Transom Mount vs. Shoot Through Hull Transducer
 

I need to install a depth finder/gauge on my 07 SX19 and wonder what the advantages/disadvantages are to the "transom mount" and the "shoot through hull" mount transducers. It lookes like someone had a transom mount something on the boat, but removed it prior to me purchasing it. I am 6'4 250lbs and do not think I can get any part of my body under the motor to afix a transducer unless I remove the back bench seat.

My issue is that I plan to put Smart Tabs on the back and not sure where I would mount the transom mount transducer. Where the old one was located will be covered with the Smart Tabs.

Just needing some advice on if I can, or should, put a transom mount transducer along with Smart Tabs and what issues there might be with that.

Dave
2007 SX19
4.3L 190hp

Re: Transom Mount vs. Shoot Through Hull Transducer
 

Dave -

A transom mount transducer will work fine unless you have a need for serious bottom imaging. The existing holes in your transom are very likely from a previous transducer install. I had a 2007 SX-18 with a transom mount transducer and Nauticus SmartTabs - there is plenty of room for both. You will wish that you had installed the tabs before now - the difference is amazing.

Re: Transom Mount vs. Shoot Through Hull Transducer
 

Thanks. I don't really need any imaging, just want to know how deep the water is where I am boating. I just bought the boat last fall so I haven't had it on the water much, but it seemed really slow out of the hole so I am excited about getting the Smart Tabs on it. I just hear alot of people saying that the shoot thru hull transducers are great and easy to install, but I don't see how I can get under the motor in my boat. Thanks again for your input.

Re: Transom Mount vs. Shoot Through Hull Transducer
 

I don't believe that a thru-hull transducer necessarily needs to go directly under the motor - in fact I'm not sure that it is even a desirable location but I will defer to someone else on that.

For your limited needs, the transom mount is just too cheap and reliable to consider drilling a 2" hole in your hull.

Re: Transom Mount vs. Shoot Through Hull Transducer
 

The shoot-thru hull transducer needs to mount in the lowest point to get the most accurate reading, which is directly under the engine. It's that part that'll always stay in the water! BUT it's the world's largest PITA to work on and install because of the engine there. :) They're also pretty tough to get working properly because you'll need to get the right kind and mixture of epoxy, with no air bubbles, sometimes even have to mount it inside a pool of mineral oil, and finding the perfect spot with no obstructions and the right glass thickness is really tough.

I say go with a transom mount transducer. Affordable, easy to install, and you can probably get the whole thing up and running in less than an hour. Just make sure and seal the screw holes with some sealant (3M 5200 or similar) before you install them to make sure you won't let any water get in there.

Re: Transom Mount vs. Shoot Through Hull Transducer
 

Put the Smart Tabs on yesterday afternoon. Going to try them out this weekend. I hated drilling such large holes in the hull, but I trust that everyone else has had the same problem. Now I need to decide which side of the Smart Tabs to put my transducer.

Dave

Re: Transom Mount vs. Shoot Through Hull Transducer
 

The SmartTabs are easy to install. Use the 3M 5200 to help seal. One hint, you may not even need to go in very deep for the screw. In other words, you won't need to go all the way thru the transom to secure them. The 3M sealant will ensure no issues. I dd drill one all the way thru before I realized it.

Re: Transom Mount vs. Shoot Through Hull Transducer
 

Dave,

I was curious where you mounted your Transom mount transducer. I have a 180 Diablo and I think the sx19 is very similar.. do you have any pictures? How do you like the tabs? I love mine... it really improved the performance out of the hole. Plus I can go through the no wake areas at the marina without fighting the steering. Before my boat would go all over the place.

if you have a rear picture, or pictures of how you ran your wiring it's greatly appreciated. I purchased a Lowrance LST-3800 and want to install it this weekend (assuming the weather in SE Ohio cooperates). You can email me a pic to [email protected] or on here.

Thanks again,
Nick

p.s. what setting do you have your smart tabs on? and are they the 60lb SX units?

Re: Transom Mount vs. Shoot Through Hull Transducer
 

Nglauer,
I still haven't purchased a depth finder, so that project is on hold. I would be interested in how and where you mount yours though. I hope to purchase and install one this fall for next season.

As for the Smart Tabs, I love them. I had one the came off and just got the replacement parts in the mail yesterday. I can sure tell a difference with them not on. I just put mine in the middle hole. They are the 60lb SX tabs but I'm not sure what the different settings will do to the way they work. I may need to look that up since I will be working on them this afternoon.

Dave

Re: Transom Mount vs. Shoot Through Hull Transducer
 

I'm not sure either.... I may mess around with mine this weekend to see how effects the handling/performance. I will post pictures of my install, whenever I get around to it. I've been holding out to see someone else's installation... but haven't seen anything. I guess i'll have to grit my teeth and drill another hole lol.

Nick