However, there are times when you may need to adjust the transducer slightly higher or lower. (The slots in the mounting brackets allow you to loosen the screws and slide the transducer up or down.) If you fre- 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.

Shoot-thru-hull vs. Transom Mounting

In a shoot-thru-hull installation, the transducer is bonded to the inside of the hull with epoxy. The sonar "ping" signal actually passes through the hull and into the water. This differs from a bolt-thru-hull installa- tion (often called simply "thru-hull"). In that case, a hole is cut in the hull and a specially designed transducer is mounted through the hull with a threaded shaft and nut. This puts the transducer in direct contact with the water.

Typically, shoot-thru-hull installations give excellent high speed opera- tion and good to excellent depth capability. There is no possibility of transducer damage from floating objects, as there is with a transom- mounted transducer. A transducer mounted inside the hull can't be knocked off when docking or loading on a 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 on your sonar display. (This is not an issue for flasher-style sonars.)

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Eagle Electronics 320C manual Shoot-thru-hull vs. Transom Mounting

320C specifications

Eagle Electronics has made significant strides in the world of marine electronics with the introduction of the Eagle Electronics 320C. This compact, feature-packed device is designed to cater to both novice and experienced anglers, providing them with the necessary tools to enhance their fishing experience.

One of the standout features of the Eagle 320C is its high-resolution color display. With a screen size of 3.5 inches, the unit exhibits a bright and vibrant backlit display, ensuring exceptional visibility even in bright sunlight. The 320C employs a user-friendly interface, allowing quick navigation through its various functions and settings.

The 320C is equipped with advanced sonar technology, featuring dual-frequency capabilities. This enables users to switch between 83 kHz for wider coverage and 200 kHz for more precise detail. This flexibility in frequency options allows anglers to target specific fish species and efficiently optimize their fishing strategies. The device also boasts a powerful 300-watt RMS power output, ensuring clear and accurate sonar readings down to depths of 600 feet.

Another important characteristic of the Eagle 320C is its ability to display detailed bathymetric maps. With built-in mapping capabilities, users can access contour mapping, which provides essential information about the underwater landscape. This feature is especially valuable for locating structures such as submerged rocks or vegetation, which are often prime habitats for fish.

In addition to sonar and mapping functions, the Eagle 320C also includes a variety of customizable settings. Users can personalize various aspects of the display, including color palettes, sensitivity, and sonar depth range to suit their preferences. This level of customization helps maximize the device’s effectiveness in diverse fishing conditions.

Moreover, the Eagle Electronics 320C is designed with durability in mind. It features a rugged, waterproof casing that is built to withstand harsh marine environments. This resilience ensures that the device can reliably face saltwater exposure, rain, and other challenging conditions commonly encountered while fishing.

Overall, the Eagle Electronics 320C is an exceptional tool for anglers seeking a comprehensive fishing solution. With its high-resolution color display, advanced sonar capabilities, detailed mapping functionalities, and customizable settings, the 320C provides a robust platform for enhancing fishing success, making it a valuable addition to any boat.