Transducer B117 (B60) 600w or B164 1kw
Hi guys
Im just about ready to punch myself in the face.
A bit of background. I predominantly fish between 20m and 50m for bottom species. I still want a transducer that will work to 100m if push came to shove. After having P66 transom mounts most of my life I figured I would take the plunge and fit a 1kw. (Yes, my sounder handles 1kw).
Anyway, due to the set up of my boat (Haines Signature 600c), I have a very small bilge area in which to fit the transducer. Pretty much have to go for a 0 degree element and fit it on the planing plank (flat keel). This is cool because the water will be undisturbed.
I wanted an M260...but it wont fit. So, after much discussion and contemplation I worked out that the SS264W (200hz) was the right one for me. However, Airmar no longer stock the 0 degree element version so that is out the window.
Was about to commit to the B164 (thanks JohnF for the chat) but, the cone angle is only 6 degrees at 200kHz (very narrow) and 22 degress at 50khz.
Then I had a revelation...is the B117 (equivalent of the B60) , 600w through hull actually the best one for me.
I really want to get the 1kw but not if it wont suit my most common type of fishing.
If anyone has the B164 and uses it in reasonably shallow water (ie 20 to 50m) I would love to hear if you think it is the right way to go. Anyone else with an opinion...please feel free to chime in.
I did then the best that I knew how. When I knew better, I did better.
redfin
Posts: 97
Date Joined: 07/11/08
hi bradz. I have the b164
hi bradz. I have the b164 with a furuno 585 cant rate I highly enough. we fish every thing from 10-15mtrs out to 150 seems to work well holds perfect picture even at 25 knots
bradz
Posts: 693
Date Joined: 29/10/07
Thanks
Thanks Redfin
Do you get good coverage at the shallower depths?
I did then the best that I knew how. When I knew better, I did better.
crano
Posts: 712
Date Joined: 04/11/09
I have got a signature 600 RF
I have got a signature 600 RF with TM 260 mounted on the back.Due to lack of room I had to put it way off to the side of the boat.I actually mounted it off a bracket that attaches to the screws that hold the boarding platform on.It works fine at any speed.If you are interested I can send a photo.
bradz
Posts: 693
Date Joined: 29/10/07
Crano
Cheers Crano
That would be awesome. Ill PM you my email address.
Any other opinions - please bring them on.
I did then the best that I knew how. When I knew better, I did better.
Scotte
Posts: 1145
Date Joined: 07/12/06
go 1kw for sure.so much
go 1kw for sure.so much better in all depths.i have M260. With a similar hull with flat keel area and get the best results having it there.
bradz
Posts: 693
Date Joined: 29/10/07
Maggot
Thanks for that.
I actually can't go transom mount because of trim tabs and hull design.
I did then the best that I knew how. When I knew better, I did better.
redfin
Posts: 97
Date Joined: 07/11/08
Results in shallow water are
Results in shallow water are great. Under 30mtrs the gain is only on 2-3. Have try a few transducers over the the years and it's the best one we've had. Boat is 26 carribean
bradz
Posts: 693
Date Joined: 29/10/07
Done
Think I'll take the plunge.
B164 it is....i think
I did then the best that I knew how. When I knew better, I did better.
bradz
Posts: 693
Date Joined: 29/10/07
Done
Think I'll take the plunge.
B164 it is...i think
I did then the best that I knew how. When I knew better, I did better.
Jeff Hugo
Posts: 48
Date Joined: 14/09/09
602F
Hi Bradz,
I understand you can not fit the M260 in your bilge area, but wanted to give you some info on its performance in this area on these VDR hulls, it's ok but not fantastic
I Have the M260 in our 602F bilge, results lower than 15knots are ok, above that.... Rubbish, it's mounted just off the flat section on the starboard side, this was a factory fit by Haines.
So out of some desperation and the want of better soundings at speed I have installed a P66 on the transom + the dash switch to allow you to swap between the two.
I would say through hull on the flat section would be ideal, Luke from Chivers made comment a while back about one of his mates who had a signature and went that way.
trim tabs on our also so I know what you mean about lack of space.
I would be interested to see the install of the TM260 Crano has if possible?
Cheers,
Jeff
Jeff
bradz
Posts: 693
Date Joined: 29/10/07
Jeff
Thanks Jeff
I spoke to Signature boats yesterday who recommened the same place yours is. Hard to understand really...the flat section seems ideal. When I suggested the idea they were like "yeah, that sounds like a good idea". Just gotta justify the extra $500 now. Oh, and be prepared to cut a bloody great hole in the floor.
I did then the best that I knew how. When I knew better, I did better.
Jeff Hugo
Posts: 48
Date Joined: 14/09/09
Interested to know
How you get on Bradz,
I would ditch the M260 and drill a hole in our tub off the back of what results you get.
I had a 575F before this and the P66 went ok on its transom.
Invested some much now another few more bucks ain't going to bother me to get as good as possible soundings.
Disapointing Haines do not test these positions better.
Cheers and look forward to hearing how you go.
Jeff
shortfuse
Posts: 211
Date Joined: 02/01/12
I have a SS264N in 200khz and
I have a SS264N in 200khz and recently got the 50 khz W to pair up with it can't rate the 200N highly enough when targeting bottom fish between 40 and 100m. The fact that its narrow beam actually puts you on the fish and gives you a much better idea of the ground your on.
JohnF
Posts: 2839
Date Joined: 07/07/10
Most boat manufactures are
Most boat manufactures are not that concerned about how well a transducer operates.....so Haines response is not a surprise.
Drill the hole Brad and go the B164. You have the 50 khz to go wider plus a powerful narrow 200 khz to narrow in on fish, so best of both worlds.
Boston Whaler 235 Conquest......getting the flogging it was built for.
Scotte
Posts: 1145
Date Joined: 07/12/06
yes and you should get great
yes and you should get great results if you can put it on the flat bit.
bradz
Posts: 693
Date Joined: 29/10/07
Done
Just placed the order. Procrastination over.
Now...wheres my hole saw kit?
I did then the best that I knew how. When I knew better, I did better.