I have a Garmin thru hull transducer and additional side scan set up. Sounds like the path you are taking. The through hull works great but I have been disappointed with the side scan. Just can't seem to get anywhere near the imagery that the marketing info shows. I will be the first to admit it maybe operator deficiency. If you need more details on the component model numbers I can dig it out for you.

 

Thanks Mike! I am looking at the B175HW thru hull and have the GT52 transom mount.

 

I will pull all my data. Won't have access till Sunday night.

 

I had HB side scan, and switched to the Garmin Chirp 93 sv this year. IMO, the side scan capabilities are limited by the frequently rough water, it distorts the images. When it's calm I look at things and mark them on the GPS. I guess what I'm saying is it does work, just not always when you want it to.

 

The b175hw is great for bottom (perch) I like it but $$$$. I have a GT50m tm I don't see much use for side scan so I don't even play with it. I would not put a transom mount on till you try the HW

 

Found the specifics. I have a thru hull Airmar B150M tilted element. It works great. Never loose the bottom at any speed. Can watch my perch rig go up and down off the bottom. Good detail. Also have a GarminGT40-TM for the Down Vu/Side Vu. I need to work with Garmin this spring to understand why I can not get good resolution even in calm water. My screen is a Garmin GPSMAP 7610XZV

 

Thanks all for the response. I think I'll go with a B175HW thru hull. Not sure about the GT52...already have it so may as well install it. Just don't want to drill in the transom...if the side scan is basically useless on Erie then I probably won't. I thought it would be nice to see some structure and marking fish while trolling.

 

..if the side scan is basically useless on Erie then I probably won't. I thought it would be nice to see some structure and marking fish while trolling.

I wouldn't say it's useless, it just doesn't always work when you want it to. I've seen things on the traditional screen that I went back later when it was calmer to get a better look. You can occasionally spot fish off to the sides with it, but, I don't rely on it. Since you already have everything you need, I wouldn't hesitate to drill a few holes and install it.

 

I can mark fish and bait schools in central basin open water. You have to know what to look for on the screen or it will just look like noise. Also is helpful with interpretation if you can overlay the downscan (traditional sonar) image and the sidescan. If you fish the shallow western basin, you may get more interesting images on sidescan.

 

Humminbird just came out with Mega Imaging. Pics look incredible!
http://www.humminbird.com/Category/Technology/MEGA-Imaging/#id_AutoChartLive