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Author Topic:   Depth Sounder 17 Montauk

kendurbel posted 11-23-2002 11:29 PM ET (US)
I would like to install a depth sounder on my 17 Montauk. Can anyone suggest a unit that will mount on the outside transom? I understand a thru-hull is not compatible. Also any info on the best method to install the unit.
jimh posted 11-24-2002 12:28 AM ET (US)
In the REFERENCE section of this website there is an article that will answer this question.
See http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/sonarTransducer.html
There is also a follow up message thread for questions and comments. See: http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/002153.html
jimh posted 11-24-2002 12:32 AM ET (US)
Before recommending a brand, I need clarification: Are you planing to install just a depth sounder in lieu of the more common fish finder style of device that also displays depth?
Dick posted 11-24-2002 02:56 PM ET (US)
When I rigged my Montauk I installed a Raytheon L365 with transom mount transducer. It has worked well. The speed function doesn't agree with my GPS but it's nice to have the water temp.
JBCornwell posted 11-24-2002 05:05 PM ET (US)
Well, it seems that no matter what advice or suggestion I offer here someone "knows better", but I'll tell you my experience anyway.
I have used five or six different Lowrance/Eagle sonars, each with excellent performance. I currently use an X85 with excellent performance.
I have had unacceptable performance from any Humminbird I have tried.
Now someone will explain why Lowrance/Eagle products stink and H'bird are flawless.
Red sky at night. . .
JB
InHerNet posted 11-24-2002 06:01 PM ET (US)
Dick-
Would you buy the L365 again?
dgp posted 11-24-2002 07:41 PM ET (US)
You might also want to read this thread http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000458.html
Dick posted 11-24-2002 07:42 PM ET (US)
Don
As I said, I have been happy with the L365. If I had to replace it I might look for something with a larger screen.
Dick
weekendwarrior posted 11-25-2002 09:37 AM ET (US)
I'm using a Garmin "GPS 125 Sounder" (combo fish finder / GPS) and I'm very happy with it so far. We mainly use it for GPS, depth up to a couple hundred feet and finding schools of bait on the bottom in about 20' of water. For these uses it works great. I mounted the transducer near the center bottom of the boat by the motor and the GPS antenna is on a 1' pole next to the stern light. I'm happy to send pictures if you like. The Garmin transducer has a swinging mount which flips up if you hit something with the transducer (such as the bottom). It's got a stiff snap on it so it takes quite a whack to lift it up but I did use it one day when we dropped the boat on the yard to do some trailer work and I forgot it was back there! Thankfully it worked. :) It's mounted about 1/4" lower than the bottom of the boat and it works good even at 25mph (my fastest cruise speed). Not sure if this is the best method but I pre-drilled the holes a little smaller than the screws and then gooped the screws up good with 5200 and pumped a little 5200 into the holes before bolting it on. So far so good! I'm not sure if this model is available any longer but I really like the combo unit, saves space on a small boat.
PSW posted 11-25-2002 10:15 AM ET (US)
I have the Raytheon L365 on the Montauk that I just purchased used and it is not that good of a unit. The speed seems read high after cruise, unless my Montauk can hit 52? Also the screen is a bit small. I am in the process of buying a Garmin combo currently. The 188 I think it is. Go to West Marine's web site and they have reviews on all the products.
PSW
triblet posted 11-25-2002 12:03 PM ET (US)
Almost every unit is available with a transom
mount transducer. In fact, you have to go
out of your way to get one with a thru-hull
transducer.
I'd use 101 on the screws, not 5200. 5200 is
an adhesive, 101 is a sealant. You'll have a
heck of a time if you ever need to get the
screws out with 5200. Plus, with 101, you
can splash the boat immedately as it sets from
contact with moisture.
I have a Humminbird Paramount 3D and like it.
I had a less expensive Humminbird (next to
cheapest) before, and it was fine, but I wanted
the 3D (the difference between the men and the
boys ...)

