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Transducers
Marine Transducers – Selection, Installation & Performance Tuning
At Shotgun Marine Services (SMS) and PMMS, we don’t just sell transducers — we make sure they’re the right type, mounted in the right spot and set up properly so your sounder actually shows fish, structure and bottom the way it’s meant to.
Transducers Are Where Sounder Performance Is Won or Lost
You can have the best sounder on the market, but if the transducer is wrong or poorly installed, the performance will always be average. This is one of the most common issues we see when boats come through the workshop.
We’re authorised service dealers and accredited installers for all major marine electronics brands including Garmin, Furuno, Simrad, B&G and Coursemaster. We’re not just an online store — we’re qualified, experienced marine electricians who understand hull design, water flow and real-world fishing conditions.
Matched to Your Boat, Hull & How You Fish
From estuary and inshore fishing boats through to offshore rigs, commercial and survey vessels, we deliver consultation-led transducer solutions across Port Macquarie, the Mid North Coast NSW and throughout New South Wales, with Australia-wide consultations available.
Whether you’re chasing clean bottom readings at speed, better target separation in deep water, or crystal-clear side and down imaging, we select the transducer to suit your sounder, hull type and fishing style — not a one-size-fits-all option.
Garmin transducers are a popular choice with Aussie anglers thanks to their clarity and seamless integration with Garmin sounders and LiveScope systems. We also install Furuno, Simrad and other professional-grade transducers where the application demands it.
Professional Installation Makes the Difference
Correct mounting position is critical. We handle transom, thru-hull and in-hull installations, fairing blocks, cable routing, networking and on-water testing to ensure reliable performance at rest and on the move.
This is specialist work — and it’s why we assess before recommending anything.
Book a Transducer Setup Consultation
Transducer FAQs
Does the transducer really matter more than the sounder?
Yes. The transducer has a bigger impact on performance than the display itself. A great screen can’t fix poor data coming in.
Can I upgrade my transducer without replacing my sounder?
Often, yes. We assess compatibility and advise whether a transducer upgrade will deliver real gains for how you fish.
Why do I lose bottom reading at speed?
This is usually caused by turbulence, poor mounting position or incorrect transducer selection. It’s a common issue we fix.
Do you install thru-hull transducers?
Yes. We regularly install thru-hull and fairing-block transducers on offshore and commercial vessels where performance is critical.
Do you test and tune the system on the water?
Yes. Setup, tuning and testing are part of doing the job properly — not optional extras.
Why the Right Transducer Matters
A quality transducer isn’t optional — it’s the most important part of your fishfinder system. You can run the best sounder on the market, but if the transducer is wrong or poorly installed, the results will always be disappointing.
At Shotgun Marine Services (SMS) and PMMS, we regularly see boats with high-end displays let down by incorrect transducer selection or poor mounting. Getting this right is critical to sounder performance.
Common Transducer Mounting Types
There are four main transducer mounting styles used on Australian boats:
Thru-hull transducers – installed through the hull for maximum performance, commonly used on offshore fishing boats, cruisers and commercial vessels.
In-hull (shoot-thru) transducers – epoxied inside fibreglass hulls, offering protection and clean readings when installed correctly.
Transom-mount transducers – the most common option for trailer boats and smaller vessels, mounted directly on the transom.
Portable transducers – typically used on kayaks, tenders or temporary fishing setups.
Each mounting style suits different hull types, vessel sizes and fishing applications. Choosing the wrong option — or mounting it in the wrong location — will significantly impact performance.
Understanding Transducer Frequencies
Transducers operate at different frequencies, traditionally 50kHz and 200kHz, each designed for different conditions. Higher frequencies produce sharper detail in shallow water, while lower frequencies penetrate deeper and show more of what’s happening beneath and around the boat.
Modern CHIRP and scanning transducers take this further by using variable frequency ranges to improve clarity, depth performance and target separation.
If you’re fishing structure in shallow water, higher frequencies and tighter beam angles provide crisp bottom detail and fish separation. When fishing offshore or in deeper water, lower frequencies and wider beam angles allow you to see bait schools and fish holding deeper in the water column.
Choosing the Right Transducer
The best transducer for your boat depends on several factors, including hull design, boat size, fishing depth, sounder compatibility and how you actually fish.
This is why transducer selection is never guesswork. It’s a technical decision that should be made as part of a properly designed marine electronics system.
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I'm BoatBuddy — Shotgun Marine & PMMS's digital deckie.
Need a hand with marine electronics, repairs, or a full fitout? I'll point you in the right direction.