GT56 Transducer mounting options?

[datbasstho]

Hey guys,

im replacing a Lowrance set up and noticed the console transducer was mounted directly under the boat (check pic) and was wondering if there’s a bracket I can buy for the GT56 that can allow me to do the same thing?

Also, if there is this type of bracket would it affect the transducer in any way?

Are most of you just mounting it with the bracket it comes with?

thanks!

[fishin couillon]

Here is a step mount from Garmin....doesnt list the GT56 but i think it should work.....

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/14...06-00#overview

[datbasstho]

Here is a step mount from Garmin....doesnt list the GT56 but i think it should work.....

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/14...06-00#overview

Hey man, thanks for link.
so I clicked “compatible devices” on the link page and it doesn’t show GT56 so I decided to call and the rep just told me the same thing, if it’s not listed on there then it’s not compatible.

So I believe the only way is to mount it wit the kit that’s provided.

Appreciate the help as always!

[datbasstho]

Anybody mount it on the jackplate before? I seen some brackets for that.

[fishin couillon]

I think on the jackplate is the best way with Transducer Shield & Saver brackets......I currently have a GT30 mounted on mine.

[DYE]

I have that step bracket and can confirm that it works with the new GT56/36 transducers. I ended up going a different route so never tried it on the water. You do lose the ability to adjust the transducer angle but if you're happy with the way the LSS2 worked for you mounted that way, you'll be fine going this route.

[datbasstho]

I think on the jackplate is the best way with Transducer Shield & Saver brackets......I currently have a GT30 mounted on mine.

Any chance you have a pic of it?

[datbasstho]

I have that step bracket and can confirm that it works with the new GT56/36 transducers. I ended up going a different route so never tried it on the water. You do lose the ability to adjust the transducer angle but if you're happy with the way the LSS2 worked for you mounted that way, you'll be fine going this route.

Ah great to hear.
I’ve only had the boat for a week and the picture of my lowrance with the LSS2 is not good to me.
I tried different HZ and didn’t like the picture at all on the Lowrance HDS gen 3 I have on there.



As for adjustment angles, I never moved my 93SV transducer on my old boat and it worked perfect. When would someone adjust the angle?

thanks toe the help!

[fishin couillon]

Any chance you have a pic of it?

The one i have uses the wedge and mounts to the holeshot plate.....they also have the L brackets to mount on side of jp.....

Also there are other brands out there....

https://www.premiersonar.com/product-page/garmin-si

Its all about what you want to pay.......

As for adjusting the angle, no angle will be perfect but you can get it close and the will help align it with the angle of the boat when it sits in the water......

[datbasstho]

The one i have uses the wedge and mounts to the holeshot plate.....they also have the L brackets to mount on side of jp.....

Also there are other brands out there....

https://www.premiersonar.com/product-page/garmin-si

Its all about what you want to pay.......

As for adjusting the angle, no angle will be perfect but you can get it close and the will help align it with the angle of the boat when it sits in the water......

The L Shaped bracket and wedged one you have
look great but I would like to keep sonar readings while on plane so do you think I should stick with that Garmin Step Mount?

I’m confused though because in the description for that mount it says “ and since the transducer is out of the water, sonar will not track bottom when the boat is on plane”

Do you get sonar readings when on plane with your setup?
How fast we talking here where the readings stop? I think that’s the most important question for me because I don’t usually go more than 40-50 mph when travelling to different spots.

My older boat that had the 93SV transducers never lost sonar but I also never went faster than 40mph.

[DYE]

If you want to get readings from the GT56 when on plane, your best bet is to use the transom bracket that came with the transducer. For the most part, jackplate brackets would put the transducer at or around where the step is.

[datbasstho]

If you want to get readings from the GT56 when on plane, your best bet is to use the transom bracket that came with the transducer. For the most part, jackplate brackets would put the transducer at or around where the step is.

The hard part is finding a good location on my Ranger.
The light grey part is kind of on an angle and the next step down is where the drain plug is.

What do you suggest?

[Todd Driscoll]

If you want 2D readings while on plane, an inhull transducer (GT8 or GT15) is the way to go. If you have an Echomap unit, you would also need a GT36 (instead of the GT56) and y-cable to work with the inhull transducer.

[datbasstho]

If you want 2D readings while on plane, an inhull transducer (GT8 or GT15) is the way to go. If you have an Echomap unit, you would also need a GT36 (instead of the GT56) and y-cable to work with the inhull transducer.

I have a 126SV I’m trying to set up.
So what you’re saying is I need 2 other transducers plus a y cable for me to get readings on plane?
what about the GT56 that came with my unit?

I don’t know if spending all this extra money is worth it lol

Thanks for your help too

[86 inches]

The GT56 will not work with a GT8 or GT15. So, you would have to use a GT36 in place of the 56.

[Todd Driscoll]

I have a 126SV I’m trying to set up.
So what you’re saying is I need 2 other transducers plus a y cable for me to get readings on plane?
what about the GT56 that came with my unit?

I don’t know if spending all this extra money is worth it lol

Thanks for your help too

Right, I'm saying that the easiest way to get consistent and reliable 2D readings on plane is to go with an inhull 2D transducer but the overall setup will cost more. As you point out above, it is difficult (not impossible) to get a GT56 mounted on your Ranger for on-plane readings, particularly above 30 MPH or so, and will likely involve some trial and error to get it in the best place at the right height.

[datbasstho]

The GT56 will not work with a GT8 or GT15. So, you would have to use a GT36 in place of the 56.

Ok thanks for clarifying

[datbasstho]

Right, I'm saying that the easiest way to get consistent and reliable 2D readings on plane is to go with an inhull 2D transducer but the overall setup will cost more. As you point out above, it is difficult (not impossible) to get a GT56 mounted on your Ranger for on-plane readings, particularly above 30 MPH or so, and will likely involve some trial and error to get it in the best place at the right height.

I really don’t want to spend more money on transducers.
Honestly, the only reason why I would want sonar readings at higher speeds is safety but isn’t that where the maps come into play?
I mean reading sonar at high speeds won’t stop you from hitting shallow water, that would be knowing where you’re going from the contour maps right?

Also, based on the pics I showed, where would you start with the GT56 to get the best reading? I’m thinking of adding a transom mounting board so I don’t have to drill more holes.

[Jpadilla]

What did you end up doing ? I am in the exact same situation as you. I have a lowrance transducer that is hooked up to my transom that looks exactly like yours. I have a 126 ultra I am hooking up and have a gt56 transducer that I want to flush mount just how the lowrance transducer is. What did you end up doing ?

[MonteSS]

If you want 2d sonar on plane, you need this, and then sell the GT56. I'm not sure if the needed Y cable comes with the bundle

https://www.hodgesmarine.com/gar010-...xoCBpYQAvD_BwE