Converting transom mount transducer to thru hull
Submitted by DBZ on Wed, 2012-02-22 08:24
Hi all,
I have just bought a Airmar TM260 1kw transducer (transom mount). My question is whether anyone has had experience converting this to a thru-hull tranducer via mounting in a wet box?
The boat already has an existing westbox location so just looking for any ideas / tips / feedback on building a larger wetbox and what sort of performance i can expect from this set up?
Cheers
snappermiles
Posts: 2100
Date Joined: 05/11/10
why do you want to change it??
if you put it into your hull you can lose upto 20 % of your power output depnding on the thickness of your hull as the transducer has to shoot through the hull!
ALL FISHERMEN ARE LIARS EXCEPT YOU AND ME! AND IM NOT SO SURE ABOUT YOU!
Muppet
Posts: 408
Date Joined: 23/11/09
Yep, did it with mine
I wasnt happy with the readings i was getting of the transom. I made a wetbox out of ply and glassed it.
Put it in the hull and it works great. Nice clear picture at speed on a good day, but when choppy that drops a bit.
I dont really fish in the deep, deep stuff so a bit of power loss doesnt concern me.
I would still like to have it hanging of the transom but i just couldnt find a good spot for it.
cheers
.
till
Posts: 9358
Date Joined: 21/02/08
Who cares about loosing a bit
Who cares about loosing a bit of power if you're reading at 4x the speed?
DBZ
Posts: 102
Date Joined: 05/02/11
Cheers muppet, thats what i
Cheers muppet, thats what i wanted to hear. A mate has got a box he's going to give me that fits the TM260 so think i'll go ahead with it.
Miles, most of my fishing is shallower than 150m so a 20% isnt too much of an issue and reading at speed is a big tick for me. Also the pod/transom configuration on the new boat doesnt allow anywhere that will fit the bulky TM260 without getting a wash over it at even moderate speed.
snappermiles
Posts: 2100
Date Joined: 05/11/10
well in that case do it
tyou wont look back i had mine in hull 600 watt untill i bought the through hull 1kw! worked a treat and a good speeds! i was told by a transducer salesman to fill a bag full of water put the transducer into it then move it around you hull till you find the best spot for it just be carefull to make sure there is no air between the bag and the hull! do this at rest then when moving! this is if you have room to move your transducer around
ALL FISHERMEN ARE LIARS EXCEPT YOU AND ME! AND IM NOT SO SURE ABOUT YOU!
Muppet
Posts: 408
Date Joined: 23/11/09
Yep
I did the same as miles with the bag trick. Ther other thing i was advised about is the coating or paint finish on the fibreglass in the hull. If you have a paint that has a flecked finish, smooth it off to the glass.
I dont pretend to know too much about sounders (mines a 585) but to give you an idea, when in clear water at about 100 mts, i have the gain set on about 3.5 -4. So there is a fair bit of power left in it if you need it. I dont know if that wil assist in getting better readings in deeper water or not, but i am presuming it will.
cheers
.
DBZ
Posts: 102
Date Joined: 05/02/11
Cheers for the feedback and
Cheers for the feedback and advice fella's. Will hopefully have it all set up by next weekend...
Tomcat
Posts: 614
Date Joined: 24/02/11
Tm260
Why not sell your tm260 and buy a r99 I think that's the number same tranni but comes with wet box not much difference in price
DBZ
Posts: 102
Date Joined: 05/02/11
The R260 is the in hull
The R260 is the in hull equivalent but i bought the TM260 or a good pice so would most likely mean paying an extra $600 or so for the switch. Sounds like the TM260 will do the job i need ok. Also cant wait any longer to get it set up and finding fish!
Tomcat
Posts: 614
Date Joined: 24/02/11
260
Yes I run one they are good