of the water.