Transducer

[htillman]

Got a deal on a Garmin 545s GPS/Depthfinder combo. Came with stock-standard transom mount transducer. Info said it could be epoxy mounted in the bilge (inside bottom).
Looking for recommendations on mounting this transducer - transom mount or bilge mount or forget and get another type.

[McGillicuddy]

Hey et phone home, heh,heh. I'm im the middle of the same debate. I think you'll be fine with that transducer. obviously its designed to mount on the transom but it will work insid the hull. I've heard from some that the transducer loses some sensitivity at depths but for inshore work it is common practice.
I, personally, would shy away from the epoxy. My fiberglass supplier has suggested silicone for that type of application. You will be able to mount it at a better angle, and remove it when the time comes or if you want to mount it on the transom. Its the closest you're going to get to something like ultrasound gel in an adhesive and it should hold up ok in the bilge. Just make sure you wipe down the mounting position with acetone or carb cleaner before mounting, and avoid air bubbles. Good luck.

[castalot]

i don't know if they will have it but ship shape tv did an install in the boat by making a container and submersing the transducer in some type of oil might be worth looking at
also there can't be any voids or bubbles in the glass

[hermco]

Called an oil box. The oil is mineral oil available at the local pharmacy.

[rhody98]

I purchased this same combo and based on my use this season I think you will be very satisfied with it. The screen refresh rate on the GPS is very fast which to me is a very desireable feature.

I transom mounted my transducer which has been fine. Infrequently it has "lost bottom" showing an anomalous depth - I reboot and its fine - have not bothered to research as this happened only a few times. The lighting is quite good and easily adjustable for day or night. I bought from Abes of Maine last Fall, good price and no problems. I had not used any fishfinders before so I can not offer any comparison to other brands. Good luck with yours, may it find you many fish.

[SECF3114M73J]

I've had my transducer mounted in the bilge on my 23' for about 10 yrs. I have a Lowrance unit with a "hockey puck" ducer. I used the silicone method, works great. Before you mount the ducer take the boat out in 40-50 ft. of water. Move the ducer around in the bilge to find the best install. location. The center line is the thickest section so usually a few inches either side will be best. A friend recently used this method in his Shamrock with excellent results.

[htillman]

Thanks all, I am going to experiment this weekend.