Looking to add a 1kw transducer to my Axiom Pro 12's. I already have the Dual RV pair but would like to be able to read beyond 600-900 feet. I need a 20 degree thru hull transducer, just not sure which one is the correct one to purchase.
Hello natedawgsem,
Personally, I'm not a great fan of low-profile through-hull transducers: because they're not projecting beyond the hull they sit in the hull's aerated and turbulent boundary layer which means that their performance at speed can be limited, and because they're a relatively small enclosure (and so elements) they can lack some of the sensitivity of transducers with a larger surface area. Transom-mount can often be better - I'd rather have a TM265 than a B175 for example - but the out-and-out best transducers are through-hull faired designs.
As far as 20-degree tilted element versions go, you have a few other factors to consider:
- Chirp or non-Chirp? Chirp is more expensive but gives much better resolution and clarity and greater range performance for the same power output. Either can connect to Axiom Pro RVX displays: Chirp connects directly, non-Chirp needs an adaptor cable (A80496.)
- If Chirp, what frequency or frequencies you want for your fishing style. You can use a single frequency via an A80328 single-operation adaptor cable, or any two frequencies (Low, Medium, High) via an A102146 Y-cable. Low generally gives a wider beam and better deep-water penetration, Medium gives good detection of marlin and tuna and a good resolution with reasonable depth performance, High gives very good resolution and is available in narrow or wide beam-angles, the former being best for structure imaging and fish close to the bottom, the latter being excellent for pelagics.
- Housing material. If this is an aluminium hull then you need stainless steel (SS164 non-Chirp or SS175 Chirp), whereas if it's fibreglass then you can use bronze (B164 non-Chirp or B175 Chirp) which is cheaper.
So, unfortunately I can't yet give you specific part numbers. You can have a look at the depth performance and bottom coverage/beam width of these types (B164/SS164, B175/SS175)
on Airmar's website to help make up your mind.
If in doubt, I would suggest B175L and B175H-W (A80048 + A80321 + A102146), for a fibreglass hull.
Regards,
Tom