Hello. New to the forum and new to my new 899 which is not installed yet. Of course, I have to update the transducer now that I see it did not come with the XHS 9 HDSI T (which I think was standard on the 898). However, I am considering using one of the through hull transducers instead. I have some questions and wouldn't mind getting some mounting feedback from you all with experience already.
First question, if I used a through hull transducer, which one for my 899? The XPTH 14 20 HDSI T or the XPTH 9 HDSI 180 T or which other one? Not sure what the degrees mean yet. Do understand kHz.
Second question, where do you think I should mount it? This is my first post here, so I think I am attaching a picture correctly. If I do a through hull, I circled two areas I'm considering. My boat has a step as you see that is about 7-1/2" in/deep. This is a center console Hurricane deck boat rigged for fishing. I hop lakes in the spring but I also have a slip and leave it in a river Marina for a few months on an off in the season. Some times debris accumulates behind my boat (I back into my slip, bow up river) and the debris often pushed my old/wimpy transducer up as the boat bobs up and down.
I'm considering a through hull to tuck it under this step. The first location I'm considering is to the right, towards where my current transducer is. I would try mount it (correctly) so that much of the transducer is splitting the water line, so that it is still in the water on plane. However, it would also be in the line of debris coming under my boat in the slip. And if I load it crooked, a bunk could get dangerously close.
The second location is tucked up center of the boat, above the drain plug. In this case, it may not be in the water on plane, and I would probably also add the splitter and a shoot through hull 2d transducer for on plane readings. Can anyone give me feedback on these two locations and let me know what they think a nice set up will be? If the transducer is center, directly in front the engine lower unit, will that cause issues?
Why not the XHS 9 HDSI 180 T on the outside? - because my boat does not have a jack plate and trimmed down, the lower end looks like it will be in the path of the transducer. I want this to work well in all conditions.
Finally, deviating a little, when I remove the old transducer and keepers...would marine tex..ing up the old holes be sufficient, 5200, or mix up some resin and gel?
Appreciate any feedback.
Thanks