Fairing block transducer on 330 Express?

[grady33]

I have a 2006 Grady 330 Express and I’m thinking of upgrading one of my 2 Furuno VX2 units to get better sounder readings while fishing offshore (200-1,500 ft +). Might replace unit with Furuno TZT, TZT2 or Garmin 7612xsv. I currently have Airmar B60 transducer but would it be worth it to upgrade to B164 1kw tilted 20 Deg thru-hull transducer? Would I get that much better performance? Also, does using a fairing block transducer provide the best performance and would it impact the boat performance/ride?

 

[Fishtales]

I had the same question a few years ago. General consensus is that a plastic mount with a thru hull transducer is better for a fiberglass boat and helps retain the bottom at high speeds than a flush mount. The shoot thru models are mounted inside the hull with epoxy but only of fiberglass hulls. Very good bottom retention at high speeds but some say less depth and clarity due to the fiberglass layer. You do lose the water temp unless you have another method.
When I did it, my boat was new and I thought it better to go with a shoot thru as I thought one less hole in the boat (especially post manufacture) was a factor. I put in a 1KW and really have no complaints for depth or fishing.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Garmin 7612xsv has a sidescan sonar which will require a specific transducer(unless you don't care about sidescan)
Not familiar with Furuno.

Airmar B60 transducer is a good one. Runs 50khz/200khz. 600w. Yours is not tilted? They came in 3 angles.
B164 1kw tilted 20 Deg thru-hull transducer will only help you if your sonar unit can output 1kw on one frequency. Otherwise, its no better than the B60 that you have now.

You will probably never reach 1500ft with a shoot thru.

 

[grady33]

I actually have the B60 on Furuno VX2. Should have ability to go 1,000 Watts. Just courteous about B164 and how much better quality over B60.

 

[SkunkBoat]

I actually have the B60 on Furuno VX2. Should have ability to go 1,000 Watts. Just courteous about B164 and how much better quality over B60.

from Airmar site
compare B60 to B164

6 times more sensitive at 50 kHz
2 times more sensitive at 200 kHz