Need a new FF

[Smirak]

Currently running a striker 4cv on my kayak. Eyes have gone to crap and need a bigger screen. Academy has the hook reveal 9 on sale for $500. Looking at that or a hbird. I hear the Hbird has better si. That said, I have thru hull transducer mounting ability (which is where my gt-20 currently is). The transducer is “hidden” beneath the hull. How would this affect SI? 
 

also, don’t need anything for live scope/manuf alternatives, so those are not even considered (unless there’s a screaming deal). Would like to keep it in the $500-ish range. Looking for at least a 7” model.

 

thanks,

kevin

[RipzLipz]

As far as I know through hull is 2D sonar only. DI, SI & FFS are all externally mounted transducers or you‘d be seeing your hull onscreen.

 

I’m a ‘bird man & go with the biggest screen you can afford or for which you have room, even if you’re a few hundred over planned budget.

 

Opinions will vary on brand - everyone has their own preference.

[casts_by_fly]

As noted, only 2D works in a through hull.  

 

For $500 new, you can get a Helix 7 SI.  That comes with the small humminbird transducer (not much bigger than a golf ball) which is quite compact.  Image quality is great in it.

 

I'd probably be inclined to get the reveal 9 triple shot you noted.  You're getting 2" more screen real estate and touchscreen.  Image quality is good, almost as good as the small helix.

[Smirak]

I can always go with a switchblade transducer mount. I figured the through hull (bonafide ss127) was a no go for anything other than downscan/2d

[casts_by_fly]

35 minutes ago, Smirak said:

I can always go with a switchblade transducer mount. I figured the through hull (bonafide ss127) was a no go for anything other than downscan/2d

 

@Koz used a switchblade for a while and can tell you the ups and downs.  I have a helix 9 with the long transducer and its mounted under the boat for me (autopilot).  Its tucked up as high as it can get and I've not had any problems scratching it or hitting anything.

[Koz]

3 hours ago, Smirak said:

I can always go with a switchblade transducer mount. I figured the through hull (bonafide ss127) was a no go for anything other than downscan/2d

It looks like the Bonafide has a nice recessed area for the transducer. I would use that instead of the Switchblade. I use the recessed area on my Sportsman Autopilot and I have no problem with side imaging.

 

In fact, I think the side imaging is clearer because it is a more stable mount than the Switchblade. 

 

I utilized the Switchblade because my Seastream did not have a protected, recessed area to mount my transducer under the hull.

 

Underside of the Bonafide SS127:

 

 

 

[Smirak]

Thanks @Koz  the recessed area is where my current transducer is, but it is recessed and the two “catamaran style ribs” are lower than the recess. I didn’t want interference. 

[WRB]

It should on the hull shown above. If you get surface clutter caused by the hull simply add spacers to drop in down an 1”.

Tom

[Smirak]

Thanks @WRB 

 

like I said, I have no problems with 2d and that setup, but…

[Smirak]

Thanks all. I was just talking to Chad Hoover (KBF). He said I need a spacer about 1.75” in order for it to clear. He runs LOWRANCE on an SS127. I’m gonna run over to see him and see exactly what his setup is and 3d print a spacer.