Marine Tex for thru hull transducer?

[SliderM72]

I'm trying to mount a Hummingbird Matrix 27 Transducer thru hull. The directions specify a slow cure 2-part epoxy. Does this fit the bill or am I asking for trouble? My problem is that I'm in Central America and there are no marine stores nearby, and all I have is MarineTex and some Fiberglass resin + catalyst.

 

[SliderM72]

Re: Marine Tex for thru hull transducer?

bump

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: Marine Tex for thru hull transducer?

I have seen them installed with fiberglass resin but just use less catalyst so it can sit long enough to eliminate bubbles before setting transducer.

 

[vipzach]

Re: Marine Tex for thru hull transducer?

Call hummingbird and ask them for recommendations. When I installed my eagle 128, I called and asked exactly what they recommended. They gave me two brands that I could buy at any hardware or auto supply. Good Luck!

 

[imported_Curmudgeon]

Re: Marine Tex for thru hull transducer?

If this is a "shoot thru", the bottom surface must be solid glass (not cored).<br /><br />If you think you'll ever need to pull it up (a good thought with 'Birds), use a marine grade silicon sealer. Clean the mounting surface, coat the face of the transducer with a quarter to half inch of sealer, lightly place in position twisting the face back and forth to evenly distribute the sealer and force out bubbles, lightly weight the transducer (to hold it in place) and let cure. Works like a champ ... and is removable.

 

[seadiva]

Re: Marine Tex for thru hull transducer?

my partner used marine tex on his transducer. it worked just fine. just dont plan to move it later, that marine tex is tuff stuff. i think the instructions tell you not to use silicone?

 

[imported_Curmudgeon]

Re: Marine Tex for thru hull transducer?

i think the instructions tell you not to use silicone?<br /><br />Works just fine on a shoot-thru .. and it can be removed without damage with moderate effort.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Marine Tex for thru hull transducer?

Deej - epoxy/resins usually involve more than just an adjustment to the catalyst to alter the cure time. You should always mix the two parts in the ration the manf recommends. To slow the cure time, you should buy the appropriate product with the cure rate you need.<br /><br />Old Curmudgeon - silicone is no good on fiberglass if you need epoxy to adhere. The two do not mix. Silicone is ok AFTER all epoxy has cured. Any traces of the chemistry that is used to keep silicone pliable in the tube will prevent epoxy from adhering or curing. If the install is a simple one, a clean bore with the ‘ducer held by compression, your idea of a silicone sealer is an excellent one since all that needs to be done is create a water-tight seal.<br /><br />SeaDiva – MarineTex is good stuff, tuff as nails, ugly as sin. Great for small repairs/filling of small holes and spaces. Not what I would recommend for building up a place to install a ‘ducer, if that is what is involved.<br /><br />Slider - I would suggest using the 2-part resin you already have. It should be good for anything you are doing with your boat, including building up a backing for the ducer if needed. I would definitely go with that.<br /><br />Btw, if you post the same query down in the ‘boat repair’ forum here, you will prob get more answers. Lots of knowledgeable discussions about resins, adhesives, sealers, etc in that forum.