location of transducer

[stanleyi]

I have a Hunter Cherubini (33ft) and just purchased a chartpotter (Garmin 441s) to replace the older unit that no longer works. Apparently the transducer can be mounted in the hull but only if it is 5/8" thick or less. I am assuming the hull is much thicker than 5/8" so I am considering a transom mount. Does anyone know if there is any reason why the transducer could not, or should not, be mounted on the transom? Obviously this unit is not necessarily intended for sail boats.
Thanks,
Stan

 

[Bill Roosa]

It gets banged a lot when docking
it is operating in disturbed water with lots of bubbles (they don't like bubbles BTW)

You might be supprized at the thickness of your hull. 5/8" is a pretty heavy layer of fiberglass.

 

[Benny17441]

Yes, 5/8" would make for one thick hull. Go ahead and try not much to loose. I think Garmin puts the sounder option on some of their Chartplotter units to be used as a fish finder. Check the unit manual and if it can be operated without the sounder and if you do not fish and already have a working depth sounder why bother installing it.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

A chart plotter has a GPS antenna, but no transducer, unless you have a chart plotter and depth sounder of fish finder combination. Not clear, I don't think.
It is best to put a thru hull transducer forward and not aft as you want to know what is ahead and not what you just ran over and in front of the keel, you won't be reading through turbulence. You should find a place toward the center of the boat that is inside a locker, such as under the forepeak berth. Make sure where you drill the hole that there is not problem on the outside of the boat, such as drilling into a cradle member. You also need to have enough room on the inside to rotate the nut, especially if it has wings on it for easier hand tightening. You also have to consider how to run the wire from there to the unit as well. All these things to think about. Go for it.