Aready thinking of next year

[drifter]

Generally speaking, a through hull transducer is better so long as it's correctly positioned away from turbulance etc. However, the quality, clarity, fine detail and accuracy of the fishfinder is greatly enhanced when used in conjunction with a DSM (sounder module) but these are not cheap e.g. the Raymarine DSM300 is £500+.
A decent fishfinder is essential for identifying when you are over the wreck or underwater feature but the sonar reading has a time delay and the fish you see could be 10 seconds behind you. In my opinion, a decent sonar is essential for the serious fisherman but over time, an accurate GPS will prove more productive as it will allow you to switch off the power pulling sonar and confidently drift or anchor over the hotspots. I have a theory about low frequency sonar "pings" spooking fish so once I'm in position I often switch off my sonar while drifting wrecks and/or rough ground.

 

[boblydon]

Ritchie,

Shoot through the hull transducers work as good as through the hull, however they can not be fitted on a foam cored hulls, or where copper coat antifoul is on the hull.

I have fitted a 1kw m266 airmar transducer (approx £700) on my boat, it is coupled to a Raymarine DSM300 module (approx £500), so not cheap but top quality, on the plus side it can be removed and refitted to another boat by buying a new tank.

Have a look at it next time your down Royal Quays.

I had to cut through the main floor to get to the inside of the hull, but worth the hassle.

 

[northeast1]

Cheers not sure what is in my hull but i know i have used a mild copper coat paint on the hull. I will have a think about what to get, hoping next year is a better year so i wont need so many trips 20+ miles to find clean water and fish.