Transducer Questions

I just got my first fish finder and installed it on my kayak a few months ago but have been overly cautious about damaging the transducer when launching/landing and transporting (car top).  The transducer (Lowrance 50/200) is slightly recessed (1/2") in my OT Salty but I'm just not sure how durable transducers are when scrapped against sand and gravel.  Is it ok to run it up on sandy landings or loose gravel? I made a transducer cover out of a beer koozie for transporting but not sure if it is necessary. Anyone have any insight on transducer durability and what to avoid, besides the obvious jagged rock landings?

Sand or small gravel shouldn't damage the unit. Obviously rocks, concrete ramps or other hard objects can cause irreparable damage. The Scotty #140 or 141 transducer mount is another option. I used the 141 on my old kayak and it worked great. It allows  movement should you strike anything and just swing it up and out of the way when coming in to the bank or ramp.

I've got the Salty too, and I had to get a custom mount for my Garmin transducer since the recessed hull space is a bit funky and wouldn't fit with the standard mount. I guess that's beside the point though...

I wouldn't worry too much about it, these things are tough. Short of rinsing it down with fresh water after use, I've it mostly alone and it's held up well. Beach launching shouldn't be an issue. If you want the ultimate level of protection, the Scotty mounts are a good option, but they'll cause more drag in the water when using them.

Thanks for the info, glad to hear that they are not super fragile. I think I will try making a new mounting bracket to get it recessed a little further in the hull - NavarreKayakfishing has one but I don't think it is worth $25 for a piece of plastic  with some holes drilled through

Why not goop it inside the hull? Then if it gets damaged, the damage to the transducer will be the least of your worries...