Thru Hull Transducer install

[Boater71]

I'm looking to install a Garmin GT51M-Th transducer, recommended location?

 

[Riptide III]

This might sound like a dumb question. Did you know Garmin makes an adapter that allows you to use the original ray marine transducer? It will give you depth fish finder and temp. Unless maybe your looking for something with more options

 

[ttmott]

That's a big transducer. I have the GT23M-TH which is the same size and had it installed under the forward part of the port engine which is right in the middle of the boats submerged keel length. My boat is quite different however. It was one of the few areas that was away from anything hanging proud of the hull and far enough back so there was no air bubbles along the hull at speed. That transducer hangs between 3 and 3 1/2 inches below the hull structure when it is faired out. Naturally you will want it offset to one side and above the keel which begs the question for the need of the expensive side vu feature unless you are installing the dual units. I think the good thing is with your "B" drives you don't have to worry about a lot of turbulence like a shaft drive boat; consequently, I would say as close to the engine front pulley/balancer as possible. Regardless, you will really like the bottom resolution it returns on a Garmin MFD.
Just my thoughts having gone through it also.

 

[Boater71]

This might sound like a dumb question. Did you know Garmin makes an adapter that allows you to use the original ray marine transducer? It will give you depth fish finder and temp. Unless maybe your looking for something with more options

I had no idea. There was a Gramin 3206 which was removed by the dealer before i purchased the boat and replaced by an echomap 74cv. I just upgraded to a 943xsv but the current cv transducer is not supported by the newer units. So i want to get a new transducer. Doing the research, the unit support the GT51M which does down and side scan with nice imaging. However, I'm trying to find a location to install it.

Where would I look for the ray wire? under the help? it must have been connected to the older garmin unit.

 

[Boater71]

That's a big transducer. I have the GT23M-TH which is the same size and had it installed under the forward part of the port engine which is right in the middle of the boats submerged keel length. My boat is quite different however. It was one of the few areas that was away from anything hanging proud of the hull and far enough back so there was no air bubbles along the hull at speed. That transducer hangs between 3 and 3 1/2 inches below the hull structure when it is faired out. Naturally you will want it offset to one side and above the keel which begs the question for the need of the expensive side vu feature unless you are installing the dual units. I think the good thing is with your "B" drives you don't have to worry about a lot of turbulence like a shaft drive boat; consequently, I would say as close to the engine front pulley/balancer as possible. Regardless, you will really like the bottom resolution it returns on a Garmin MFD.
Just my thoughts having gone through it also.

Thank you. I was looking at the GT23m as well but the 943 xsv supports down and side scan and GT51 is the same size. I was looking for locations to mount it and the best is at the keel between the 2 engines. (wondering if it has to be completely flat). I have not considered the pair setup as its double the price (i prefer to buy a radar for the money).

anyone install a transom mount instead of a thru hull?

 

[My Girl]

This might sound like a dumb question. Did you know Garmin makes an adapter that allows you to use the original ray marine transducer? It will give you depth fish finder and temp. Unless maybe your looking for something with more options

Hi..can you give details on the Garmin adapter please? My sea ray temperature, depth crapped out. Thx

 

[Mig22]

We have a Garmin GR41-THP (thru hull pair). They have a decent size fairing block to them, they are positioned close to the center as possible and toward front of the engine bilge compartment. The general rule is not to place any thru hull component in a position that could interfere with the water flow line of sight to the propellers. The potential exists it could create flow disturbances resulting in performance deterioration of propulsion. Also keeping some distance from power radiating sources (engines) will reduce the chances of signal interferences.

 

[Riptide III]

Hi..can you give details on the Garmin adapter please? My sea ray temperature, depth crapped out. Thx

I got mine from west marine. It was about $75. I think it was this https://www.hodgesmarine.com/gar010...200315462&utm_content=Shopping - All Products
I would call Garmin and check.

 

[Boater71]

I was reading and trying to understand the installation instructions, and sounds like it is much easier to install a Transom Mount Transducer (GT51M-TM) instead. I don't believe I can get away installing only one as I would probably need 2 and I'm not sure there is the value of going thru-hull vs transom Mount.

So my question now, where do I install it on the transom?

 

[ttmott]

Thank you. I was looking at the GT23m as well but the 943 xsv supports down and side scan and GT51 is the same size. I was looking for locations to mount it and the best is at the keel between the 2 engines. (wondering if it has to be completely flat). I have not considered the pair setup as its double the price (i prefer to buy a radar for the money).

anyone install a transom mount instead of a thru hull?

If you fair it off of the keel it will be the lowest thing on the boat's hull and subject to being damaged or worse yet ripped off of the boat. That wouldn't be my choice.

 

[Boater71]

I sent an email to Garmin and waiting for a recommendation. To your point, I was planning between the Outdrives and the Trim Tabs. or even to the left side.

 

[Boater71]

I'm back with more details. The GT51-TH (thru Hull) is not ago because it would require a pair for it to work. I cant simply install one on the keel. As for the GT23-TH, I would only need one, but again, I will have to find a location in the front of either engine and there does not seem to be much room.

So I did speak to Garmin about this and they have been fantastic. The Transducer will be connected to 943xsv and I already have Depth and temp on the boat. I'm evaluating the GT51-Tm because I can't do 1 GT51-TH because it a V shape with a deadrise of 21, so I will need to add a pair of transducers. I don't want to spend that much at this point. So I'm evaluating the GT51-TM (transom mount) and looking for locations.
Below is a picture of the transom.

The location I'm currently thinking of is where I'm pointing my finger, however, Garmin support mentioned the risk of Cavitation especially at high speeds. any experiences/suggestions or recommendations shared would be much appreciated.


Additional pictures