Hull Transducer

Hull Transducer

How to Mount Your Fish Finder Transduer

There are several different methods you can use to mount your fish finder.  In this article mounting refers to attaching the transducer to your watercraft- boat, kayak, float tube, etc.  “Mounting” your fish finder display is a separate topic. The common methods are: transom mount, thru hull, and portable mounts.  There is also a “Shoot Thru” hull mounted transducer, but this type is less common. 

 

As the name suggests, a transom mount model mounts on the transom of the boat.  The best mounting location is at the bottom of the transom, with the transducer face (bottom) parallel or nearly parallel to the transom itself.  All major manufacturers recommend that installation be completed out of the water. In order to minimize turbulence and aeration around the unit, do not mount the transducer along strakes, behind thru hull fittings or other hull irregularities as they can cause unusual disturbances around the transducer and cause improper readings. 

 

Thru Hull units, when properly installed, typically offer better fish detection and overall performance than other mounting methods.  Since this mounting method requires drilling or cutting a hole through the hull, all thru hull installations should be completed while the boat is in dry dock.  As with transom mounted models, thru-hull transducers should be completely submerged in water with good water flow through the unit.  Objects such as strakes, fittings and propeller wash can disturb the water flow and cause inaccurate readings.  Work to avoid any areas where the water flow will be uneven or disturbed.    To eliminate leaks it is imperative to seal any holes between the transducer and hull.  It is generally best to have a professional install a thru-hull model.

 

Portable fish finders are the easiest to install, if they need any installation at all.  Some portable fish finders have a transducer with a suction cup mounting system.  Just take these models and stick the suction cup to your boat, kayak or float tube beneath the water line so that they are completely submerged.  Again, make sure the transducer can have free, uninterrupted water flow.  Humminbird also makes a line of portable fishfinders that use a clamp to attach the entire fish finder to your watercraft.  The transducer is at the bottom of the fish finder shaft and will be submerged as all transducers should be. 

 

There are also some portable fish finders that need no mounting at all.  The Humminbird SmartCast series has a remote sensor fish finder that is wireless.  Simply attach the sensor to your fishing line and cast it along with the bait.  It will provide signals back to the display so you can see if there are any fish near your line.  This type of fishfinder is an excellent choice for shallow water fishing.

 

The last mounting method is the “Shoot thru” transducer.  Unlike thru-hull models, shoot thru models do not require a hole in the boat’s hull.  Instead the unit is placed inside the hull and transmits and receives signals from there.  This type of fish finder works only with fiberglass hulls and as with other methods, placement is critical.  Usually a flat spot in the aft bilge area is the best location, but check with a professional. 

 

There are several ways to attach a shoot thru model.  They can be bolted on or some can be fiberglassed or epoxied to the hull.  There are also some shoot thru models that are encased in a special enclosing.  A professional can help you choose the right method for your fish finder and your boat.

 

Fish finder mounts can be difficult depending on the type.  If you have any doubts about how to mount your model, it is always best to get professional help.

About the Author

Karen Janos is an expert on fish finders. When she is not fishing she is the webmaster for http://www.fishfindersdirect.com.

Lowrance Corporation In-Hull Transducer 13603 $125.53 Lowrance Corporation In-Hull Transducer 13603

Clipper / Clipper In-Hull Transducer Mounting Kit - Transducer Not Included / CLZ-IHK $41.1 Clipper - Clipper In-Hull Transducer Mounting Kit - Transducer Not Included - CLZ-IHK

Raymarine / Raymarine Adjustable In-Hull Transducer / E66008 $142.32 Raymarine - Raymarine Adjustable In-Hull Transducer - E66008

Lowrance Corporation Thru-Hull Transducer 21001 $265.53 Lowrance Corporation Thru-Hull Transducer 21001

Lowrance Corporation Thru-Hull Transducer 13600 $791.04 Lowrance Corporation Thru-Hull Transducer 13600

Lowrance Corporation Thru-Hull Transducer 13602 $174.35 Lowrance Corporation Thru-Hull Transducer 13602

Navico P79 In-Hull Transducer $125 NAVICO P79 PLASTIC IN-HULL 50/200 KHZ DEPTH ONLYOur P79 in-hull transducer easily adjusts to hull deadrise angles up to 22'. This ensures that the beam is vertically oriented to receive echos resulting in accurate depth readings. Unlike traditional "puck" type transducers, our P79 consists of a base

Raymarine Adjustable In-Hull Transducer $142.11 Adjustable In-Hull Transducer 600 Watt adjustable angled in hull transducer. - P79 - p Compatible with the following Echo Sounders: /p p SL Series: SL755RC, SL760RC , SL1250, and SL1250RC /p p hsb2 Plus Series: L755RC, L760, L760RC, L1250,and L1250RC /p p hsb2 HDFI Series: DSM250, L770D, L770DRC, L1260D, and L1260DRC /p p Compatible hull material: fiberglass /p p Max Power: 600 W /p p Frequency: 200/50 kHz /p p Beam Angles: 200 kHz 11 50 kHz 45 /p p Features: /p Depth only. Can be used in conjunction with the E66019 ST69 speed and temperature sensor Easily adjusts to any deadrise angle up to 22 Transmits sound waves directly at the bottom so strong echoes are reflected back to the transducer Can be removed in seconds for servicing or storage Only the base piece is bonded to the hull. There is no adhesive layer under the transducer face to absorb sound energy Simplifies in-hull installation. P 30ft - 10m - Cable /p

Garmin 200/50kHz, 12/45Deg, Plastic, Adj. In-Hull Mount Transducer $119.99 200/50kHz, 12/45Deg, Plastic, Adjustable In-Hull Mount transducer

Garmin 010-10643-20 Plastic In-hull Transducer $2159.95 "Garmin R199 2kW Plastic In-Hull Depth Only for GSD-24 & GSD-26 (010-10643-20) Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Garmin 010-10643-20 is an airmar 2kW R199 200/50kHz plastic in-hull transducer (8-pin) that provides depth data. This transducer with ID and mounting tank is perfect for high speed fishing boats. The tank gets glassed down to the hull and the transducer is submerged into a bath of mineral oil to help reduce false echoes. It has an operating frequency of 50 or 200 kHz and mounts on a 0-25&deg deadrise angle. This transducer provides accurate depth readings and assists in greatly improved high-speed performance. 010-10643-20 Features: Plastic In-hull Transducer (8-pin), Provides Depth Data, Operating Frequency 50 & 200 kHz, Mounts On 0-25&deg Deadrise Angle, Provides Accurate Depth Readings, Perfect f/ High Speed Fishing Boats, Includes Installation Instructions, For Garmin GPS Models: GSD&trade 24, 26"

Lowrance 99003 THSST-DF Thru Hull Transducer $291.95 "Lowrance THSST-DF Thru Hull For Structure Scan, Product # 99003 The Lowrance 99003 is a THSST-DF thru hull transducer for StructureScan sonarr. This transducer provides the same left / right SideScan&trade and Downscan Imaging&trade technology as the transom mount transducer in a thru-hull configuration. Its 1.5 inch fairing block can be cut to fit the rise angle of the hull. 99003 Features: Thru Hull Transducer, Left / Right SideScan&trade & Downscan Imaging&trade Technology, 1.5 In. Fairing Block, For Lowrance Models: StructureScan Sonar"

Garmin 010-10327-20 Plastic In-hull Transducer $138.95 "Garmin P79 600W In-Hull 50-200kHz for GSD-24 (010-10327-20) Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Garmin 010-10327-20 is an Airmar P79 8 Pin adjustable in-hull transducer that easily adjusts to hull deadrise angles up to 22&deg . This ensures that the beam is vertically oriented to receive echos, resulting in accurate depth readings. Unlike traditional ""puck"" type transducers, the Airmar P79 consists of a base that is bonded to the hull and filled with liquid. The separate transducer then attaches to the base with a twist lock. The sound waves travel more efficiently though the liquid, giving the best possible performance. This adjustable in-hull mount transducer provides depth data. It has an operating frequency of 50 or 200 kHz and mounts on a 0-22&deg deadrise angle. 010-10327-20 Features: Plastic In-hull Transducer (8-pin), Provides Depth Data, Operating Frequency 50 & 200 kHz, Adjustable Transducer, Mounts On 0-22&deg Deadrise Angle, Includes Installation Instructions, For Garmin GPS Models: GSD&trade 24"

