depth finder instal

[stubbsboogie]

Hey guys, got another question for the experts.
I am about to replace my non functional depth gauge. Just a simple indash head unit. My question is should I get one with a transom mount or a glued in thru-hull transducer.
Thanks in advance for the help

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: depth finder instal

Hey guys, got another question for the experts.
I am about to replace my non functional depth gauge. Just a simple indash head unit. My question is should I get one with a transom mount or a glued in thru-hull transducer.
Thanks in advance for the help

Thru hull are the 'cleanest' install of all...but can be tricky to get right, may not work on some hulls, and even the manufacturers warn that there can be a tradeoff on performance.

Most supplied transducers can be installed either way...and you can 'test' yours, in the hull, before making up your mind.

I went with the transom location...with the optional suction cup mount, which has been flawless up to 43 mph. I have no holes drilled into the transom, and I can move it to my other boat!

 

[Fu-Inator]

Re: depth finder instal

Being new to boating last summer and paranoid about hitting stuff, I had an economical depth (and fish) finder installed. My local boat mechanic recommended that I go with the glued thru-hull transducer. I have to admit, I was skeptical at first concerned with the performance. I work with a guy who used to work on boats at a dealer and he alleviated my concerns by telling me that he agreed thru-hull was the best way to go.

I have been quite pleased with the performance of my depth finder. I even jumped out and checked the depth in about 4? of water and it seemed right on. My device has a water temp indication too but I?m not sure how accurate that is.

Hope this helped a little, Good Luck!

 

[stubbsboogie]

Re: depth finder instal

Thanks guys for the advice.
I have ordered a new depth finder for the boat and I think I will put it inside the hull. From your advice and my reading it sounds like thru hull is the way to go and that way I do not have to drill any holes in the transom. That makes me more nervous than hitting stuff.
On a side note I am ready to get in the water, all these off season projects have gotten me antsy. Happy boating to all and to all a good day

BTW FUinator where in LA you at? We make it over that way sometimes

 

[Fu-Inator]

Re: depth finder instal

BTW FUinator where in LA you at? We make it over that way sometimes

Dothan, Alabama, south eastern corner of the state. Last year we mainly boated in Lake Eufaula on the Alabama/Georgia border.

 

[stubbsboogie]

Re: depth finder instal

I know right where that is. I have never been on Eufaula but I hear good things about it. have spent some time in Dothan. I got a crazy speeding ticket there among other things on my visits.
We have been thinking of heading to Eufaula this summer for a long weekend. Worth the trip?

 

[triumphrick]

Re: depth finder instal

I replaced my depthfinder as well as the transducer. The old one was inside the bilge, mounted with 5200. It took a little scuffing and I could see how the previous install also scuffed the glass to get a good bond. It will tell you in the directions to work any and all air bubbles out by pushing and rotating the transducer into your pile of 5200. I have been pleased, however I dont have the water temp available thru the transducer. Oh well, I like having a clean and non drilled transom!

 

[Fu-Inator]

Re: depth finder instal

We have been thinking of heading to Eufaula this summer for a long weekend. Worth the trip?

I think so, there are a couple of camping areas on the Alabama side and I think a fairly sizable one on the GA side (never been there). Here is a link for boat launches on the Alabama side:
http://www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/where/reservoirs/eufaula/access/

 

[stubbsboogie]

Re: depth finder instal

Thanks FU!

Looked around with the link you gave and I was unaware that AL had so many cruisable lakes in it. WIsh north FL had that many. We got some great rivers but zilch on easy access lakes cept Santa Fe Lake.