Choosing the right GARMIN Transducer

Types of Garmin Transducers

In Hull – An in-hull transducer is installed inside a boat hull against the bottom and sends its signal through the hull.

PROS

• No need to drill through the vessel, no drag.
• The boat can be trailered without damaging the transducer
• No exposure to marine growth
• Can be installed and serviced with the vessel in the water
• Gives great high-speed performance as long as water flow below the transducer is “clean” (no turbulence)
• Works with any engine type: inboard, outboard, and I/O when installed over solid fiberglass
• Performs well on both power and sailboats

CONS

• Not recommended for metal, wood, and cored fiberglass hulls
• Lose signal by transmitting through-hull
• Hulls thicker than 3/4″ & epoxy laminates also cause signal loss

 

Kayak In-Hull – This mount attaches to the inside of a Kayak, against the bottom and sends its signal through the hull.

PROS

• No need to drill into the vessel
• No drag and it protects the transducer from rocks when launching
• Will not catch on weeds or marine vegetation
• Easily remove the transducer

CONS

• Not recommended for metal or wooden kayaks
• Slight loss of signal by transmitting through-hull
• Recommends flat section for best sealing against boat

 

Trolling Motor – Attaches either to the shaft or below the body of a trolling motor.

PROS

• Provides sonar images from the bow, right below where you are fishing, instead of further astern on the hull or at the transom
• Easy to install and remove, no need to drill into the hull
• Stores with trolling motor when lifted out of water

CONS

• Sonar image corresponds to the position of trolling motor, may not be an optimum direction in currents or windy conditions.
• Hangs low in the water, if you don’t pay attention to depth, it’s vulnerable to hitting submerged objects.

 

Thru-Hull: Thru-hull transducers, as their name implies, are installed in a hole drilled thru the hull.

PROS

• Works with any engine type: inboard, outboard, or I/O, twins, or single
• Works for power and sailboats alike
• Thru-hull transducers can be found for every hull material

CONS

• The boat needs to be out of the water to install.
• Need good access to the inside of the hull.
• Requires the angle to be correct
• Must keep them clean if the boat is in the water all the time.

“Flush” –  thru-hull transducers sit flush or nearly flush with the hull. Recommended for smaller boats with a minimum deadrise angle.

They are often installed on sailing vessels because they produce minimal drag.

“External” – thru-hull transducers extend beyond the hull’s surface and usually require a fairing to aim the sound beam vertically.

These are designed for larger un-trailered vessels.

Installed with a High-Performance Fairing, the transducer face is flush with the surface of the fairing and parallel to the waterline, resulting in a truly vertical beam, putting maximum energy on the target.

These are mounted in “clean water” forward of the propellers and running gear and produce the most effective signal return since nothing on the vessel interferes with the transducer’s active face.

When to Use a Thru-Hull Pair –  A Thru-Hull pair is recommended when mounting a SideVu transducer in a location that has a dead-rise greater than 5 degrees.

 Excellent Garmin Webinar 

“Picking the Right Transducer”

Garmin Transducer Comparison

Specs | Differences | Compatibility

The tables below the list the Garmin Transducer Models divided into the Garmin Transducer Types, covering details like.

• Current – Garmin Transducer Specifications
• Transducer ~ Fishfinder | Compatibility
• Transducer Cone Angles
• Transducer Cable Lengths
• Maximum Operating Depths
• Transducer Operating Frequencies
• Maximum Transducer Power Output
• Deadrise & Transom Angle Options