Garmin 010-10641-20 Plastic In-hull Transducer $802.95 "Garmin M260 1kW Plastic In-Hull Depth Only for GSD-24 & GSD-26 (010-10641-20) Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Garmin 010-10641-20 is an airmar 1kW M260 200/50kHz plastic in-hull transducer (8-pin) that provides depth data. This transducer with ID and mounting tank is perfect for high speed fishing boats. The tank gets glassed down to the hull and the transducer is submerged into a bath of mineral oil to help reduce false echoes. The powerhouse has 14 elements and will not lose any power shooting through solid fiberglass hulls. It has an operating frequency of 50 or 200 kHz and mounts on a 0-25&deg deadrise angle. This transducer provides accurate depth readings and assists in greatly improved high-speed performance. 010-10641-20 Features: Plastic In-hull Transducer (8-pin), Provides Depth Data, Operating Frequency 50 & 200 kHz, Mounts On 0-25&deg Deadrise Angle, Accurate Depth Readings, Perfect f/ High Speed Fishing Boats, Includes Installation Instructions, For Garmin GPS Models: GSD&trade 24, 26"

Garmin 010-10183-22 Thru-hull Transducer $342.95 "Garmin B744V 600W Triducer 50/200kHz for GSD-24 (010-10183-22) Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Garmin 010-10183-22 is an Airmar B744V bronze thru hull thru-hull mount transducer with fairing provides depth, temperature and speed data. The transducer provides accurate depth readings and has an operating frequency of 50 or 200 kHz. It is designed for 0 degree to 24 degree deadrise angle mounting . 010-10183-22 Features: Bronze Thru-hull Mount Transducer, Provides Depth, Temp & Speed Data, Better Depth Readings, More Accurate Fish Detection, Mounts On 0-24&deg Deadrise Angle, Operating Frequency of 50 & 200 kHz, Garmin 010-10183-22 Includes: Fairing Block, 39' Cable w/ 8-Pin, For Garmin GPS Models: GSD&trade 24"

Garmin / Garmin Airmar B117 200/50kHz Bronze Thru-Hull Transducer / 010-10182-01 $157.95 Garmin - Garmin Airmar B117 200/50kHz Bronze Thru-Hull Transducer - 010-10182-01

Hummingbird / Humminbird XTH-9-20-P Plastic Thru Hull Transducer / 710167-1 $83.37 Hummingbird - Humminbird XTH-9-20-P Plastic Thru Hull Transducer - 710167-1

Garmin / Garmin 200/50kHz, 12/45Deg, Plastic, Adj. In-Hull Mount Transducer / 010-10327-00 $87.99 Garmin - Garmin 200/50kHz, 12/45Deg, Plastic, Adj. In-Hull Mount Transducer - 010-10327-00

Hummingbird / Humminbird XPTH-9-HDSI-180-T Plastic Thru-Hull Transducer / 710210-1 $190.84 Hummingbird - Humminbird XPTH-9-HDSI-180-T Plastic Thru-Hull Transducer - 710210-1

Furuno / Furuno 520-IHD Plastic In-Hull Transducer, 600w (10-Pin) / 520-IHD $173.1 Furuno - Furuno 520-IHD Plastic In-Hull Transducer, 600w (10-Pin) - 520-IHD

Garmin / Garmin 200 kHz Plastic In-Hull Transducer - Depth Only / 010-10224-00 $60.94 Garmin - Garmin 200 kHz Plastic In-Hull Transducer - Depth Only - 010-10224-00

Hummingbird / Humminbird XTH-9-20 Bronze Thru-Hull Transducer - 83/200 kHz / 710166-1 $136.41 Hummingbird - Humminbird XTH-9-20 Bronze Thru-Hull Transducer - 83/200 kHz - 710166-1

Raymarine ST60 Plus Depth System w/THRU-HULL Transducer $417.5 Raymarine ST60 Plus Depth System w/THRU-HULL Transducer

Furuno B164 1kw Tilted Element 20 Deg Thru-Hull Transducer $797.73 Furuno B164 1kw Tilted Element 20 Deg Thru-Hull Transducer

Furuno Plastic Low Profile Thru-Hull 600W Transducer (10pin) $106.4 Furuno Plastic Low Profile Thru-Hull 600W Transducer (10pin)

Furuno 1kw B164 Tilted Element 12 Deg Thru-Hull Transducer $797.83 Furuno 1kw B164 Tilted Element 12 Deg Thru-Hull Transducer

Garmin 010-11010-21 Thru-hull Transducer $785.95 "Garmin B164 1kW Tilted Element 12&deg for GSD24 (010-11010-21) Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Garmin 010-11010-21 is a B164 8-pin bronze, thru-hull mount transducer with 12&deg tilt provides depth and temperature . This mount transducer operates at a frequency of 50 and 200 kHz and mounts on a 8-15&deg deadrise angle. This transducer is a top option for fisherman looking for better depth readings and more accurate fish detection. The flush mount design does not cause interference with water flow or create trailering issues. 010-11010-21 Features: Bronze Thru-Hull Mount Transducer (8-Pin), Provides Depth & Temp Data, 12&deg Tilt, Mounts On 8-15&deg Deadrise Angle, Better Depth Readings, More Accurate Fish Detection, Interference Free, Operating Frequency Of 50 & 200 kHz, For Garmin GPS Models: GSD&trade 24"

