Transom mount vs. in hull for transducer?

 I'm looking to get my first fishfinder, need some advise on mounting transducer. Seems like most FF come with transom mount transducers, can you just mount the transom transducer  in the hull? or is it best to order a separate in hull transducer?  seems to me you would get better readings with one mounted outside of yak. and where would be the best place to mount it outside? any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thanks
roge

 

  There are many threads concerning this topic,  me, I use just the normal transom mount in my yaks hull.  I have a "Bath mount" meaning my transducer sits in cut out foam glued to the hull inside that I add small amount of water to cover the transducer.  I've done the "Glue in" using silicon and had issues with loading camping equipment into the hull and popping the transducer off. 
  Having the transducer out in the open water will no doubt give the best readings but my installation seems to work just fine and I don't have to worry about snagging anything on it.  Water temp is displayed as well, I really don't care if its accurate, as long as it shows something, it's better (Slightly more accurate) than my finger in the water. 

Personaly i took a really big peice of pvc pipe that my transducer fit in, and glued it to the bottom of the inside of my yak.  It is about 3-4 inches tall.  Then i took a lid that fit over top and screwed the transducer mount on the inside of the cap.  I drilled a small hole in the lid for the cable to go through. I then put the transducer on that metal peice and put some water in the pvc pipe tube, put on the cap and was ready to go.  This way the transducer stays in water without the water spilling out, and it stays level so no misreadings. 

This made sense in my mind how i wrote this, if there are any questions just ask.

Check out the mad dog gear mount, I am planning on trying it out next time around.

My buddy has the Mad Dog one. All it is is a couple of square synthetic ( plastic) tubes with a bunch of holes for adjustment height. It works, but can be built for a couple bucks probably. I can most likely get pictues if any one is interested.

My buddy has the Mad Dog one.  I can most likely get pictues if any one is interested.

Please do post pictures, I've never heard of it.  I tried googling it and only came up with motorcycle stuff.

Michael

Hey Roge,

My first install I exchanged for a through-hull transducer and epoxied it to the hull. On the ocean you can watch my rig descending. This was after trying silicon, which just fell off.

With my second yak I just gooped in the transducer that came with it. Apparently something is different because I can't see my rig falling. Same FF. The hull material is different so that may have something to do with it. All that said, I'm fine with the second install and get more than enough detail.

I didn't want to do a transom mount because it seems I'm always paddling either through kelp on the ocean, or weed mats (after LMB) in fresh water, and didn't want crap hanging up on it.

Ben

One of the gifts of a kayak is the forgivness in hitting objects in the water of going through thickness others can't, and you would lose that with a transom mount, or at least youd have to be extra cautious.


mike

The "Liberator" by Mad Frog Gear is available at kayakfishinggear.com for 38.99 plus.

they all shoot through the plastic hull......i all-purpose-glued mine in 5 yrs ago(LEXEL Household glue) make sure there are NO AIR BUBBLES in the glue. Find a flat surface in the hull. Rough it up, glue it down, put some good weight on it, let it cure properly and you should be good to go! 
There are alot of different ways to do it....pick one and get it done!

The "Liberator" by Mad Frog Gear is available at kayakfishinggear.com for 38.99 plus.

Just saw a picture of it and although it does seem kinda cool to have the transducer in the water, I hope somebody has a plan for surf launches and landings should they want to venture out in the salt.

Michael

I a

The "Liberator" by Mad Frog Gear is available at kayakfishinggear.com for 38.99 plus.

Just saw a picture of it and although it does seem kinda cool to have the transducer in the water, I hope somebody has a plan for surf launches and landings should they want to venture out in the salt.

Michael

I agree it is just such a risk having a transducer in the water on a kayak