Are there any special requirements for mounting down scan transducers?

[Sinker]

I have read through the search results, and have not seen a definitive answer to this. 

Has anyone had any trouble with a through hull mount on a down scan sonar? 

I am getting one of lowrance units in soon, and I plan to use the pool noodle and water trick for now, but I am getting mixed signals about shooting through the hull. 

Your tips are much appriciated.

[polepole]

I have read through the search results, and have not seen a definitive answer to this. 

Has anyone had any trouble with a through hull mount on a down scan sonar? 

I am getting one of lowrance units in soon, and I plan to use the pool noodle and water trick for now, but I am getting mixed signals about shooting through the hull. 

Your tips are much appriciated.

I've talked to the technicians at the Humminbird factory about this.  There are no additional requirements to how you'd do a regular transducer.

-Alen

[kallitype]

Would like more info about the "mix" of negative aspects of shooting thru the hull with DS sonar. NU2KAYAKS  installed one last fall, maybe she could chime in
and tell us how hers is working???

[polepole]

I mounted a DI/DS FF using goop and have no issues with it.  It was during this install that I asked the factory about it, because I had similar concerns.

-Allen

[Sinker]

Lowrance states that the quality will not be as good, but I wonder if they are talking about boat hulls.

I can't wait to get all this stuff put together and actually use it instead of just thinking about it.

[Lee]

They are talking about boat hulls.  A couple mils of plastic is a lot different than a chunk of fiberglass.

[Ling Banger]

Down Imaging shoots thru hull just fine.

I was told by a guy that installs them that your average powerboat experiences 10% signal loss when shooting thru hull, so a few mils of plastic on a kayak won't effect it at all.

Side Scan Sonar needs to be mounted directly in the water.

[Sinker]

Thanks for the tips. 

I just saw a link on the aussie forum where a guy put a side scan transducer all the way back in the keel where it could get a full 180, and the images he got were pretty impressive. 

If only all this equipment could make me better at fishing!

[ndogg]

I second what everyone else said.  Knowing what is below you will make you a more effective fisherman too.

[Sinker]

Does anyone ever just bring goggles and stick their head in the water?

[Calif_Diver]

Why not use the scupper hole for your transducer?

[Lee]

Does anyone ever just bring goggles and stick their head in the water?

Ravdakot and I were just talking about snorkeling out at Hobuck this summer in some of the shallower fishing areas.

[Canceled]

I was thinking about gluing some acrylic across the end of a wide PVC pipe to allow seeing under the surface better. I am not sure it it really would have much practical use, but it would be interesting to try.

[Jammer]

I've heard of a few Hobie users that have successfully installed these side scan transducers on on the starboard(when deployed) side of the twist-n-stow rudder. This way when you retract the rudder the ducer lands on deck facing up.