New Depth Finder, do I need transducer?

[arminius]

Hi, I'm new to using depth finders. my boat is already in water for summer, and all i need is depths for now to help with fishing in my lake in MN. Here is the model I like: http://www.humminbird.com/Products/HELIX-5-CHIRP-GPS-G2/. Wondering with the loaded maps, if my lake is included, can I still get the depth outputted on my display using GPS or do I need to install the transducer? My plan would be to install the transducer when the boat is out of water this Fall. Thanks

 

[bruceb58]

Yes, you need a transducer.

 

[ondarvr]

The maps may show depth for most lakes, but not all, and it's not that accurate, so if you want to really know how deep it is you need the transducer.

 

[briangcc]

No depth unless you install the transducer. The numeric readout is what the transducer is tracking the bottom at.

That being said, if you have a trolling motor, they do sell brackets to mount transducer's to them. That may be an option for you to get through the season until you can pull the boat and mount it on the transom.

 

[TyeeMan]

If you have a Lake Master chip or something like it, somewhere in your Humminbird you will have a list of lakes that are on your chip.
I have H-Bird Helix 10 with a Lake Master chip. Even in my garage I can call up any lake in Minnesota and see what it's all about. Smaller lakes typically do not have depth contour lines. Larger more popular lakes like Minnetonka, Gull in Crow Wing County, Green Lake out by Willmar, etc. will have depth contour lines.
All these are are guidelines, or to be used in conjunction with some Minnkota trolling motors. As previously stated you need a transducer for accurate depth.
You H-Bird will also likely have a water depth offset to adjust if the lake is high or low.

 

[GA_Boater]

You H-Bird will also likely have a water depth offset to adjust if the lake is high or low.

How could you use the offset when near shore on the ocean with an 8 foot tidal flow? You can't.

Offset does not work that way. It is used to tell the FF how much lower the lowest part of the hull than the transducer. It's used for the shallow water warning.

 

[TyeeMan]

I should have been more clear. I'm not sure if all newer Hummin birds have this or not but my Helix does. When my Helix is paired with a Lake Master map chip, which it is, Lake Master is part of Humminbird, I can do a water level offset. So if my sonar tells me I'm in 5 feet of water but the contour lines on my map show my location as 6 feet, I can adjust the offset to make my map depth accurate with what I'm actually seeing on my sonar.

There is also a transom offset adjustment in regards to where the transducer is located on the transom.

 

[mr 88]

If that's your boat pictured above your user name, just pull it out and mount the transducer. Its not like you have a 45' hull and have to pay a marina to hoist her.

 

[bigtrucksmallboat]

If your lake is loaded, and you don't mind just reading contours, you don't need the transducer. But the transducer will be hugely beneficial - you can use it to find rock piles, sunken logs, and drop offs that will not be on the contour map. The map is just using gps pinging whereas the transducer will give you an exact readout.