Depth Finder, in-hull vs transom mounted

[jjschwi]

I dont have a depth finder on my boat and I really want to get one, I hate not knowing how deep the water is for my motor to run. I have a shallow lake on our cabin near the docks. I really want to know if I can install these myself or should I hire someone? my only issue is the mounting of the transducer and what not.. I have a 2003 Sea Ray SRX 182. its an 19' open bow I/O.

I am thinking about this depth finder
http://www.amazon.com/Faria-13850-C...1371139025&sr=1-5&keywords=faria+depth+finder
Faria-Depth-Sounder-with-Hull-Transducer


I dont want a fishing model, and I do not fish. any thoughts?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Depth Finder, in-hull vs transom mounted

There are 3 kinds of transducers Thru-hull (meaning a hole has to be cut in the hull), Shoot thru the hull (no hole required), and transom mount. The one you gave a link to is transom mount (?) You will want to make sure you seal up the mounting hole really well to protect the transom from water absorption.

Can you install this yourself . . .? Sure, what skills levels are we talking? You will have to tap into the electrical system and do all the mechanical mounting stuff.

 

[jjschwi]

Re: Depth Finder, in-hull vs transom mounted

Are there advantages for any type of depth finders? In hull, transom mount?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Depth Finder, in-hull vs transom mounted

Are there advantages for any type of depth finders? In hull, transom mount?

Sure . . fairly straight forward.

Thru-hull - you can have a combo depth & temp style. Having a hole in the hull can present problems

shoot thru-the-hull - no holes in the hull to worry about - more subject to the thickness and shape of the hull - not so good with deep-v hulls

Transom mount - more adjustable - can have temp & depth type of functionality - need to seal up the screw mounting holes in the transom well.

That's my take . . . Others may have some comments as well.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Depth Finder, in-hull vs transom mounted

in my take the thru hull types often have better depth readings at higher speeds. though some do get good results with transom mounts, just not me I guess.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Depth Finder, in-hull vs transom mounted

Yup, transom mounts can be a bit tricky to get the right offset below the transom line, so that the sensor is not catching air. My boat actually has 2 depth sounders . . . thru-hull and transom mount, as I have a GPS that also reads depth. They both seem to do OK at speed and at idling.