[CA] [CA11] dragonfly 5 transducer info

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum mtnbowhunter,

Q1. I spent several months in Baja using the D5 in saltwater on my aluminum hulled inflatable. the supplied transom mounted transducer worked great at low trolling speeds but when trolling at 5mph and above it increasing develops lack of definition or "snow", and once at planning speed it completely blacks out. I presume from propwash. numerous repositioning of the transducer did little to help the problem.
A1. Please click here to view a FAQ addressing this subject.

Q2. Should a thru hull transducer cure this problem?
A2. Thru-hull transducers will generally provide the best overall sonar performance. Fast moving, shallow drafting hulls with low deadrise present the greatest challenges for sonar systems. Should the recommendations of the FAQ referenced in the response to Q1 not address the problem, then a thru-hull transducer may improve performance.

Q3. Which transducers will work fully with the D5?
A3. Dragonfly 5 fishfinders are compatible with any of the transducers found here. Bronze transducers should not be installed on aluminum hulls.

Q4. - the hull is a shallow - 10Degree or so - v, no steps, so how does one install the thru hull so it is parallel to the water surface?
A4. Yes. The supplied fairing block will be cut an angle matching the hull's deadrise. See the installation instructions for Dragonfly transducers posted here.

Q5. Will testing the location of the transducer in the water filled bag work in an aluminum hull?
A5. Not likely. This test may typically be performed only with solid fiberglass hulls meeting the maximum thickness specification.