Thru Hull transducer question

[gman]

I'm getting a Lowrance X125 unit for my boat that comes with a thru hull transducer. question is... will this transducer work ok on an aluminum hull boat or will I have to get a transom mount transducer. thanks in advance, Mark

[just ducky]

I don't have any real experience with thru-hull transducers, so I can't answer your question. But what I can say is two years ago I got a great deal on a unit made by Bottom-Line, that was intended to be a thru-hull set up, and it was such a good deal I took it. But because I have a floor in my boat, I didn't have a real good, or easy, option to get down to the hull. So before I tore up some of the flooring, I thought I'd try something else...I rigged a length of aluminum to use as an extender, I mounted a clamp on one end, and the transducer on the other, and I use it in a portable fashion...just clamp the thing on the side anywhere I want. It really works great this way. So my point is don't feel you absolutely need to use it in a thru-hull fashion...there are other options.

[waterfoul]

The ducer will not read thru aluminum.

[Gone Fishing]

The ducer will not read thru aluminum.

I think he's talking about a through hull and not a shoot through hull ducer. I don't think I know anyone that has done this on a aluminum boat but I don't see why it wouldn't work. Here is the hole I cut in my boat for a through hull transducer. :yikes: :dizzy:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2005/2277601898_4be029e042_o.jpg

[dtg]

I think he's talking about a through hull and not a shoot through hull ducer. I don't think I know anyone that has done this on a aluminum boat but I don't see why it wouldn't work. Here is the hole I cut in my boat for a through hull transducer. :yikes: :dizzy:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2005/2277601898_4be029e042_o.jpg

So how does that work? Do you give that little guy a snorkle, pair of goggles and a multi colored string with a weight?:lol:

[Gone Fishing]

So how does that work? Do you give that little guy a snorkle, pair of goggles and a multi colored string with a weight?:lol:

:lol: :lol: :lol: There was something about cutting a 7 inch hole in the bottom of a perfectly good hull that was a little unnerving.

[tdejong302]

If my memory serves me correctly a transducer mounted on the bottom/floor of your boat will work fine. I think the info that I read stated it worked better thru alum. then fiberglass because the fiberglass was thicker. It worked thru both however its effectiveness was reduced thru fiberglass. I also read some are made of brass which gave more accurate readings. I think I read this on garmins website if you would like to see the info yourself. I chose the transom mount instead because they were alittle more accurate because they didn't have to shot thru the hull.

[Gone Fishing]

Here is a good source of information on transducers:
http://www.airmartechnology.com/airmar2005/ex20/RMProducts/RMMain.asp?LinkID=

[gman]

thanks for the info, man I'd hate to be that kid when it came time to load the boat on the trailer.

it's a shoot thru the hull transducer and I've read now where these are only good for fiberglass boats. figures.

[waterfoul]

They work on fiberglass because the density of fiberglass is very near that of water. The density of aluminum is too high for sonar to work thru... believe it.

[just ducky]

thanks for the info, man I'd hate to be that kid when it came time to load the boat on the trailer.

it's a shoot thru the hull transducer and I've read now where these are only good for fiberglass boats. figures.


As I said, don't necessarily give up on what you have because it will work...just not in a thru-hull arrangement.

[waterfoul]

Yeah, I'd bet you could find a way to attach it to your trolling motor without too much trouble.

[KI Jim]

I put a x-125 on my boat last year and I really like it. I think you will be very please. If the transducer is a shoot through-I do not believe it will shoot through aluminum. If it is a thru-hull, where you have to cut a hole in your boat....I think i would rather have a transom mount.

Jim