Topic: Deepwater Transducer 1kw TM260

[captscoob38]

I do deep saltwater stuff up to around 1000ft, bought the 998 humminbird thinking it would work in deep water, the specs state itll work with the stock transducer up 1500', could never get it to read in over 300' of water, so I figured Id buy the 1kw ducer from Airmar, the transom mount TM260 thinking I would get readings of up to 3000' like the specs stated. Went out in 750' of water and would barely get a bottom reading and it would lose bottom more than it would track it, I messed with every setting and nothing seemed to help. I dont know if humminbird is just full of crap with the specs or if there is something wrong with my unit, has anyone else had any deepwater experience with there unit, I spent a fortune on this unit thinking it would at least perform near the specs but its no where close.

[ITGEEK]

That's pretty deep stuff.
You need to make absolutely sure that when the boat is
in the water, and is fully loaded, that your transducer is
flat with the water, looking straight down.
If it's angled too far to front or back, I don't think it
will work well with the depths you are talking about.

Also, I'd put the sensitivity on max and keep it there.

Also, you didn't say, but are you just drifting when looking
at the depth.  The faster you go in deep water, the less
chance you will get a good sonar reading.

Once you get the Humminbird transducer
dialed in and working, then I'd try
to switch to the Airmar.  The Airmar may not
be 100% compatible with the Humminbird.

That's why to get the Humminbird transducer working
as good as you can before switching.
If the Airmar doesn't work well, then you know it's a compatibility
issue.

Also, if you use the Airmar, make dog-gone sure you are selecting
the right transducer type.
Good Luck.

[xSilmarilSx]

I have touched the bottom without any problem with a stock HB 718 in 450-490 ft of salt water. Stock transducer.