Discover the best Simrad transducers for your boat size, fishing location, and depth. Detailed guide with specs, prices, and recommendations.
Selecting the right transducer is critical for optimizing your fishing experience, as it directly impacts the quality of sonar data you receive. Simrad, a leading brand in marine electronics, offers a range of transducers designed to pair with their multifunction displays (MFDs) like the NSS evo3 and NSO evo3. These transducers utilize CHIRP (Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse) technology, providing superior target resolution, depth penetration, and clarity. This guide helps you choose the ideal Simrad transducer based on your boat size, fishing location, and target depth in the water column. Whether you’re a recreational angler or a commercial fisherman, this comprehensive resource will ensure you make an informed decision.
Understanding Key Factors for Transducer Selection
Choosing a Simrad transducer involves three main considerations:
- Boat Size: The size of your vessel (e.g., less than 22ft, 22ft–28ft, 29ft–35ft, 35ft–50ft, or over 50ft) influences the type of transducer and mounting style suitable for your setup.
- Fishing Location: The water depth where you fish—nearshore (<800 ft), mid-depth (<2,000 ft), or offshore (2,000–10,000 ft)—affects the frequency range and power requirements of the transducer.
- Water Column Depth: Your target fishing depth (near surface, mid-water, or bottom) determines whether you need high, medium, or low CHIRP frequencies for optimal performance.
This guide organizes recommendations based on these factors, providing detailed specifications, approximate pricing, and compatibility with Simrad’s NSS evo3 and NSO evo3 displays and SonarHub or S5100 sounder modules.
Simrad Multifunction Displays and Sounder Modules
Before diving into transducer selections, let’s explore the core components that transducers connect to: Simrad’s NSS evo3, NSO evo3, and sounder modules.
NSS evo3 Multifunction Display
- Features: Built-in echosounder, GPS receiver, wireless connectivity, SolarMAX™ HD display with ultra-wide viewing angles, seamless touchscreen and keypad controls, compatibility with Simrad sonar, radar, autopilot, and other accessories, industry-standard connectivity to engines and sound systems, easy trip planning, and automatic routing support.
- Mounting: Low-profile flush or bracket mounting.
- Price: Approximately $1,299–$4,999 (depending on screen size: 7″, 9″, 12″, or 16″).
- Best For: Boats up to 35ft, offering a compact, all-in-one solution for smaller vessels.
NSO evo3 Multifunction Display
- Features: Full HD display (16″, 19″, or 24″ widescreen), intuitive touchscreen controls, high-performance processor for swift response, and compatibility with Simrad accessories.
- Mounting: Flush mounting for a sleek, integrated look.
- Price: Approximately $4,999–$9,999 (depending on screen size).
- Best For: Larger vessels (35ft and above) requiring expansive displays and advanced processing.
SonarHub Module
- Features: Adds StructureScan® HD and CHIRP sonar capabilities to Simrad NS displays. Compact and versatile, it requires a compatible transducer.
- Price: Approximately $599–$799.
- Best For: Enhancing sonar capabilities on vessels without built-in CHIRP sounders.
S5100 Sounder with CHIRP
- Features: Three independent channels for high-resolution CHIRP sonar across multiple depth ranges. Supports up to three transducers for customized coverage, ideal for detecting small or tightly grouped fish, thermoclines, and specific depths.
- Price: Approximately $1,999–$2,499.
- Best For: Advanced sonar needs on mid-to-large vessels, especially for deep-water fishing.
Transducer Selection by Boat Size and Fishing Conditions
Below, we outline the best Simrad transducers for each boat size, fishing location, and water column depth, including specifications and approximate pricing. The recommendations are tailored to maximize sonar performance for your specific needs.
Boats Less Than 22ft
Nearshore (<800 ft), Near Surface
- Display: NSS evo3
- Transducer: HDI Skimmer Medium/High CHIRP (000-12728-001)
- Frequency: 83/200/455/800 kHz
- Mounting: Transom mount
- Features: Hybrid Dual Imaging™ (Broadband Sounder + DownScan Imaging), temperature sensor, 2 elements
- Depth Range: Up to 1,000 ft
- Price: ~$229
- Best For: Small boats fishing in shallow waters, providing clear imaging of fish and structures near the surface.
Nearshore (<800 ft), Mid-Water
- Display: NSS evo3
- Transducer: Airmar XSONIC TM150M CHIRP
- Frequency: 95–155 kHz (Medium CHIRP)
- Mounting: Transom mount
- Features: Reveals fish in shallow, murky waters up to 2,500 ft with ultra-clear target resolution
- Depth Range: Up to 2,500 ft
- Price: ~$299
- Best For: Trailered boats targeting mid-water fish in nearshore environments.
