Best transducer for HDS7 ?

[markmonkey1]

I'm looking for a transom mount xducer in 50/200 KHz for Lake O and Erie. I'm leaning toward the Lowrance (35 deg/12 deg cone angles) for simplicity...plugs right in.

What are the benefits, if any, if I go with an Airmar or Furuno unit instead?

Would I have to change the connector end?

[Andre wallyandre]

From another website:

50/200 has cone angles 35/12
83/200 has cone angles 44/20
The 83/200 has a wider angle in both 83 and 200 then the 50/200.

for shallow water (looking for fish in less then 20 meters) the 83/200 is your best choice. If looking for fish down to 30-50 meters or so, the 50/200 or an Airmar P66 would be the better option.

For trolling (with or without downriggers) I would generally recommend Airmar P66 (transom mount) or Airmar B66 (trough hull). P66/B60 has the same element and provides 50/200 with cone angles 45/11.

 

50/200 is a Dual Frequency transducer
83/200 is a single frequency transducer but different filtering to give two cone sizes (-3dB and up to -15dB)

I use an Airmar P66 for all inland (bass) and offshore use up to 300ft.

[markmonkey1]

I'm hearing lots of positives about the P66. do you know if the wire harness needs changed or does it fit the HDS7 (gen2 non-touch) w/ blue connector?

[Andre wallyandre]

I run the Lowrance 83/200 and a P66. I would say that I'm getting a crisper image with the P66. You have to order specifically for a Lowrance and it comes with the blue connector. If you go that way don'forget to change the transducer choice in the menu installation. You got 2 choices for the 66 pick the P66/5000 the 2nd choice is 10,000 and I think with thac one you are missing the surface temp.