A method of optimizing acoustic transducer performance, and corresponding system, can include mechanically coupling a transducer to a fluid barrier, calibrating the acoustic transducer by measuring response as a function of drive frequency to determine one or more optimum drive frequencies, optimized for the transducer actually coupled to the fluid barrier, and storing the one or more optimum drive frequencies for use in operating the acoustic transducer. Shims may also be used between the transducer and fluid barrier, such as a boat hull, to optimize transducer performance. Embodiments can enable improved in-hull transducer depth sounding, as well as improved fluid level measurements in tanks.