Nearshore (<800 ft), Bottom
- Display: NSS evo3
- Transducer: Airmar B75H
- Frequency: 130–210 kHz (High CHIRP)
- Beam Width: 15–9°
- Mounting: Thru-hull, bronze housing
- Features: 1 internal broadband ceramic, suitable for fiberglass and wood hulls, available in 0°, 12°, or 20° tilted versions
- Depth Range: Up to 1,000 ft
- Price: ~$749
- Best For: Bottom fishing in shallow waters, offering high-resolution imaging.
Mid-Depth (<2,000 ft), Bottom
- Display: NSS evo3
- Sounder: S5100
- Transducer: Airmar XSONIC R509LH-W
- Frequency: 28–60 kHz (Low CHIRP), 150–250 kHz (High CHIRP)
- Mounting: Thru-hull
- Features: 2–3 kW broadband CHIRP, wide high-frequency beam for vast bottom coverage and precise fish detection
- Depth Range: Up to 10,000 ft
- Price: ~$4,999
- Best For: Deep bottom fishing with precise bait and game fish separation.
Mid-Depth (<2,000 ft), Mid-Water
- Display: NSS evo3
- Sounder: S5100
- Transducers:
- Airmar XSONIC B275LH-W
- Frequency: Low CHIRP + High CHIRP (25° beam width)
- Mounting: Thru-hull
- Features: Combines deep bottom tracking with high-resolution upper water column imaging
- Depth Range: Up to 2,500 ft
- Price: ~$2,199
- Airmar B175M
- Frequency: 88/107 kHz (Medium CHIRP)
- Mounting: Thru-hull
- Features: Balances depth penetration and target resolution
- Depth Range: Up to 900 ft
- Price: ~$1,099
- Best For: Versatile mid-water fishing in mid-depth waters.
Offshore (2,000–10,000 ft), Near Surface
- Display: NSS evo3
- Transducer: Airmar B175H-W
- Frequency: 130–210 kHz (High CHIRP, 25° beam)
- Mounting: Thru-hull, bronze housing
- Features: Wide beam for excellent fish targeting in shallower depths
- Depth Range: Up to 1,000 ft
- Price: ~$1,249
- Best For: Offshore surface fishing with high-resolution imaging.
Offshore (2,000–10,000 ft), Mid-Water or Bottom
- Display: NSS evo3
- Sounder: S5100
- Transducers:
- Airmar XSONIC B275LH-W (as above)
- Airmar XSONIC R509LH-W (as above)
- Airmar B175M (as above)
- Best For: Deep offshore fishing targeting mid-water or bottom species.
Boats 22ft–28ft
Nearshore (<800 ft), Near Surface
- Display: NSS evo3
- Transducer: HDI Skimmer Medium/High CHIRP (000-12728-001) (as above)
- Best For: Shallow-water surface fishing.
Nearshore (<800 ft), Mid-Water or Bottom
- Display: NSS evo3
- Sounder (Bottom): S5100
- Transducers:
- Airmar B175M (as above)
- Airmar XSONIC B275LH-W (Bottom, as above)
- Best For: Mid-water or bottom fishing in nearshore waters.
Mid-Depth (<2,000 ft), Near Surface
- Display: NSS evo3
- Transducer: Airmar B175H-W (as above)
- Best For: Surface fishing in mid-depth waters.
Mid-Depth (<2,000 ft), Mid-Water or Bottom
- Display: NSS evo3
- Sounder: S5100
- Transducers:
- Airmar B175M (as above)
- Airmar XSONIC B275LH-W (as above)
- Best For: Versatile mid-water or bottom fishing.
Offshore (2,000–10,000 ft)
- Display: NSS evo3
- Sounder: S5100
- Transducers:
- Airmar B175H-W (Near Surface, as above)
- Airmar XSONIC B275LH-W (Mid-Water, as above)
- Airmar XSONIC R509LH-W (Bottom, as above)
- Best For: Comprehensive offshore fishing across all depths.
Boats 29ft–35ft
Nearshore (<800 ft), Near Surface
- Display: NSO evo3
- Sounder: SonarHub
- Transducer: Airmar B75H (as above)
- Best For: High-resolution surface fishing.
Nearshore (<800 ft), Mid-Water
- Display: NSO evo3
- Sounder: SonarHub
- Transducer: Airmar B175H-W (as above)
- Best For: Shallow mid-water fishing.
