Humminbird fish finder transducer install

[cwingnut]

I have a Humminbird fish finder that I want to install and found out they have shoot through the hull transducers. Does anyone have any experience with any of these devices? What models might work better than others? They have a few devices for this. I have the Utopia 205. The models mention shooting through a single hull. Seems like a better option than putting holes in my boat to mount something? Any help is appreciated.

 

[Dr Honda]

I've put in a couple "In-hull" transducers over the years. They work very well, if installed properly. But, I'm not a fan for gluing in a skimmer type.


The older in-hull styles, had a base that was angled, and you could set it properly, so the signal would shot down. Also... the base would get filled with a liquid, and that would keep the signal clear. When you glue in a skimmer... unless you can get it on the very bottom, and flat... it will be shooting out at an angle.

The other draw back is... if you don't get a clean spot in the hull... or if there are air bubbles in the glue... it will cause interference.


I understand not wanting to make holes. I don't like to do that either. So, it's going to be your choice.

Right now... I've been thinking of the same thing. I don't really fish at all... but I bought a Lowrance unit, to be able to use the depth, water temps, and the GPS/chart plotter functions. Because I want the water temp, I don't have a choice... I have to hang it off the back.

 

[AirSniper]

I installed a Lawrence Elite 4 with a transducer that was not advertised as thru-hull. Works just fine
I used a high-temp RTV (thats what I had) but a silicone rtv should work just as well - and if not, peel it away. In the pic, just below center. Clean & dry the hull well, puddle up rtv - being careful not to leave bubbles, and shmush (yes, that is a word) the transducer down. Hold or support straight to the waterline (not hull). Couldnt hurt, if you dont like it, it should come off.

It is outside of the metal housings, and only slightly interferes with the drainage channel - no harm done.

 

[Dr Honda]

How do like the Elite 4??? I just bought the Mark 4. (same thing with a black and white screen) I think I'm going to do a transom mount so I can get the water temp.

 

[AirSniper]

I dont remember the cost difference, but clarity is more important than color - especially using the charts. The nav is helpful in Presque Isle bay in finding contours. All in all, a good deal.
My x-ducer sits in a puddle, so temp seems on par - I have it in a slip, so the temp is fairly equalized. I'm good with that...scared of drilling holes! I throw the kids in to check temp before I jump - the higher the pitch, the colder the water. C-sharp is about 73 degrees.

 

[cwingnut]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Lots of great info! For $50 i think I am going to try the shoot thru the hull option. I still have my other transducer if it does not work well. Thanks again.

 

[biffdotorg]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Lots of great info! For $50 i think I am going to try the shoot thru the hull option. I still have my other transducer if it does not work well. Thanks again.

Follow the other threads on how they did it, but do the basics and it will be fine. Test your location on a water bag. If it works fine, go buy a $5 tube of marine epoxy and you are good to go.

Good luck,

 

[Dr Honda]

I dont remember the cost difference, but clarity is more important than color - especially using the charts. The nav is helpful in Presque Isle bay in finding contours. All in all, a good deal.
My x-ducer sits in a puddle, so temp seems on par - I have it in a slip, so the temp is fairly equalized. I'm good with that...scared of drilling holes! I throw the kids in to check temp before I jump - the higher the pitch, the colder the water. C-sharp is about 73 degrees.

The Mark 4 was $100 less. BUT... Overtons sent me a 10% code, and there is a $30 rebate. Plus... they have free shipping over $50. So... it was basically $149 delivered. (couldn't pass that up)


AND....


I just got what you were saying with "it sits down in a puddle". I guess the lake water that dribbles in, is read by the pickup. So... a light hull leak is a good thing. (LOL)