Basscat Classic HDS Installation Help???

I am trying to decide to get a Lowrance HDS5 Gen2 with Lake Insight GPS unit at the console (not enough funds to go more/bigger). Problem is don't have any idea as to which transducer works for allover best unit performance, the in the bilge epoxy'd puck thru the hull type or the skimmer type off the transom? Next would be if the epoxy'd type works best how do you get water temp? Is there anyone that can explain the installation to me on either that a layman can handle? I can't bend to get into the bilge but have a friend that will do that part if that is the best way to install it. Just really need to know the best method and then the steps needed to get correct placement, actually on either type installation. Response here is fine or if too detailed or with possible pics my email is: bobsquatch13@sbcglobal.net Possibly someone has an url reference regarding correct installation of either procedure?
Thanks for any and all help I can get on this?

A puck style is gong to be best that is epoxied in Bilge area. Fing you a flat place, clean it up good wipe it down with alcohol, scuff up area and bottm of puck before you place it. A good idea is o build a dam with RTV/Silicone around area you are going to place puck, so when you epoxy it dwon the excess epoxy will not run everywhere it will stay in that area.There is another cable that spits off of that puck transducer that has a temp probe on it. The unit wil come with the transom style transducer, you'll have to order puck ducer seperately I think. Lowrance did have a transducer exchange program at one time. I'd post i Lowrance Forum also for some more good ideas and there are some pics over there. http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif God Luck

I don't have any problem at all getting the Lowrance HDS5 unit with the puck transducer for the bilge at all, already checked and can get exchanged without problem - my problem is knowing exactly where in the bilge to place - I assume at the flattest, lowest, furthers to the rear portion dead center that I can get to, correct???? This would be directly in the center bilge drain area, toward the rear, from what I am understanding, hopefully that is right? Thanks.....BOB

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by bobsquatch &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I don't have any problem at all getting the Lowrance HDS5 unit with the puck transducer for the bilge at all, already checked and can get exchanged without problem - my problem is knowing exactly where in the bilge to place - I assume at the flattest, lowest, furthers to the rear portion dead center that I can get to, correct???? This would be directly in the center bilge drain area, toward the rear, from what I am understanding, hopefully that is right? Thanks.....BOB</td></tr></table>
I think you'll be fine there. Bob on my last boat I was installing one a HDS 5 I called BCB and talked to Pete and gave me a idea on the best spot with the availiable room i had left. http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif