thru hull transducer, transom mount In-Hull
Oct 31, 2024
Transducers are typically mounted in one of three ways: through the hull, inside the hull, or on the transom.
Each has their own unique benefits, but which one is right for your particular boating and fishing needs?
Thru hull transducers are installed by drilling a hole through the boat's hull and attaching the transducer to it. This type of installation is permanent and requires a good amount of planning to position the transducer in the most optimal location. Thru hull transducers are generally preferred for larger boats or when fishing in deeper waters. They provide better signal quality and can operate at higher frequencies, allowing for more detail and accuracy.
Transom mount transducers, on the other hand, are installed on the exterior of the boat's transom. This installation is much simpler and can be done by anyone, regardless of their boating experience. Transom mount transducers are typically less expensive than thru hull transducers and can provide adequate depth readings in shallow waters.
When deciding between a thru hull or transom mount transducer, consider your boating and fishing needs. If you have a larger boat and are planning on fishing in deeper waters, a thru hull transducer may be worth the investment. Additionally, if you value accuracy over cost, a thru hull transducer is the better choice.
On the other hand, if you have a smaller boat or primarily fish in shallower waters, a transom mount transducer may be the more practical choice. They are typically less expensive and easier to install, making them a great option for beginners or those on a tight budget.
Transom mount transducers, on the other hand, are installed on the exterior of the boat's transom. This installation is much simpler and can be done by anyone, regardless of their boating experience. Transom mount transducers are typically less expensive than thru hull transducers and can provide adequate depth readings in shallow waters.
When deciding between a thru hull or transom mount transducer, consider your boating and fishing needs. If you have a larger boat and are planning on fishing in deeper waters, a thru hull transducer may be worth the investment. Additionally, if you value accuracy over cost, a thru hull transducer is the better choice.
On the other hand, if you have a smaller boat or primarily fish in shallower waters, a transom mount transducer may be the more practical choice. They are typically less expensive and easier to install, making them a great option for beginners or those on a tight budget.
In-Hull or Shoot-Through
A third option when mounting your transducer is referred to as an in- hull, or shoot-through installation. An in-hull transducer is mounted on the inside of the hull. The transducer signal 'shoots through' the fiberglass and so the hull does not require a hole cut in it, although certain hull types may need to be bored out to remove any flotation material. When properly installed the effects of turbulence and aerated water are minimized. Because the transducer face does not touch wa- ter, there is no real maintenance involved with an in-hull transducer. These are compelling arguments for shoot-through installations.
These benefits do not come without a price, and that price is performance. The signal will experience loss when shooting through the hull material. This means that the performance of your fish finder will suffer. Most modern in-hull transducers are designed to compensate for this loss.
Boats with wood, aluminum or steel hulls will not be able to use in-hull transducers, as these mate- rials act as a very effective barrier against the acoustic signal. Sound waves simply will not propa- gate through these materials. Only fiberglass boats, with no flotation core, can utilize an in-hull transducer.