Chuck
David Ratusnik posted 11-25-2002 06:22 PM ET (US)
Have a Hummingbird 400. Flawless for 2 yrs.
From studying the screens at various boat supply stores/plus some tech advice, might go with a Garmin unit upon the demise of the Hummingbird. Guys, take a look yourselves, the picture/screen resolution on the Garmin is superior to the Hummingbird. More pics, I am told. How's the long term reliability of the Garmin versus the Hummingbird?? David
Ed Z posted 11-25-2002 11:29 PM ET (US)
I put a X91 with speed and temp sensor last spring... I was very pleased with the performance and ease of use...Best I have ever used thus far...
jimh posted 11-25-2002 11:37 PM ET (US)
Ken sent me an eMail reply stating he was looking for just a depth sounder, but would buy a fish finder if "not too costly."
Actually, most of the fish finders cost less than a plain depth sounder. I like the look of the NAVMAN depth sounders, but they are more expensive than a modest fish finder.
Again, I have not seen, heard, or read of anything that would cause me to change my advice about how to mount the transducer on the transom, as reflected in my article cited above.
jimh posted 11-25-2002 11:42 PM ET (US)
[Deleted post with vulgar recommendation to use 5200, a 3M specialty adhesive that is extraordinarily difficult to remove. As others noted, 3M-5200 is not a good recommendation for use as a caulk. In addition, the post used vulgar language. If you would like to see how fast your posts get removed, just make them vulgar. Vulgar and bad advice combined gets your post deleted. Of course, a few people will see these posts before they are deleted. What that does is help people form an opinion of the poster.--jimh.]
TightPenny posted 11-26-2002 03:41 PM ET (US)
I have a Garmin 235 GPSMap/Sounder on my Montauk. Love it, and don't need to use my reading glasses.
tflyer posted 11-27-2002 12:34 AM ET (US)
I have a Raymarine 760 on my '25 whaler, it's been great! Today I purchased a Raymarine L 470 for the Montauk, Hope it's as good.....Tom
daverdla posted 11-27-2002 07:41 AM ET (US)
I have an older Humminbird widevision. I'm not sure but I think its about 10 years old. It came with my boat. Although it works fine the bracket has cracked. Using that as an excuse to buy a new one (a few well placed rubber bands will hold it), I think I may buy the new Garmin color unit, 320C. It's due out in the first quarter of next year. If your not in a hurry to get one you may want to wait. It's not cheap but I don't expect I'll be buying another one anytime soon. Besides I can connect it to my Garmin GPSMAP 176C.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!
Dave
weekendwarrior posted 11-27-2002 09:08 AM ET (US)
Hey TightPenny,
With your garmin unit can you get a picture of the bottom on screen at the same time as your compas, water temp and speed? My unit is a lower end model and while the functions work great, I can't get speed and compas on the same screen as my bottom picture and water temp so I have to flip back and forth. :(
David Livingstone posted 11-27-2002 12:05 PM ET (US)
I use a Raymarine L365 and have used the unit on three different boats. The speed is adjustable - just go into setup and compare it to your GPS reading - only takes a minute to do. I like the unit because it combines a fishfinder and depthsounder. It has bottom lock, zoom, spilt screen etc. Features that are more commonly found on high end units. It also has speed and temp. I like temp readings for shark fishing.
Good Luck on whatever you purchase,
David
TightPenny posted 11-27-2002 12:11 PM ET (US)
Yes you can.
All of the displays are customizable.
With the split screen you can see the water profile, the G-Chart mapping and can display up to six different items such as water temp, Speed, etc.
Best money I ever spent. Makes going out of sight of land much more comfortable.
Popeye posted 11-27-2002 04:55 PM ET (US)

I just ordered a furuno ls6100. Previous unit was a Raytheon L-365, hated that unit from the minute I put it on my boat. When it gets cold the buttons would stick so you could not switch to different screens. The unit slides into a base so it can be removed easily, but the base broke. The temp. stopped working. My girlfriend calls it a ( land meter ) because it will work on the trailer but not in the water.
