Transponder advice

davidbrooks

Need some advice here.  I am driving myself crazy with trying to match up the specs.  I have a 2003 Rinker 342.  Just got it this year and it was really well maintained by the previous owner.  So i am thinking that the dash needs a Fishfinder.  I was going to put in the SIMRAD GO5XSE ($419) above the Garmin.  It would provide a nice backup in case the Garmin went out.  Additionally i could interface the engines into the GO5 at some point.  So I am really wrestling with what transponder to pair with it. I think i have ruled out transom mounted so that leaves through hull or in hull. My first choice is in hull as it would also give me temp but i could be swayed.  Deadrise is 22 deg.  Fishing would mostly be in the Chesapeake bay  (6ft to 100Ft).  In hull, through hull, low, med or hi frequency, plastic, Stainless, brass and i was really hoping not to break the bank.  Just looking forward to using the new chirp technology.  Can anyone help?

Thanks,
David  

Handymans342

I cant give you a model number for the transponder because it has to match your electronics.

Handymans342

Mine was a Raymarine CPT-120

Liberty44140

Hi David, I can't help with your electronics question but I like the look of your floor. Looks like luxury woven vinyl. I am about to put the same in my 342. Any more floor pics that you can share? Did you do that or did it come with it? Thanks, sorry to de rail. 

davidbrooks

Thanks.  Previous owner did it.  Not sure of the specific brand.  But is is a synthetic 
"teak" that is glued down. Sandable if you get something on it.  Supposedly it doesn't get too hot.  Have to wait till next summer on that one.  

Liberty44140

VERY nice looking cockpit! You will love the non carpet down below. We have the teak floor in our 342 down below and it has a nice feel. I'm sure your plas-teak is much lower maintenance than ours which is awesome! Just love that cockpit. 

Handymans342

I just installed the new Raymarine with chirp. I used a high speed bronze thru hull and I drilled the hole in the aft cabin bilge. Worked great and at full speed I can see the bottom. Its awesome. @Randy56 saw the unit in operation

rasbury

what does this do @Handymans342 in see the bottom...like a sonar you can see ahead of you? That's what I need! Also, completely different question about the bed below...they look like a bed for an elf (no offense to little people), always wondered, do they fold out or extend or something? My 270 has a larger bed than these bigger boats and it always puzzled me. I can ask stupid questions here!

rasbury

PS- love that flooring!

davidbrooks

Thanks Handy.  If possible do you know the make and model of the transponder you installed?  I was thinking about going through the hull near the port engine.  Is it possible to post a pic of where you installed it?  I like doing things like this myself but it is definitely a ton of choices.  Rasbury.  The one i was looking at also had the option to install a forward looking sonar transponder.  The problem was that was all it did.  Not great for locating the fish that are ignoring my lines.

davidbrooks

Thanks all.  I will keep looking but for now i am thinking of going with the NAVICO

B60 Bronze 20° Tilt Thru-hull 50/200kHz Transducer.  

captpaul

do you still have the working faria depth gauge? replaced lowrance chartplotter and upgraded to new chartplotter chart with chirp sonar and it works great! transom mount transducer was easy install/replacement. hate to drill holes in the hull... 

davidbrooks

@captpaul.  I do still have it.  I know what you mean about drilling holes.  The transom mount is an easy option.  I just have heard many people talk about how you lose a lot by going that route.  Apparently too much going on back there.  What has been your experience?  Work ok at faster speeds?  If possible could you post a pic of where you mounted the transducer? Thanks.

dwolf

I love the floors in your boat I just replace the flooring in my boat

captpaul

mounted off to the right of the starboard outdrive. have good readings and scans in water up to 25 ft. have not had it offshore yet. easy access to clean off if growth buildup. works much better than prior DF. have good side scan readings with little or no perceptible problems with port side scan even with 2 drives. 

Glassguy54

Good to see some validation on the transom mount installation of the transducer. I have read that because of all the turbulence created around that location, readings can be a bit sketchy.

J3ff

captpaul said:

mounted off to the right of the starboard outdrive. have good readings and scans in water up to 25 ft. have not had it offshore yet. easy access to clean off if growth buildup. works much better than prior DF. have good side scan readings with little or no perceptible problems with port side scan even with 2 drives. 

I also need your help here. Where and how did you run the wire through the transom? I already bought the new equipment.. I'm in a 270.  I actually lose lock on the bottom with the thru-hull stock depth gauge and this transom mount transducer is HUGE compared to what I've seen on others... 

J3ff

Well I found one way of doing it.. 

Going to put the hole above the water line, under the swim platform and use one of these... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XGI3MLhrpo 

Handymans342

Mine just goes thru a hole, caulked up with 4100 and a stainless vent cover over it. 

J3ff

4100? not 5200?  

Handymans342

4100 above water 5200 below

Dude_Himself

captpaul said:

mounted off to the right of the starboard outdrive. have good readings and scans in water up to 25 ft. have not had it offshore yet. easy access to clean off if growth buildup. works much better than prior DF. have good side scan readings with little or no perceptible problems with port side scan even with 2 drives. 

Any photos Captain Paul?