Fishfinder Transducers

[Andy.R]

Hi all,
I am looking at fishfinders and have just sussed that there is a choice of through hull and transom mount. I am not even sure a through hull is compatible with a rib.... but it if was, is it not prone to damage from beaching etc? Whilst I can see a transom mount will just fold back if it is knocked by something, is this more robust? Is high speed with water impact going to cause damage?? I would have thought mounting the sensor as far forward as possible would give that bit more warning at low speed?

Anyone got any opinion, experiences or fact even?!?!?

Am currently looking at Garmin models (incl GPS if I can find a bank to rob !) And before anyone mentions it, forward looking type are faaaaaaaaaar too expensive.

Thanks in advance...

Andy.
z

[Alan]

I think you'll find that most RIBs use the transom mounted jobbies. We do for an Eagle fishfinder. No problems with this just make sure that the transducer is mounted correctly according to the instructions - out of the turbulence of the engine and low enough to read when you are on the plane. Apart from that you should have no problems.

Cheers, Alan

[tsunami]

I use the Garmin 235 sounder with a transom mount transducer. I've covered a few thousand miles with it now with no problems. The only thing you need to do is keep a close check on the tension screw to allow the unit to stay down in rough conditions, otherwise they tend to pop up too easily.
It would be of more benefit if you could have the transducer mounted further forward in the boat but for obvious reasons i don't think a through hull transducer is suitable in a rib.
I think the RRP for the Garmin 235 with sounder is around £700!

[Andy.R]

I was looking at Garmin 168 or 188 (due to be released now). Price looks pretty good - fron the US or Canada!
Anyone had any experience importing from either? How likely will customs or whoever get me for import duty? and if so I am guessing that is just vat at 17.5%??
Or is there anyone who travels across the pond that could help out, or anyone that lives over there that can send a present -don't think import applies then???
Guess I need to do some more homework on this one...
Cheers for all the replies so far.
Andy.
z

[Jono Garton]

Import duties can differ! Best to contact a company like DHL, UPS or DANZAS they can sort it all out sometimes it cheaper than 17.5%.

[Garygee]

I use the Garmin 160 Blue fish finder which works fine NOW.

The Garmin manual state a quite short distance min from the prop arc. I followed these + 2" and it would not read at speed. I have now move the transducer as far away from the prop as possible and still be in the water on the plane and it works fine.

I tested the second mounting point (did not want more holes to fill in the transom) using a wood strip 2X0.5" which I mounted the transducer to then held this in place on the transom with a G clamp. Once I found the best spot I fitted the transducer direct to the transom.

Apart from these dubious Garmin instructions have found the Garmin 160 Blue fine.

[Nigel]

I have the Garmin GPSMap235, with an Airmar transom mount transducer supplied as standard by Garmin.
Works OK, but I was not comfortable with the standard plastic mounting bracket on the transom. This only kicks up if you hit something and does not give the facility to hinge the transducer up for beaching. I spent an extra 15 pounds for the stainless steel mount which allows you to swing the transducer up out of the way of you want to beach the boat. It is also considerably more robust than the plastic version.
Airmar are an American company but they have a Distributor in Denmark who is happy to do business in Euros and posted the stainless bracket to me by return. The mounting holes for both are the same so you can 'upgrade' later without peppering your transom with holes.
Rgds
Nigel

[gaelforce]

anyone know how i could get a garmin gpsmap 168 repaired? water has gotten into it and corroded the contacts where the power supply meets the pcb. waterproof my arse! anyway any ideas?

[John Kennett]

The first place to try had got to be Garmin. They've got a good track record of replacing kit if it's under warranty -- if not they will probably still be able to help.

John

[Garygee]

You can get Garmin UK on 01794 519944

Always found them helpful.