Lowrance 000-10364-001 Bronze StructureScan Thru Hull Transducer $528.95 "Lowrance Bronze Thru Hull Transducer For LSS-1 Sonar Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Lowrance 000-10364-001 is a bronze thru-hull transducer for LSS-1 sonar. This transducers provides with the same technology of left/right side scan and down scan imaging as the transom mount transducer in a thru-hull configuration. It will include fairing blocks that can be cut to fit the rise angle of the hull. Along with the Lowrance transducers you will need LSS-1 StructureScan Box module. 000-10364-001 Features: Product # 000-10364-001, Thru Hull Transducer, Left / Right SideScan&trade & Downscan Imaging&trade Technology, Fairing Block Included, For Lowrance Models : LSS-1 Sonar"

Furuno 520-IHD Plastic In-Hull Transducer, 600w - 10-Pin $175 Plastic In-Hull Transducer, 600w - 10-Pin - 600 Watts 50/200 kHz 45/15 degree Beam Angles Plastic In-Hull Mount for Shoot-Through Applications 30 Foot Cable with 10-Pin Connector.

Furuno Bronze Thru-Hull Transducer, 600w - 10-Pin $250 Bronze Thru-Hull Transducer, 600w - 10-Pin - 600 Watts 50/200 kHz 46/10 degree Beam Angles Bronze Thru-Hull 8-Meter Cable with 10-Pin Connector.

Garmin Single Frequency Plastic In-hull Mount Transducer with Depth $53.23 Garmin 200KHz, 14 deg, plastic, in-hull mount, depth transducer Plastic, in-hull mount transducer with depth. Operating frequency of 200 kHz. Beamwidth of 14 degrees. Transducer kit comes with installation instructions.

Garmin Plastic Thru-hull Mount Temperature and Speed Only Transducer $116.42 Garmin thru-hull mount, plastic, temp and speed transducer Plastic in-hull mount transducer provides temp and speed data only. Transducer kit comes with installation instructions.

Navico P79 In Hull Transducer 13603 $169.27 Our P79 inhull transducer easily adjusts to hull deadrise angles up to 22 . This ensures that the beam is vertically oriented to receive echos resulting in accurate depth readings. Unlike traditional amp;quot;puckamp;quot; type transducers our P79 consists of a base that is bonded to the hull and filled with liquid. The separate transducer then attaches to the base with a twist lock. The sound waves travel more efficiently though the liquid giving the best possible performance.Works with the Lowrance HDS Series and Simrad NSE Series Multifuction Display units.FeaturesDepth 50/200 kHz 600 W RMS Midperformance Plastic 7 Pin Blue Connector Product : NAVICO P79 PLASTIC INHULL 50/200 KHZ DEPTH ONLY Manufacturer : LOWRANCE PARTS Manufacturer Part No : 13603

Garmin 010-10703-00 Bronze, Thru-hull Mount Transducer $679.95 "Garmin Bronze Thru-Hull Mount Transducer (010-10703-00) Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Garmin 010-10703-00 is a bronze thru-hull mount transducer that compute temperature data. This mount transducer operates at a frequency of 200 and 50 kHz, and beamwidth of 5 degrees and 21 degrees. 010-10703-00 Features: Bronze Thru-Hull Mount Transducer, Provides Temp Data, Operating Frequency of 200 & 50 kHz, Beamwidth of: -5 Degrees -21 Degrees, 12 M Cable, For Garmin GPS Models: GPSMAP: 525/525s, 526/526s, 535/535s, 545/545s, 546/546s, 720/720s, 740/740s, GSD: 22"

Garmin 010-11010-00 Thru-hull Mount Transducer $1115.95 "Garmin Bronze Thru-Hull Mount Transducer (010-11010-00) Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Garmin 010-11010-00 is a bronze thru-hull mount transducer that compute the depth and temperature data. This mount transducer operates at a frequency of 200 and 50 kHz, and beamwidth of 6 degrees at 200 kHz and 20 degrees at 50. 010-11010-00 Features: Bronze Thru-Hull Mount Transducer, Provides Depth & Temp Data, Operating Frequency of 200 & 50 kHz, Beamwidth of: -6 Degrees at 200 kHz -20 Degrees at 50kHz, 12 M Cable, For Garmin GPS Models: GPSMAP: 525/525s, 526/526s, 535/535s, 545/545s, 546/546s, 720/720s, 740/740s, GSD: 22"

