Lowrance Transducers

Choosing the best Transducer for your Lowrance Fishfinder needs some understanding of the differences and the features of the Transducers on offer. There are two types commonly referred to as: 'Shallow' and 'Deep' water. The differences are not only in the Frequency but also in the Beam Width and they are as follows:

• 'Shallow' water HST-WSBL 106-72 Transducer will operate on 2 frequencies on the HDS models: 200 (20°) & 83KHz (60°). 
• 'Deep' water HST-DFSBL 106-77 Transducer will operate on 2 frequencies on the HDS models: 200KHz (12°) & 50KHz (35°). This compares to the Airmar P66 (ESA931) 200 (11°) & 50KHz (45°).
  

Note that the 'deep' water Transducer has a narrower Beam Angle than the 'shallow' Frequency Transducer. So what difference does that make, I hear you ask? Quite a lot actually.

The wider Beam Angle on the 'Shallow' will give more Fish images and less Noise in shallow water (under 100m).  83KHz looks good in fresh and Brackish Water, but does not perform as well as 200Khz in salt water.

For fresh water fishing and under 100m, the 'Shallow' 106-72 is the best choice and for fishing over 100m & the shelf, choose the 'Deep' 106-77. For some applications you may want both and this is becoming more popular. All Lowrance HDS models can use either of these Transducers and the Frequency (beam angle) can be switched at any time.

The above comments refer to Transom Mount transducers. However Lowrance also have shoot thru the Hull 'Single' Frequency Transducers and 'Dual' Frequency Thru Hull Transducers which are suited to larger vessels.

Lowrance Transducers are designed for specific Hull types and operating depths and are supplied with 6m cables (extension cables are available). Choosing the right Lowrance Transducer is not rocket science, it is a simple matter of answering the right questions:

• What type of Hull and Boat length? Tiinies and trailerable fibreglass runabouts will fit a Transom Mount Transducer. Sailing boats and non trailerable fibreglass will fit a Thru Hull or In Hull.
• What depth are you fishing? Under 100m will use an 83/200KHz and over 100m, a 50/200KHz

Compare Beam angles of Lowrance Transducers with this Comparison Slider

Still confused? Give us ring - we will help you decide!

Owners of Navman/Northstar Fishfinders can use their Airmar Inhull or ThruHull Transducers on Lowrance HDS or Simrad NSS/NSE displays with the ESB988 Navman to Lowrance Converter Cable.

Lowrance Transducers are easy to install with this installation guide.