Deapth Finder GPS

[capitol1]

I have a 1999 Regal 1900. It has a depth finder that was original to the boat. I am installing a Humminbird Helix 5 to replace it. Does anyone know where the old transducer is located? Does a transducer really work when you install it inside the boat or should I try to install it outside on the transom.

 

[JASinIL2006]

My fiberglass boat had a 'puck' style transducer epoxied to the inside of the hull when I got it. When I restored my boat, I reinstalled a new one in the same spot, but I was never that thrilled with its accuracy.

I replaced the puck with an external transom-mounted transducer and I like it much better. In addition to more accurate soundings, it also reports the water temp, which is nice. (I believe I have a Helix also; I replaced the old Humminbird with a new one and I keep forgetting which model I bought!)

If you only want to know the depth, you probably can get away with a puck transducer. If you want to locate fish and underwater obstacles, though, I think you will want an external transducer.

 

[mike_i]

Can't you follow the cable to the xducer. A properly installed thru hull xducer is better than a transom mount, better detail while underway, less interference and no holes in the transom.

I have a 1999 Regal 1900. It has a depth finder that was original to the boat. I am installing a Humminbird Helix 5 to replace it. Does anyone know where the old transducer is located? Does a transducer really work when you install it inside the boat or should I try to install it outside on the transom.

 

[harringtondav]

Yes. Follow the cable. My dealer slapped together his work at the last minute and used silicone to goo the transducer to the bilge. No good. It must be epoxied.

I called the depth sounder mfg. Since the transducer was an external transom mount they gladly sent me the transom bracket. Works great. Only issue is if I get into severe chop or take air it looses signal. Drop off plane, sync back up and good to go.

 

[dingbat]

Location and installation instructions for both in-hull and transom mount transducers.

Properly located and installed an in-hull solution typically provides the best stability and the expense of detection sensitivity. Accuracy is unaffected. Temps can to be off by a degree or two depending on how well contact is maintained with the hull. I highly recommend the “Dixie cup” method for attaching the transducer to the hull. Ensures the face of transducer has maximum contact with the hull, minimizing signal lose

Properly located and installed a transom mount typically provides the best detection sensitivity at the expense of vulnerability to damage. Can be hard to get good readings at all speeds because turbulence and air bubbles generated by the hull. Accuracy is unaffected

Properly located and installed a thru hull mount provides the best overall performance.

http://www.airmar.com/uploads/InstallGuide/17-247-03.pdf
http://www.airmar.com/uploads/InstallGuide/17-010.pdf

 

[JASinIL2006]

Location and installation instructions for both in-hull and transom mount transducers.

Properly located and installed an in-hull solution typically provides the best stability and the expense of detection sensitivity. Accuracy is unaffected. Temps can to be off by a degree or two depending on how well contact is maintained with the hull. I highly recommend the “Dixie cup” method for attaching the transducer to the hull. Ensures the face of transducer has maximum contact with the hull, minimizing signal lose

Properly located and installed a transom mount typically provides the best detection sensitivity at the expense of vulnerability to damage. Can be hard to get good readings at all speeds because turbulence and air bubbles generated by the hull. Accuracy is unaffected

Properly located and installed a thru hull mount provides the best overall performance.

http://www.airmar.com/uploads/InstallGuide/17-247-03.pdf
http://www.airmar.com/uploads/InstallGuide/17-010.pdf

Can a thru-hull transducer even sense temperature? None of the puck transducers I saw even had that functionality. Doesn't seem like temperature detection would work very well through a fiberglass hull. Maybe aluminum...

 

[dingbat]

Can a thru-hull transducer even sense temperature? None of the puck transducers I saw even had that functionality. Doesn't seem like temperature detection would work very well through a fiberglass hull. Maybe aluminum...

I assume you mean a shoot thru installtion. A thru hull transducer is in direct contact with the water.

Nothing says you have to use a puck style transducer for a in-hull application.

My first and only in-hull installation was a transom mount that I could never get right. Removed it from the transom and mounted in the hull. Had to increase the gain almost 50% compared to the transom but the temperature was within reason. Just took a bit time for the temperature of the hull (fiberglass) to equalize with that of the water. Certainly not responsive enough to look for temp breaks.

 

[emilime75]

I just installed a Helix 5 CHIRP SI GPS G2 on my 06 Sea Ray 185 Sport. The boat originally came with a Humminbird 610, which was just a 2" gauge size readout of depth only. The transducer for it is a factory installed through hull, located centered and just in front of the motor in the bilge.

 

[capitol1]

I purchased a 1999 Regal 1900 LSR. There is a small button next to ignition switch, can anyone tell me what it is for. Thanks

 

[emilime75]

I purchased a 1999 Regal 1900 LSR. There is a small button next to ignition switch, can anyone tell me what it is for. Thanks

Probably not a button, but a circuit breaker or fuse holder for the ignition.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I assume you mean a shoot thru installtion. A thru hull transducer is in direct contact with the water.

Nothing says you have to use a puck style transducer for a in-hull application.

My first and only in-hull installation was a transom mount that I could never get right. Removed it from the transom and mounted in the hull. Had to increase the gain almost 50% compared to the transom but the temperature was within reason. Just took a bit time for the temperature of the hull (fiberglass) to equalize with that of the water. Certainly not responsive enough to look for temp breaks.

Very interesting. I would have assumed the heat from the engine and the fiberglass hull would play hob with the transducer's ability to read temps.