FishFinder Mounting Help

[870 Expressmag]

I just got a new Lowrance Elite 4 for my birthday. I removed the old Humminbird and am ready to mount it. The transducer will be mounted on the transom, and the holes from the old bracket do not match up to the new bracket. This is an aluminum boat. My questions is, how do i plug off the old holes I will no longer be using? and What sealant is best to use? I heard a lot about 3M 5200, but when I research it appears thats for fiberglass boats.

 

[gm280]

Re: FishFinder Mounting Help

There are a few ways to solve this situation, and these are just my opinions too. You can either use some epoxy type filler like JB Weld, or some Silicone Sealant too, or even use another rivet that fits the hole(s) and put a little sealant around it before popping it on. And if you are seriously looking for a permanent fix, you could also have it welded up and sanded smooth. But I'm sure others will chime in with their ideas and probably better ones too...

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: FishFinder Mounting Help

Use the old holes to mount an appropriate sized piece of Star-Board.
Mount the New and all Future Transducers to the Star-Board.

 

[870 Expressmag]

Re: FishFinder Mounting Help

Never heard of Star-Board, what is it, and where can I get it?

 

[Splat]

Re: FishFinder Mounting Help

Its a polymer plastic. Like what cutting boards are made of. Any local marine store should carry it, or if you can find a nice thick 3/4 or 1" cutting board make your own.

 

[870 Expressmag]

Re: FishFinder Mounting Help

so......mount the board to the boat with sealant through exisiting holes, then the new transducer mount will just screw into the board? do i have the right idea? if so whats the best sealant to use to mount the starboard to aluminum?

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: FishFinder Mounting Help

Or, get some 5051 Al, maybe 1/8" thick. Make an adaptor between the existing holes and your new bracket. I've got a thread on here somewhere w/photos of mine. I ended up using 3M 4000 UV to attach it to the hull - but could just as well have attached it through the existing holes.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: FishFinder Mounting Help

I have several holes in my transom from things that have been mounted and taken off over the years. I like the Starboard block method, but on most of mine I just used some 5200 and a nut and bolt, simple and quick, just not as good looking.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: FishFinder Mounting Help

so......mount the board to the boat with sealant through existing holes, then the new transducer mount will just screw into the board? do i have the right idea? if so whats the best sealant to use to mount the starboard to aluminum?

Yep! That's the idea!
King Plastic's Star Board is also available on ebay and at your local "East" Marine.
It comes in many sizes and colors. You will not need a 4 x 8 foot sheet!
A Plastic cutting board from Walmart is the same material,

Any of the Common Marine Sealants will seal the attachment; Sealing, Yes! Adhering, NO!
It is Polyethylene and, other than a few highly specialized techniques, nothing will adhere to it;
You can't just glue it on, It must be screwed on. Use the existing holes.

 

[cjjjdeck]

Re: FishFinder Mounting Help

Yep! That's the idea!
King Plastic's Star Board is also available on ebay and at your local "East" Marine.
It comes in many sizes and colors. You will not need a 4 x 8 foot sheet!
A Plastic cutting board from Walmart is the same material,

Any of the Common Marine Sealants will seal the attachment; Sealing, Yes! Adhering, NO!
It is Polyethylene and, other than a few highly specialized techniques, nothing will adhere to it;
You can't just glue it on, It must be screwed on. Use the existing holes.

This is exactly the way I would do it, UncleWillie, excellent spot-on suggestion and info about Star Board!