fish / depth finder suggestions
 

I have a Humminbird Platinum ID fish finder with the transducer mounted to the transom. This set up came with the boat. I find the depth readings are errattic. Sometimes the readings are accurate compared to charts and other times they are obviously way off (562' in the Chesapeake Bay ain't happening). Boat speed seems to have no effect. Anyone have any suggestions on what type of transducer and the most effective way to mount it on a V20? ???

Re: fish / depth finder suggestions
 

You probably need to move it down towards the keel more to keep it in "cleaner" water (ie; less turbulance). I've had several Humminbird products over the years and was never satisfied with any of them.
I would recommend a Garmin, Furuno, or Raymarine (Raytheon), and possibly a Simrad. At the very least, see if you can get an Airmar transducer that works with that unit.

Squash that Airmar idea (at least I think so). Looks like they make them for just about everyone but Humminbird. Might be best to contact their tech support staff and ask the question anyways. Airmar are very reliable transducers.

http://www.airmar.com/marine/enduser/enduser_index.html

Re: fish / depth finder suggestions
 

Rick, my Lowrance shows bottom and other stuff at speed ...standard Lowrance transducer mounted in back of one of the "steps" as DEEP as it will go...moving from the keel, first "step" to the port side...hope this helps... :)...

Re: fish / depth finder suggestions
 

Rick, what CB and RAP said. I have a Hummingbird too and I had to lower my transducer this spring as I was getting whacky readings. It should be at least 1/4" below the plane of the hull according to my Hummingbird manual and mounted directly behind a flat surface (chine) intstead of the V of the hull. Mine was less than a quarter inch and it had a barnacle or two on it as well.

Anybody out there use the transducer anti-fouling paint?

Re: fish / depth finder suggestions
 

Thanks everyone. I have the transducer located at one of the chines though I think it is at most a 1/4" below the hull. I think I'll lower it slightly and try my luck. I also noticed that the connector at the display is looking a bit weathered. Perhaps cleaning the contacts will help. I'll let you know what happens.

Rick

Re: fish / depth finder suggestions
 

Throw the Hummingbird over board!!!!!!!! I hate them!!

I have Garmin 160 and its great!! works at speed or stop!!

Get the transducer off the chines!! That cause dirty water and will never work right no matter what you put in there!!

Re: fish / depth finder suggestions
 

My boat came with the same Plat. I.D. I have been satisfied with it. It seems to be accurate at speeds, so long as it's not too rough.

Re: fish / depth finder suggestions
 

I have the Garmin 260 FF. It works well and the resolution is good.

Re: fish / depth finder suggestions
 

That's because Garmin uses the Airmar transducers ;)

Re: fish / depth finder suggestions
 

MJ, is your garmin 160 the red or blue