Nearshore (<800 ft), Bottom
- Display: NSO evo3
- Sounder: SonarHub
- Transducer: Airmar B175M (as above)
- Best For: Bottom fishing in shallow waters.
Mid-Depth (<2,000 ft) or Offshore (2,000–10,000 ft)
- Display: NSS evo3 or NSO evo3
- Sounder: S5100
- Transducers:
- Airmar B175H-W (Near Surface, as above)
- Airmar XSONIC B275LH-W (Mid-Water, as above)
- Airmar XSONIC R509LH-W (Bottom, as above)
- Best For: Versatile fishing across all depths on larger vessels.
Boats 35ft–50ft and Over 50ft
Nearshore (<800 ft)
- Display: NSO evo3
- Sounder: SonarHub
- Transducers:
- Airmar B75H (Near Surface, as above)
- Airmar B175H-W (Mid-Water, as above)
- Airmar B175M (Bottom, as above)
- Best For: Shallow-water fishing on large vessels.
Mid-Depth (<2,000 ft) or Offshore (2,000–10,000 ft)
- Display: NSS evo3 or NSO evo3
- Sounder: S5100
- Transducers:
- Airmar B175H-W (Near Surface, as above)
- Airmar XSONIC B275LH-W (Mid-Water, as above)
- Airmar XSONIC R509LH-W (Bottom, as above)
- Best For: Comprehensive sonar solutions for large vessels in deep waters.
Transducer Comparison Table
| Transducer | Frequency (kHz) | Mounting | Depth Range | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDI Skimmer (000-12728-001) | 83/200/455/800 | Transom | Up to 1,000 ft | ~$229 | Shallow, nearshore surface fishing |
| Airmar TM150M | 95–155 (Medium CHIRP) | Transom | Up to 2,500 ft | ~$299 | Nearshore mid-water fishing |
| Airmar B75H | 130–210 (High CHIRP) | Thru-hull | Up to 1,000 ft | ~$749 | Nearshore bottom fishing |
| Airmar B175H-W | 130–210 (High CHIRP, 25° beam) | Thru-hull | Up to 1,000 ft | ~$1,249 | Shallow surface/mid-water fishing |
| Airmar B175M | 88/107 (Medium CHIRP) | Thru-hull | Up to 900 ft | ~$1,099 | Mid-depth fishing |
| Airmar XSONIC B275LH-W | Low + High CHIRP (25° beam) | Thru-hull | Up to 2,500 ft | ~$2,199 | Mid-depth/offshore mid-water fishing |
| Airmar XSONIC R509LH-W | 28–60/150–250 | Thru-hull | Up to 10,000 ft | ~$4,999 | Deep offshore bottom fishing |
Decision Flowchart
The following flowchart illustrates the transducer selection process based on boat size, fishing location, and water column depth.
Installation and Compatibility Tips
- Mounting: Transom-mount transducers (e.g., HDI Skimmer, TM150M) are easier to install on smaller boats, while thru-hull transducers (e.g., B75H, B175 series) are ideal for larger vessels with fiberglass or wood hulls. Ensure proper tilt angle (0°, 12°, or 20°) for thru-hull models to match your hull’s deadrise.
- Sounder Compatibility: The S5100 is required for advanced CHIRP setups with multiple transducers, especially for offshore or bottom fishing. The SonarHub is a cost-effective option for adding CHIRP to NSO evo3 systems.
- Hull Material: Bronze thru-hull transducers are suitable for fiberglass and wood hulls but not recommended for aluminum or steel hulls due to galvanic corrosion risks.
- Frequency Tuning: For transducers like the R509LH-W, adjust frequencies to optimize beam width and depth performance based on your fishing conditions.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing varies based on retailer and region, but approximate costs are provided above. For the most accurate pricing, visit authorized Simrad dealers or check online marine electronics retailers like West Marine or Defender. Always verify compatibility with your Simrad display or sounder module before purchasing.
Conclusion
Selecting the right Simrad transducer depends on your boat size, fishing location, and target depth. For small boats fishing nearshore, the HDI Skimmer or TM150M offers cost-effective, high-performance solutions. Mid-sized vessels benefit from versatile transducers like the B175M or B275LH-W, while larger boats fishing offshore require powerful options like the R509LH-W paired with the S5100 sounder. By aligning your choice with the recommendations in this guide, you can enhance your fishing success with clear, accurate sonar imaging tailored to your needs.
Happy Boating!
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