Sonar for SIB transom mount or "floating" sensor?

[MaxiSailing]

I usually use the 3,3m SIB (15hp) in a large lake (up to 50m deep).

It would be fun to have som kind of sonar to see how it looks under the boat, if it's safe/deep enough to approach an island, start to learn how to fish and to just explore.

There are many solutions and there are some decicions to be made...

• E.g. Lowrance Hook5 reveal 83/200 with a transom sensor looks nice but requires some installation, batteries etc). Maybe I could buy an extra sensor and use it on the small sailboat as well (bring the SIB as Dinghy).
• On the other end of the choice scale I see the Deeper Sonar that looks very handy. The question is if it's too handy. And they show themself how it's used on a SIB. The question is what happens if I/the kids forget the sensor and WOT. Slightly differnt load case than the MinnKota on the picture.

Looking for experiences, thoughts & ideas.

I'm not storing the SIB inflated. So it has to be fairly to remove once I get to shore just wanting to go home

[Fenlander]

It's very easy to make a demountable transducer with a length of wood and a single bolt through the transom which is easy to remove for packing.

I had just such a setup before I gave up using depth readings....`posts 19 & 52 on this thread...

https://www.rib.net/forum/f37/garmin...tec-69858.html

[Oldman2]

Or like this pic, goodness I feel like a stalker! Its also Fenlanders photo.

transducer.jpg

[Fenlander]

Oh yes a better pic.

[Brinormeg]

I am looking Fishfinder/Gps combos at the moment.

Did come across this which although not for me....might be of interest to you. See the video at around 15.50 for a portable pack that lowrance do. I think you get some sucker system to stick to transom (not sure about trusting that though) and battery pack etc

You can also get a removable transducer pole clamp system on the site below....but at £130....I think I would be sticking to a bit of wood like the guys show.
force4 have several videos to watch which will advise on best transducers as well because some are more suitable for different depths depending on your needs and of course finances

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3gs...16AZhs&index=2

https://www.force4.co.uk/item/Lowran...eason-Pack/B0R

[Pikey Dave]

This is mine. It’s not clear from the photo, but it’s a quick release system I rigged up from from some engineering plastic & stainless counter sunk headed setscrews.
It’s attached to the brackets for the transom wheels which avoids having to drill more holes in the transom.

[paintman]

I have a Dragonfly on my boat. Normally only used for a few weeks each summer.

I remove it from the boat & use it on Rutland & Pitsford hire fishing boats for the rest of the year when pike fishing.
For that the unit base is mounted to a piece of board which I bungee to the boat seat.

The transponder is mounted to a length of wood which I G-clamp to the transom.
Never had it work loose.
I don't think they'd like me drilling holes in their boats

A Yuasa house alarm size battery powers it via crocodile clips.



One of my son's carp fishing friends has a Deeper & says it's very good.
They're bank fishing so cast it out with a rod.
Only issue he had was when the line broke on casting & had to wait for some time for it to float in - fortunately into an accessible area!
Not seen it in use myself so can't really comment as to the pic quality & I wonder if it would rock about a lot in any chop or wave?

[Highland_Pete]

I’ve got one of these for sale, used for a couple of days on the west coast. £90 inc shipping in the uk.
https://www.force4.co.uk/item/Minn-K...SABEgKIJfD_BwE

[MaxiSailing]

Originally Posted by Highland_Pete

I’ve got one of these for sale, used for a couple of days on the west coast. £90 inc shipping in the uk.
https://www.force4.co.uk/item/Minn-K...SABEgKIJfD_BwE

Perfect! That would make it easy to bring to the sailboat to be used there. Can’t buy this one however since it’s a bit far.