one transducer or two?

[erniebrown]

I am taking the TRACKER 17.5 get the Hummingbird 998, on console, and 798 on trolling motor, installed. I just found out that they could both be reading from the transom transducer. Is that better than having another transducer on the trolling motor? Both units have side imaging.

 

[lilmule]

Pros and cons to both,one it takes a link system costing more $ than the other transducer or near,2 they dont always link well,3 if that one transducer fails then both units cant see,lastly both units read at rear of boat.
I own two birds have two ducers one reads back and one reads front,where im at there can be 15 ft differece in what back one reads compared to the front,like 20ft rear,4 ft front know when to back off the ledge so to speak.
Without the front one I would ground bow out prior to transom one showing me I was to shallow.I fish ky lake and we have many flats that drop off to deep water often called ledges.And should one bite the dust interchangeable wiring and mounts in my case so can navigate and yes transducers go before the units often.

 

[Mike Hernandez]

Personally, I'd prefer to have a ducer on the TM as well. Even if you only use it for regular imaging. You'd still be able to switch to SI imaging whenever you wanted to but would be able to get readings from the front of the boat. Is there some type of switch that can be used to flip between front, back, and both?

If I'm able to afford a 998 in the future, I'll definitely have both ducers in use.

Maybe DougV or LouieB on the forum would be able to provide some advice. Maybe send them a PM?

Good luck bud. Don't forget to post some pics of your new rig. emoThumbsup

 

[Doug V]

I prefer one at each location. Especially on the trolling motor so I can use it to scan under docks and around me to find fish plus you are using data generated at where you are fishing not the length of boat back to the other transducer.

 

[erniebrown]

Thanks to all, it looks like it will be two. I so appreciate it!