It must be pretty tough because I ripped it from the boat and threw it at the dock, son picked it up and it worked on the trailer, but not on the water.
I think I got a lemon. I got the furuno, but also looked real hard at the Garmin 240 blue. Good luck on what ever you decide.
Ps
Will report back on how I like the LS6100 when I get it Installed, about two weeks.
Mark
where2 posted 11-27-2002 06:05 PM ET (US)
I've been quite content with the functioning on my Eagle 128+ (3 years of contentment). JBCornwell was right on the money when he said nobody likes them but those of us who own them. Unlike the masses, I wouldn't buy a combo GPS/DF, because GPS technology is a rapidly moving market. I don't feel bad using my old Garmin 45XL as a yard ornament, meanwhile my boat has been upgraded to newer GPS technology, and my depth finder still tells me what I need to know.
Next week I'm off to Lousiana to pick up an Odom depthfinder for work. Anybody got one of these? Anyone using Trimble RTK GPS with it?
kendurbel posted 12-10-2002 10:56 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the info . the information helped. I selected a hummingbird piranha 5. A fish/depth combo, because of the ease of instilation and the size. Other units were larger than I wanted or harder to mount.The piranha 5 seems to be a good unit at the right price. It was recomended highly at West Marine.
lhg posted 12-11-2002 07:37 PM ET (US)
This note is a little late, but I agree with JB that NOBODY makes a better transducer than Lowrance. The patented little skimmer is unbeatable. JimH has a photo of one in his reference section. Like the propeller, this is where your purchase meets the water, and where good design counts the most. Mine will read over 60mph. Many overlook the transucer design when purchasing sonar, but it counts the most.
The other thing that I think is important is to get any brand unit (fish finder style, as Jimh suggests, even if you don't fish) with all three basic functions, depth, surface temp and speed. The cost these days is minimal. Once you have these functions, even in a 13, you'll never be able to get along without them.
Guts posted 02-16-2003 12:33 AM ET (US)
This is not true.
I understand a thru-hull is not compatible. Also any info on the best method to install the unit.

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Author	Topic: Depth Sounder 17 Montauk
kendurbel	posted 11-23-2002 11:29 PM ET (US) I would like to install a depth sounder on my 17 Montauk. Can anyone suggest a unit that will mount on the outside transom? I understand a thru-hull is not compatible. Also any info on the best method to install the unit.
jimh	posted 11-24-2002 12:28 AM ET (US) In the REFERENCE section of this website there is an article that will answer this question. See http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/sonarTransducer.html There is also a follow up message thread for questions and comments. See: http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/002153.html
jimh	posted 11-24-2002 12:32 AM ET (US) Before recommending a brand, I need clarification: Are you planing to install just a depth sounder in lieu of the more common fish finder style of device that also displays depth?
Dick	posted 11-24-2002 02:56 PM ET (US) When I rigged my Montauk I installed a Raytheon L365 with transom mount transducer. It has worked well. The speed function doesn't agree with my GPS but it's nice to have the water temp.
JBCornwell	posted 11-24-2002 05:05 PM ET (US) Well, it seems that no matter what advice or suggestion I offer here someone "knows better", but I'll tell you my experience anyway. I have used five or six different Lowrance/Eagle sonars, each with excellent performance. I currently use an X85 with excellent performance. I have had unacceptable performance from any Humminbird I have tried. Now someone will explain why Lowrance/Eagle products stink and H'bird are flawless. Red sky at night. . . JB
InHerNet	posted 11-24-2002 06:01 PM ET (US) Dick- Would you buy the L365 again?
