Transducers

A good transducer is the heart and soul of your fishfinder! Incorporating some of the latest transducer technology, such as alternating or spectrum scanning transmitters or the use of 1000-watt in-hull or transom mount units, will allow incredible depth finder performance.

There are 4 main transducer models available, defined by how they are mounted on your vessel: Thru-Hull, Shoot-thru-hull (most often used for fiberglass hulls), transom-mount (best suited to trailerable size vessels) and portable transducers.

The best transducer for you will depend a lot on your budget, boat type, shape and hull material and the fishing conditions it will be used in. Ideally a transducer needs to 'look' directly down and be mounted so that clean, turbulence-free water passes over its face.

Which is the Best Transducer for My Boat?

Transducer Installation Guide

Hull Material Considerations:

Transducer Do's and Dont's:

• Plastic housings are recommended for fibreglass or metal hulls only. Never mount a plastic thru-hull housing in a wooden hull since swelling of the wood may overstress the plastic causing it to fracture.
• Bronze housings are recommended for fibreglass or wood hulls only. Never mount a bronze housing in a metal hull as electrolysis will occur.
• Never install a thru-hull transducer & leave the boat in the water unchecked for several days.
• Never use solvents on the transducer's face or the plastic housing.
• Always site the transducer so that external noise is minimised. Possible sources include air bubbles, propellers, generators, other echosounders.
• Transducer surfaces that can be painted must use a water based antifouling.

With the range of transducers available, selection can appear confusing and with the next generation of Lowrance Transducers and Airmar Broadband/CHIRP transducers arriving in-store – the definition will astound you!

So speak with the marine electronics experts at CH Smith Marine. With over 50 years of fishfinder experience, we'll help you find the best transducer that suits your new fishfinder, or help re-invigorate your old fish finder.