Shoot-thru-hull vs. Transom Mounting

quently lose bottom signal lock while running at high speed, the trans- ducer may be coming out of the water as you cross waves or wakes. Move the transducer a little lower to help prevent this.

If you cruise or fish around lots of structure and cover, your transducer may be frequently kicking up from object strikes. If you wish, you may move the transducer a little higher for more protection.

There are two extremes you should avoid. Never let the edge of the mounting bracket extend below the bottom of the hull. Never let the bottom – the face – of the transducer rise above the bottom of the hull.

Typically, shoot-thru-hull installations give excellent high speed opera- tion and good to excellent depth capability. There is no possibility of damage from floating objects. It can't be knocked off when docking or loading on the trailer.

However, the shoot-thru-hull installation does have its drawbacks. First, some loss of sensitivity does occur, even on the best hulls. This varies from hull to hull, even from different installations on the same hull. This is caused by differences in hull lay-up and construction.

Second, the transducer angle cannot be adjusted for the best fish arches. This can be a problem on some hulls that sit with the bow high when at rest or at slow trolling speeds. Follow the procedure listed in the shoot-thru-hull installation section at the end of this lesson to de- termine if you can satisfactorily shoot through the hull.

TRANSOM TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLY AND MOUNTING

The best way to install these transducers is to loosely assemble all of the parts first, place the transducer's bracket against the transom and see if you can move the transducer so that it's parallel with the ground.

The following instructions sometimes vary depending on the mounting bracket that came with your transducer. Single-frequency Skimmers come with a one-piece stainless steel bracket, while dual-frequency Skimmers come with a two-piece plastic mounting bracket. Use the set of instructions that fits your model.

1.Assembling the bracket.

A. One-piece bracket: Press the two small plastic ratchets into the sides of the metal bracket as shown in the following illustration. Notice there are letters molded into each ratchet. Place each ratchet into the bracket with the letter "A" aligned with the dot stamped into the metal

bracket. This position sets the transducer's coarse angle adjustment for a 14° transom. Most outboard and stern-drive transoms have a 14° angle.

X126DF, X136DF, X135, X125 specifications

Lowrance, a leading name in marine electronics, has made significant strides with its line of fish finders and chartplotters, particularly the X135, X125, X136DF, and X126DF models. These devices are engineered for anglers and boating enthusiasts seeking advanced charting, navigation, and fish tracking technologies.

The Lowrance X135 is equipped with a 7-inch display, delivering a clear view of sonar readings and navigational data. Its advanced sonar technology includes a powerful 4000-watt peak-to-peak output, offering exceptional fish detection capabilities. The X135 also supports Lowrance's exclusive Broadband Sounder technology, providing detailed images of the underwater environment. This feature helps users identify fish, structure, and thermoclines with remarkable precision.

The X125 model, while similar in design, offers a 5-inch display size. The device also features a dual-frequency sonar, allowing users to switch between 50 kHz for deep water and 200 kHz for shallow water, enhancing versatility for varying fishing conditions. Its integrated GPS allows for waypoint marking and route tracking, ensuring you can revisit those promising fishing spots effortlessly.

For those looking for advanced dual-frequency capabilities, the X136DF and X126DF models take things a step further. Both models feature a split-screen view, enabling users to monitor sonar and chartplotting simultaneously. The X136DF includes advanced navigation functionalities with an internal GPS antenna, which simplifies the installation process, while the X126DF may require an external antenna for GPS functionality.

These Lowrance models come equipped with various user-friendly features, such as customizable display settings, allowing users to tailor the information presented to their preferences. Both the X136DF and X126DF support multiple languages, catering to a global audience of boaters and fishermen.

Moreover, Lowrance devices incorporate innovative networking capabilities that allow for the interconnection of multiple devices onboard. With NMEA 2000 support, users can integrate radar, autopilot systems, and other electronics for a cohesive and efficient boating experience.

In conclusion, the Lowrance X135, X125, X136DF, and X126DF offer a fantastic mix of performance, user-friendly features, and advanced technology. Each device is designed to provide valuable insights for anglers and boaters, ensuring a successful day on the water. Whether you're a novice looking to enhance your fishing experience or a seasoned pro in search of the latest technology, these models represent a reliable choice.