dgp	posted 11-24-2002 07:41 PM ET (US) You might also want to read this thread http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000458.html
Dick	posted 11-24-2002 07:42 PM ET (US) Don As I said, I have been happy with the L365. If I had to replace it I might look for something with a larger screen. Dick
weekendwarrior	posted 11-25-2002 09:37 AM ET (US) I'm using a Garmin "GPS 125 Sounder" (combo fish finder / GPS) and I'm very happy with it so far. We mainly use it for GPS, depth up to a couple hundred feet and finding schools of bait on the bottom in about 20' of water. For these uses it works great. I mounted the transducer near the center bottom of the boat by the motor and the GPS antenna is on a 1' pole next to the stern light. I'm happy to send pictures if you like. The Garmin transducer has a swinging mount which flips up if you hit something with the transducer (such as the bottom). It's got a stiff snap on it so it takes quite a whack to lift it up but I did use it one day when we dropped the boat on the yard to do some trailer work and I forgot it was back there! Thankfully it worked. :) It's mounted about 1/4" lower than the bottom of the boat and it works good even at 25mph (my fastest cruise speed). Not sure if this is the best method but I pre-drilled the holes a little smaller than the screws and then gooped the screws up good with 5200 and pumped a little 5200 into the holes before bolting it on. So far so good! I'm not sure if this model is available any longer but I really like the combo unit, saves space on a small boat.
PSW	posted 11-25-2002 10:15 AM ET (US) I have the Raytheon L365 on the Montauk that I just purchased used and it is not that good of a unit. The speed seems read high after cruise, unless my Montauk can hit 52? Also the screen is a bit small. I am in the process of buying a Garmin combo currently. The 188 I think it is. Go to West Marine's web site and they have reviews on all the products. PSW
triblet	posted 11-25-2002 12:03 PM ET (US) Almost every unit is available with a transom mount transducer. In fact, you have to go out of your way to get one with a thru-hull transducer. I'd use 101 on the screws, not 5200. 5200 is an adhesive, 101 is a sealant. You'll have a heck of a time if you ever need to get the screws out with 5200. Plus, with 101, you can splash the boat immedately as it sets from contact with moisture. I have a Humminbird Paramount 3D and like it. I had a less expensive Humminbird (next to cheapest) before, and it was fine, but I wanted the 3D (the difference between the men and the boys ...) Chuck
David Ratusnik	posted 11-25-2002 06:22 PM ET (US) Have a Hummingbird 400. Flawless for 2 yrs. From studying the screens at various boat supply stores/plus some tech advice, might go with a Garmin unit upon the demise of the Hummingbird. Guys, take a look yourselves, the picture/screen resolution on the Garmin is superior to the Hummingbird. More pics, I am told. How's the long term reliability of the Garmin versus the Hummingbird?? David
Ed Z	posted 11-25-2002 11:29 PM ET (US) I put a X91 with speed and temp sensor last spring... I was very pleased with the performance and ease of use...Best I have ever used thus far...
jimh	posted 11-25-2002 11:37 PM ET (US) Ken sent me an eMail reply stating he was looking for just a depth sounder, but would buy a fish finder if "not too costly." Actually, most of the fish finders cost less than a plain depth sounder. I like the look of the NAVMAN depth sounders, but they are more expensive than a modest fish finder. Again, I have not seen, heard, or read of anything that would cause me to change my advice about how to mount the transducer on the transom, as reflected in my article cited above.
jimh	posted 11-25-2002 11:42 PM ET (US) [Deleted post with vulgar recommendation to use 5200, a 3M specialty adhesive that is extraordinarily difficult to remove. As others noted, 3M-5200 is not a good recommendation for use as a caulk. In addition, the post used vulgar language. If you would like to see how fast your posts get removed, just make them vulgar. Vulgar and bad advice combined gets your post deleted. Of course, a few people will see these posts before they are deleted. What that does is help people form an opinion of the poster.--jimh.]
