transom or troll mtr trnsducr mt?

[bowzonly]

First time fish finder owner, hummingbird 597ci. What are the pros and cons of each type of mount. Will be on fresh water only, Big D, reservoirs and such. Thanks Bruce

[acabtp]

First time fish finder owner, hummingbird 597ci. What are the pros and cons of each type of mount. Will be on fresh water only, Big D, reservoirs and such. Thanks Bruce
trolling motor mount
pros:
*easy to strap to trolling motor
*if you move your TM from boat to boat, the transducer comes with you
cons:
*easy to smash on whatever you normally smash your trolling motor into (rocks/logs/etc)
*only in the water when your TM is in the water

transom mount
pros:
*stays in the water all the time
*only sticks about an inch out below the hull
*works while you run the main motor
cons:
*slightly more complicated installation


since you say you will be out on the D, i'd suggest you go with a transom mount to protect it from all the rocks

[flatcreek]

I have a transom mount with no complants. Mine is flush with the bottom and seems to work fine and that give it more protection from hitting the bottom when loading, unloading and when you beach yout boat.

[lunkertaker]

I have a transom mount. When fishing shallow bottom, it detaches from the stern and a slide of the hand under water is easily fixed. Installed mine ~20 years ago...still have the same depthfinder, and still works like the day I purchased it.

[revhi]

Mounting is not a big deal either way. The main advantage is that on the transom, the sonar is showing what you already passed over. On the trolling motor, you see what is right under the boat. In recreational fishing, it is not a big deal. If you are a bit more serious or competitive, you will have an edge. Especially with down or side imaging. As for damaging the transducer on the trolling motor, they make transducer savers. They work very well. I am the very abbusive on my motor fishing these south jersey mud puddles. I recently bent my Fortrex 101 shaft and broke off a prop blade on a stump. Transducer is fine though. :D