My boat came with an in hull airmar B175M transducer. As you said it doesn't do good in greater than 800'. I added a garmin GT51M-TM on the transom and it is much better. Been out in about 1,300' and it was mapping bottom pretty good still. Produces much more clarity than the airmar as well. Works well while running up to 35mph too. Not sure how compatible it will be with your simrad as I'm running Garmin plotters but I've been happy with the GT51M-tM.

 

Get a HW + LM. The HW is often viewed as "better" in shallower water applications where you are focused on the top 200-300' and want more coverage area. I would call airmar to ask them about fitting new transducers in older housings. They have been very helpful in the past.

 

We also run a simrad suite on our sled with the s5100. We have the b175hw and it’s a great all around ducer from bottom fishing in a couple hundred feet or less to trolling and tuna fishing. I’ve stretched its legs down to 1400’ before, it painted the bottom far better than I thought but obviously little to no detail. Set the depth to 2-300’ while tuna fishing and it performs extremely well, we’ve been very pleased with that ducer. I’d also suggest the LM on which other option you choose, we went with the r111LM and the big ducers are a game changer when going deep(er). They make seeing what you’re after so much easier, if you’re going to spending any sort of time deep dropping or swordfishing, you might as well do it right once and be done, my $.02. You already have the black box, just need the ducer now.

 

You're the one who I couldn't remember! I knew someone had a HW and a R111LM, just couldn't remember who.

Thanks for the input. I'll likely get that B175HW, and try to find that R111LM

 

Haha, I think you’ll be happy if you go with the 2-3kw route. They put so much more energy and detail into the deep water and it makes fishing that much easier.