TightPenny	posted 11-26-2002 03:41 PM ET (US) I have a Garmin 235 GPSMap/Sounder on my Montauk. Love it, and don't need to use my reading glasses.
tflyer	posted 11-27-2002 12:34 AM ET (US) I have a Raymarine 760 on my '25 whaler, it's been great! Today I purchased a Raymarine L 470 for the Montauk, Hope it's as good.....Tom
daverdla	posted 11-27-2002 07:41 AM ET (US) I have an older Humminbird widevision. I'm not sure but I think its about 10 years old. It came with my boat. Although it works fine the bracket has cracked. Using that as an excuse to buy a new one (a few well placed rubber bands will hold it), I think I may buy the new Garmin color unit, 320C. It's due out in the first quarter of next year. If your not in a hurry to get one you may want to wait. It's not cheap but I don't expect I'll be buying another one anytime soon. Besides I can connect it to my Garmin GPSMAP 176C. Happy Thanksgiving!!!!! Dave
weekendwarrior	posted 11-27-2002 09:08 AM ET (US) Hey TightPenny, With your garmin unit can you get a picture of the bottom on screen at the same time as your compas, water temp and speed? My unit is a lower end model and while the functions work great, I can't get speed and compas on the same screen as my bottom picture and water temp so I have to flip back and forth. :(
David Livingstone	posted 11-27-2002 12:05 PM ET (US) I use a Raymarine L365 and have used the unit on three different boats. The speed is adjustable - just go into setup and compare it to your GPS reading - only takes a minute to do. I like the unit because it combines a fishfinder and depthsounder. It has bottom lock, zoom, spilt screen etc. Features that are more commonly found on high end units. It also has speed and temp. I like temp readings for shark fishing. Good Luck on whatever you purchase, David
TightPenny	posted 11-27-2002 12:11 PM ET (US) Yes you can. All of the displays are customizable. With the split screen you can see the water profile, the G-Chart mapping and can display up to six different items such as water temp, Speed, etc. Best money I ever spent. Makes going out of sight of land much more comfortable.
Popeye	posted 11-27-2002 04:55 PM ET (US) I just ordered a furuno ls6100. Previous unit was a Raytheon L-365, hated that unit from the minute I put it on my boat. When it gets cold the buttons would stick so you could not switch to different screens. The unit slides into a base so it can be removed easily, but the base broke. The temp. stopped working. My girlfriend calls it a ( land meter ) because it will work on the trailer but not in the water. It must be pretty tough because I ripped it from the boat and threw it at the dock, son picked it up and it worked on the trailer, but not on the water. I think I got a lemon. I got the furuno, but also looked real hard at the Garmin 240 blue. Good luck on what ever you decide. Ps Will report back on how I like the LS6100 when I get it Installed, about two weeks. Mark
where2	posted 11-27-2002 06:05 PM ET (US) I've been quite content with the functioning on my Eagle 128+ (3 years of contentment). JBCornwell was right on the money when he said nobody likes them but those of us who own them. Unlike the masses, I wouldn't buy a combo GPS/DF, because GPS technology is a rapidly moving market. I don't feel bad using my old Garmin 45XL as a yard ornament, meanwhile my boat has been upgraded to newer GPS technology, and my depth finder still tells me what I need to know. Next week I'm off to Lousiana to pick up an Odom depthfinder for work. Anybody got one of these? Anyone using Trimble RTK GPS with it?
kendurbel	posted 12-10-2002 10:56 PM ET (US) Thanks for the info . the information helped. I selected a hummingbird piranha 5. A fish/depth combo, because of the ease of instilation and the size. Other units were larger than I wanted or harder to mount.The piranha 5 seems to be a good unit at the right price. It was recomended highly at West Marine.
lhg	posted 12-11-2002 07:37 PM ET (US) This note is a little late, but I agree with JB that NOBODY makes a better transducer than Lowrance. The patented little skimmer is unbeatable. JimH has a photo of one in his reference section. Like the propeller, this is where your purchase meets the water, and where good design counts the most. Mine will read over 60mph. Many overlook the transucer design when purchasing sonar, but it counts the most. The other thing that I think is important is to get any brand unit (fish finder style, as Jimh suggests, even if you don't fish) with all three basic functions, depth, surface temp and speed. The cost these days is minimal. Once you have these functions, even in a 13, you'll never be able to get along without them.
Guts	posted 02-16-2003 12:33 AM ET (US) This is not true. I understand a thru-hull is not compatible. Also any info on the best method to install the unit.