buying a new transducer for humminbird combo..bracket broke last week and lost it all. does anybody recommend a thru the hull or transom mounted transducer?

Humminbird offers just the bracket for most xducers. I say transom since they are easier to service.

The advantage to having the transducer in the hull is that you don't have to worry about breaking off in shallow water and it will also give you a better reading at higher speeds. Depending on your boat and where you fish, this may or may not be importanat. The down side is they can be a pain to mount, and shooting thru the hull of the boat may weaken your sonar returns (aka not as sensitive). A lot of bass fisherman run both.

I still say transom mount it. They are cheaper and easier.