Depth finder advice???

[tmh]

A few years ago I installed a hull-mounted depth finder where the transducer is flush mounted to the inside of the hull (mine is in the rear bilge area). I had read lots about how critical it is to make sure it's mounted with no air/water getting in so I use either epoxy or poly resin (or maybe gorilla glue, can't remember for sure) to mount the transducer. It worked for a while but now I get totally erratic readings, if any on the gauge.

So, I think I will go with a transom mounted unit next, as I will be drilling thry the transom anyhow to mount a new swim platform. So, I just want some advice on what type (or specific) unit to buy and how best to install it. I have a 19' open bow used mostly for kids' water sports, etc. We are also getting more into fishing so if an inexpensive "fish finder" is the way to go I'd like info on that also. I do not want a top of th eline unit, basically an inexpensive one that actually WORKS. Inexpensive but may not work....no, I already have that!

Thx.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Depth finder advice???

You have many units to choose from (Humminbird, Lowrance, Eagle, Garmin etc.) $150 - $200 from any of those manufacturers will get you a very workable locator. A bit more will get you a color display. As for mounting - install the transducer on the starboard side of the transom at least 12 inches away from the lower unit and it must not be in-line with any strakes on the bottom of the hull. Transducers must operate in turbulence-free water. Instructions that come with the locator are very specific regarding transducer mounting.

 

[Thad]

Re: Depth finder advice???

My transducer is epoxied in the bilge. It started to do the same thing you described and then one day, very soon, no reading at all.

It had come loose from the bilge. I discovered that when I cleaned my bilge, the chemicals had an adverse reaction with whatever had been used to put it in the first time.
I carefully pulled away the old epoxy from the transducer and mixed up a batch of some new stuff (I do not remember what it was, I bought it at NAPA) and I put it back in. That was 5 years ago and have not had an issue since. And I clean my bilge every Fall. It might be worth a try to just reinstall the one you have. And yes, it is VERY important to have a solid, bubble free, puddle for it to set-up in.

 

[jdsgrog]

Re: Depth finder advice???

If you're looking for something new and "inexpensive," I have a humminbird piranahmax 170 that I'm pretty happy with. I got it for $99 and am planning on getting a second for my trolling motor. It really depends on what you are wanting the unit for. Mine is fine for detecting bottom structure and composition and depth and temperature. It's not a "high feature" model, but it does all right for my purposes. It does detect fish, but I never have fully relied on depth finders to find fish.

 

[Thad]

Re: Depth finder advice???

. It does detect fish, but I never have fully relied on depth finders to find fish.

The one I have in my fishing boat is good at detecting leaves and under surface but still kinda floating waterlogged trees
As for fish, I have decided that they are stealth.

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: Depth finder advice???

We use an Eagle FishMark 480 which has performed flawlessly for about 4 years now. I'm thoroughly pleased with it. I believe that most any of the fish-finding sonar electronics today are built very well and will perform great if their transducers are mounted properly. We've mounted the Lowrance Skimmer transducer on the transom. We have photos on our website @ www.sternmate.com.