What hummingbird units to run at helm and bow considering 360 imaging and trolling motor transducers

David Burke - doctor

Hi guys,
I am setting up my new to me 2016 tracker pt175txw and have some questions on best practices for type and locations of electronics. I will be running 360 imaging on the bow. Looking at the helix 8 9 or 10. One at the bow and one at the helm. Also upgrading the trolling motor to a minnkota ultrex
1. I assume you run a SI at the steering wheel and if possible a thru hull transducer so you can go faster than idle when using SI? I assume the skimmer on the stern will only work at slow speed?
2. If you are running 360 at the bow what unit is best match. The Down imaging only or a side imaging ?
3. The new ultrex will be available with a DI and SI built in transducer. Does the 360 do the job of the SI?
4. If you were going to buy one smaller unit and one larger unit. were would you want the bigger unit? the bow or steering wheel?
5. Trolling motor selection: the boat currently has a 45” shaft. Will a 52” shaft be overkill. Will a 80lb 24v have enough power to chop through heavy vegetation? Should I be concerned about battery life with this size boat most lakes I fish are 4000 acres or less in NH although I want to make trips to Winnipessaukee and Champlain
6.finally. In you opinion is the 360 a game changer? as 2 lowrance ti2 tied to a i5 motoguide would be Like $2500 less
Thanks for your time and opinions
Dave

November 22, 2019 02:35:11 PM
The Dean - professor

Hey Dave, I've answered your questions below with my experiences. I hope this helps. Good luck with all your upgrades!!

Hi guys,
I am setting up my new to me 2016 tracker pt175txw and have some questions on best practices for type and locations of electronics. I will be running 360 imaging on the bow. Looking at the helix 8 9 or 10. One at the bow and one at the helm. Also upgrading the trolling motor to a minnkota ultrex

Congrats on the upgrade!! I will be setting up my new rig for 2020 that same way.

1. I assume you run a SI at the steering wheel and if possible a thru hull transducer so you can go faster than idle when using SI? I assume the skimmer on the stern will only work at slow speed?

Yes. I want the SI transducer in the stern for idling around searching for key cover. A through hull transducer is needed for high speed sonar.

2. If you are running 360 at the bow what unit is best match. The Down imaging only or a side imaging ?

I will be running down imaging on the trolling motor. The 360 will give you a better image of things all around you than side imaging will. I can't recommend which unit for you yet as I've not gotten mine set up yet. If you like touch screen go Solix.

3. The new ultrex will be available with a DI and SI built in transducer. Does the 360 do the job of the SI?

Yes, you will be blown away by 360

4. If you were going to buy one smaller unit and one larger unit. were would you want the bigger unit? the bow or steering wheel?

I prefer the smaller unit at the console. The reason for this is that I am right on top of the unit when I'm idling. When I'm on the trolling motor I'm about 6' away from the unit and the larger screen really helps me there.

5. Trolling motor selection: the boat currently has a 45” shaft. Will a 52” shaft be overkill. Will a 80lb 24v have enough power to chop through heavy vegetation?

I fish in the big waves with my current boat. BassCat Cougar FTD. I went with the 52" shaft because on the giant waves I fish in sometimes. It is cumbersome to use in the shallow water. I have to raise it all the way up and it sits almost waist high. I think the 42" shaft on that boat should be the best choice. In addition, you should be OK with 80# of thrust. I always like the error with more power if you can. I don't know if upgrading to the 112 is an option, but thats what I use. I'm always looking for more power.

Should I be concerned about battery life with this size boat most lakes I fish are 4000 acres or less in NH although I want to make trips to Winnipessaukee and Champlain

This is really a question on how you like to fish. I am standing on my trolling motor all day at higher speeds than normal. A 24 volt system is not enough for me. For most people that will be fine.

6.finally. In you opinion is the 360 a game changer? as 2 lowrance ti2 tied to a i5 motoguide would be Like $2500 less
Thanks for your time and opinions

360 is game changer. I've seen this over and over. Check out Carl Jocumsen's training videos. The importance of 360 can't be measured. Its off the charts.

https://bassu.tv/bass-fishing-video/electronics-break-down-a-new-lake-fast-jocumsen
https://bassu.tv/bass-fishing-video/total-boat-control-with-electronics-jocumsen

Dave

November 27, 2019 02:34:28 PM
Jason Admin - admin

I know this has been a while, but I have some thoughts on some of these items:
1. I took a risk and mounted my Humminbird side imaging/down imaging transducer slightly below the bottom of the boat. It's been 3 years and I've scratched it a few times and kicked it up, but it still works fine. I am able to reasonable side imaging return at a good clip (probably 5mph), but can still get sonar and depth readings on plane. I mounted while it was on the trailer in a spot where I wasn't likely to hit the bunk board when trailoring.
4. Definitely the bigger unit on the console. You'll do most of your mapping, side imaging and marking waypoints at the console.

December 8, 2021 10:45:59 AM

Bass University Annual Membership Sale