Humminbird 900 Series Optional Bronze thru-hull 3-in-1 Transducer - transducer $220.99 TRANSDUCER, XTD 9 QB 90, QUAD/TRI

Garmin 010-11140-20 Stainless Steel Thru-hull Transducer $1508.95 "Garmin SS270W 1kW Stainless Steel Thru-Hull Depth/Temp with FB for GSD-24 & GSD-26 (010-11140-20) Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Garmin 010-11140-20 is an airmar 1kW SS270W 200/50kHz stainless steel thru-hull transducer that provides depth and temperature data. This transducer leads to a much clearer picture and the ability to reach deeper depths. It has an operating frequency of 50 or 200 kHz and mounts on a 0-28&deg deadrise angle. This transducer provides accurate depth and temperature readings and helps in greatly improved high-speed performance. Also, it works well with any hull material. 010-11140-20 Features: Stainless Steel Thru-hull Transducer, Provides Depth & Temperature Data, Operating Frequency 50 & 200 kHz, Mounts On 0-28&deg Deadrise Angle, Accurate Depth & Temperature Readings, Works Well w/ Any Hull Material, Includes Installation Instructions, For Garmin GPS Models: GSD&trade 24, 26"

Garmin 010-11394-00 In-Hull Smart Transducer (010-11394-00) $265.95 "Garmin P79 In-Hull Smart Transducer (010-11394-00) Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Garmin 010-11394-00 is an Airmar P79 8 Pin adjustable in-hull transducer that easily adjusts to hull deadrise angles up to 22&deg . This ensures that the beam is vertically oriented to receive echos, resulting in accurate depth readings. Unlike traditional ""puck"" type transducers, the Airmar P79 consists of a base that is bonded to the hull and filled with liquid. The separate transducer then attaches to the base with a twist lock. The sound waves travel more efficiently though the liquid, giving the best possible performance. This adjustable in-hull mount transducer provides depth data. It has an operating frequency of 235 kHz and mounts on a 0-22&deg deadrise angle. 010-11394-00 Features: Plastic In-hull Transducer (8-pin), Provides Depth Data, Operating Frequency 235 kHz, Adjustable Transducer, Mounts On 0-22&deg Deadrise Angle, Includes Installation Instructions, For Garmin GPS Models: GMI&trade : 10, GPSMAP&reg : 4008, 4010, 4012, 4208, 421, 4210, 4212, 421s, 441, 441s, 5008, 5012, 5015, 5208, 521, 5212, 5215, 521s, 526, 526s, 531, 531s, 536, 536s, 541, 541s, 546, 546s, 6008, 6012, 6208, 6212, 7012, 7015, 720, 720s, 7212, 7215, 740, 740s"

Garmin Single Frequency Bronze Thru-hull Mount Transducer with Depth and Temperature $149.99 Garmin 200KHz, 12deg, bronze, thru-hull mount transducerBronze, thru-hull mount transducer with depth and temp. Operating frequency of 200 kHz. Beamwidth of 12 degrees. Transducer kit comes with installation instructions.

Garmin Single Frequency Plastic Thru-hull Mount Transducer with Depth and Temperature $95.73 Garmin 200KHz, 12deg, plastic, thru-hull mount transducerPlastic, thru-hull mount transducer with depth and temp. Operating frequency of 200 kHz. Beamwidth of 12 degrees. Transducer kit comes with installation instructions.

Garmin 010-10182-21 Bronze Thru-hull Transducer $197.95 "Garmin B117 Bronze Thru-Hull Depth/Temp for GSD-24 & GSD-26 (010-10182-21) Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, The Garmin 010-10182-21 is a B117 bronze thru-hull transducer (8-pin) that provides depth and temperature data. It has an operating frequency of 50 or 200 kHz and mounts on a 0-7&deg deadrise angle. This transducer provides accurate depth and temperature readings. 010-10182-21 Features: Bronze Thru-Hull Mount Transducer (8-pin), Provides Depth & Temp Data, Operating Frequency 200 & 50 kHz, Mounts On 0-7&deg Deadrise Angle, Includes Mounting Hardware & Installation Instructions, For Garmin GPS Models: GSD&trade 24, 26"