TZT2 Transducer Recommendation

[rightflat10]

I recently upgraded from a VX2 to TZT2 on my 31 Bertram. I am fairly certain the boat was previously outfitted with Furuno CA50-200-12M. It is pocket mounted in the bottom of the vee in the middle of the boat. I am looking for a recommendation on a new transducer for a potential future upgrade.

Transducer Usage:
1. Main Usage- Trolling for Marlin, Tuna and Mahi in 50 to 250 fathoms on the east coast
2. Secondary Usage- Trolling for Striped Bass in 5 to 20 fathoms on the east coast

Transducer Objectives:
1. Main Usage- Mark fish and bait in 0 to 50 fathoms and identify bottom depth (desire to merely understand how deep we are fishing, don't need bottom structure detail)
2. Secondary Usage- Mark fish and bait in 0 to 20 fathoms

 

[Snips]

Rightflat10,
Since you already have the 12M installed I would see how well it works to start. A B-260 is Airmar's version of the same transducer so the performance will be similar.

Snips

 

[rightflat10]

I have another topic in the TZTouch2 board going right now as well. It sounds like that I may not have the transducer as I originally thought. The boat was purchased used with an existing VX2 system. The existing transducer has been connected directly to the TZTL12F and run in the manual mode with disappointing results in offshore usage. A bottom signature was lost in water over 100 fathoms and I can't say that anything was marked that resembled fish/bait. The interference rejection was turned to low, which provided better results in inshore usage. The transducer performed better connected to the old VX2 via the DFF1.

The existing (potentially unknown) transducer is 7" long point to point, 4.25" wide and has a thru hull stem approximately 1.125" in diameter. It is shaped like a CA50-200M-12M. It has a metal outer ring with a black (urethane?) center. The tag on the cord is not legible. Can you provide any ideas on the type of transducer that is currently installed? Can the transducer be identified a different way?

If I were starting from scratch, would your recommendation change from the B260 based on my usage and objectives? I am open to chirp style transducers with the use of a DFF1-UHD.

 

[Snips]

Rightflat10,
The 12M couldn't connect directly to a DFF1 as it needed a matching box (MB-1100) pictured below. The 12M has a symmetrical face where a B-260 is more of a tear drop. The 12M also didn't come with a fairing block.

Snips

 

[rightflat10]

Please see photo of the transducer attached.

I am convinced that I will just start from scratch with a new transducer, would your recommendation change from the B260 based on my usage and objectives? I am open to chirp style transducers with the use of a DFF1-UHD.

 

[Snips]

Rightflat10,
If the choices are TZT2 with a B-260 or a DFF1-UHD with a B-265 or 275 I would favor the UHD. Both systems can see the bottom at 1500ft, however fish detection at that depth will be a stretch. If looking for Thermoclines and layers is important part of your fishing I would use the B-265. If you are more interested in fish detection in the upper 300ft of the water column I would look at the B-275.

Snips

 

[rightflat10]

Thank you for the recommendations and help. Can the B275 be installed in the hull like my existing transducer?

I was reviewing the Airmar website and noticed a PM275. It appears this is designed for pocket installations. It this transducer the same as the B275? I don't see this transducer shown on the Furuno transducer compatibility matrix. Is it compatible with the UHD?

 

[Snips]

Rightflat10,
The 275 has four different mounting styles (see below). All will work with the DFF1-UHD for fish finding. However the UHD has ACCU-FISH and Bottom Discrimination modes that were designed around using the 265 transducer, not the 275.

Snips

 

[rightflat10]

Thanks for the help. I am going to upgrade to a B275LHW or PM27LHW with the DFF1-UHD.

 

[bradscot311]

Will the b275lhw be ok glassed in the hull in a pocket.Im about to remove my b260

 

[Snips]

Bradscot311,
Could the B-275 be mounted in a pocket, yes it could.
The bigger question "is should the B-275 be pocket mounted" and that answer is no.
If you need to flush mount the transducer the PM-275 is the better choice.
Another option is to use the B-275 with the fairing block, pictured below.

Snips