Indash depth sounder and transducer

[dlogvine]

I have a Lowrance 3500 indash sounder with in-hull transducer. However it has a bad LCD display and it shows scrambled digits. I started looking for a replacement of the gauge with the similar one so that I can keep the transducer and not have to install another one. Cannot find the same model, looks like they are out of production. So now I have a question, what is a decent brand to buy (I saw Lowrance 3800 and HumminBird) and how could I find an in-hull transducer with it. Or should I look for transom mounted transducer?
Any advice is appreciated. Thx

 

[airshot]

In my opinion a transom mount will give the most accurate reading, however if you have a glass hull shooting thru does work as many will attest to. Trying to find a unit to match your current transducer is a crapshoot at best and normally the transducer is what goes bad first. The electronics world for marine use is big....really big and everyone makes quality products now, so just a matter of finding what you like with the features you want.....oh and how deep your pockets are!!

 

[gm280]

Actually that is one problem with built in anything. If they go bad, it is hard to find replacements and usually ends up changing the entire unit out. And then that can change the built in look. I would find something that either fits in the opening, or change the panel out and mount something you like in another place. Also, through the hull transducers do work but not nearly as good as transom mounted types. Shooting through the hull does take some of the detail out of the info. But go with want you like. That is the only person you need to please. JMHO

 

[dlogvine]

I talked to my mechanic and he also said it is easier to replace the current depth sounder/transducer with the new unit with transom mount transducer. It will give better readings, also most of the new ones give the temperature as well, for the transom mounted. And it would be a lot easier to mount the transducer on transom vs. trying to reach under the engine, since there is very limited reach/space in the engine compartment. Will look for the gauge/transducer combo

 

[Watermann]

I have a Faria In-Dash Dual Temperature Digital Depth Sounder

http://www.iboats.com/Faria-In-Dash...687622--session_id.949516945--view_id.1168960

 

[dlogvine]

I saw some humminbird and hawkeye depth finders. Very rare are the Lowrance 3800. Any suggestions on which one is a better choice?

 

[David Young]

Just search on line for reviews. I have a transom mounted one. It measures the water temperature but if you think about it, it is only measuring the water temperature of the surface to less than a foot deep. The water temperature is a lot colder the deeper you go, at least in my small lake