Gmilburn
Member III
Hi all,
With the risk of offending the purists, I need to replace the stock depth finder on my 1977 E-29, and am considering a Garmin or Humminbird Fishfinder. They are now quite common and have built in functions such as Depth, Water Temp (I dont really care about that), Speed (via GPS) and chart maps. Since I sail in an inland lake, Im most interested in not running aground as the water level fluctuates over the summer (there are numerous submerged sandbars lurking just a few feet under the surface). My idea is to install a combo unit for less than $1000.
I really do NOT want to install a thru-hull transducer and have read about installing one inside the hull either directly with silicone or via a mineral oil sleave to keep the soundings clear thru the hull. I see that transom mounted transducers come with most units at no extra charge, but thru hull transducers can cost as much as $300 extra.
My Question is do I need to pay extra to get a real thru-hull, even though I want to mount it on the inside of the hull, or alternatively, what about the stock transom mounted transducer, can it be mounted on the back transom and still function with the normal "heeling" of a sailboat, or can it be mounted adjacent to the hull using silicone or with a mineral oil sleave.
Anyones thought or experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much!
With the risk of offending the purists, I need to replace the stock depth finder on my 1977 E-29, and am considering a Garmin or Humminbird Fishfinder. They are now quite common and have built in functions such as Depth, Water Temp (I dont really care about that), Speed (via GPS) and chart maps. Since I sail in an inland lake, Im most interested in not running aground as the water level fluctuates over the summer (there are numerous submerged sandbars lurking just a few feet under the surface). My idea is to install a combo unit for less than $1000.
I really do NOT want to install a thru-hull transducer and have read about installing one inside the hull either directly with silicone or via a mineral oil sleave to keep the soundings clear thru the hull. I see that transom mounted transducers come with most units at no extra charge, but thru hull transducers can cost as much as $300 extra.
My Question is do I need to pay extra to get a real thru-hull, even though I want to mount it on the inside of the hull, or alternatively, what about the stock transom mounted transducer, can it be mounted on the back transom and still function with the normal "heeling" of a sailboat, or can it be mounted adjacent to the hull using silicone or with a mineral oil sleave.
Anyones thought or experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much!