Topic: What transducer?

[Tomkat07]

Hello, I'm thinking of getting the 898 for a Carolina skiff.
I'm wanting to get a good quality view at a little bit of speed maybe 5 to 10 MPH.

So what's the best transducer?  Through hull or stock transom mount?
How does the through hull design work? Will it leak?

Sorry for being so inquisitive for my first post.

[Doc Stressor]

I'd stay with the stock transom mount transducer.

You would have to use 2 through hull transducers if your CS has a modified V hull. That hull has a foam core, so mounting through hull transducers could be problematic.

I have a J16 with a transom mount and it tracks bottom fine in 2D at WOT. You won't be able use the side imaging capability at high speed however.

[Tomkat07]

Thank you very much. I wasn't to crazy about having a hole drilled through my hull in the first place.
I have a HB Wide 100 on it now. Works pretty well from what I can tell.
However I want the side and down imaging.

Can the HB 898 have just as clear images as the Lorance 5 SDI?
I have always had HB. And seen too many people complaining about customer service with Lorance and their products not lasting long enough to make you feel like you got your money out of it.

Right now my HB Wide 100 has the hot wire soldered in because a pin corroded and broke into.
It is still working strong and well over it worth so far lol.

[ITGEEK]

Lowrance also makes good products.
Some people say that Lowrance side-imaging and down-imaging is clearer than
Humminbirds.

Can the HB 898 have just as clear images as the Lorance 5 SDI?

The only way to be absolutely sure of the answer, is to install both units on your
boat, and compare them side by side.

[Tomkat07]

I did compare them side by side, in the store.
I was just wondering if you tweak the setting like the guy shows you in the videos. If you can make the HB look just as good if not better.
I'm new to these side/down image units.

[ITGEEK]

That's a very difficult question.
I think no matter what unit you get, you will have to spend time
on the water to get experience with the unit, before you can get the
best out of it.
There is a learning curve associated with it.
Probably the most critical part OF ALL is where the transducer is installed.
The way the water flows over the transducer, and how much it is disturbed (aerated),
will have a bearing on how clear the images are.

The chart speed in relation to the boat speed (in mph) should be matched.
Also, when doing side-imaging, you have to keep the boat in a very straight line.
Also, don't expect side-imaging to work over 10mph.

Some people have gotten tremendous images with both Humminbird and Lowrance units.
I don't know if anyone can say with absolute certainty which one is clearer.
The only way for a person to know which one is clearer is if they've had both units on their boat and tweaked both of them to their very best potential.

Both are excellent products.
Humminbird does have excellent customer service.
I don't know about the customer service with Lowrance, I have personally never used it.
I don't see how you could go wrong with either model.
I would suggest you look on forums and take note of the positives and negatives of
each model, then decide.

Good luck with your decision.

[sonar2000]

+1 to what ITG posted.

If you add a thru the hull transducer there are two kinds.
1) shoot thru the hull. You will need to prepare the surface of the boat for this..several posting within the forum on this.
2) drill a hole and put a thru the hull transducer in. this nalso requires some good work to make sure no leaks..

Check aroud the fourm using search and see what has been posted..
Glue, Epoxy, preparation, no bubbles in epoxy mix, etc..

Chuck

[Tomkat07]

I think I'm going to save and get the HB.
I seen somewhere you can record a side scan and then at home, since HB records it is raw state you can mess with the setting and sharpen up your scan while sitting at the house. This alone should help train you on how to use the settings.

[sonar2000]

A great rainy day project. Of course a garage or tent will help on the rainy day..

That is a good way to play with the unit.

Of course the data is recorded so you cant change that but playing with the unit will certainly get you on board faster..

Getting to know the menus is the first step in the learning learning.

Chuck