mounting transducer in bilge area, cutting top layer of glass????

[andy h]

I have a 17 foot glassport(no longer made) inboard/outboard, I would like to mount the trasducer on the transform but I see no way that run the wires through the back?? any ideas on that??? If that is not possible i will mount the transducer in the bilge area next to the motor, my question is; in the directions for mounting it says to cut out the top layer of glass so that there is no air between the transducer and water. It says to call manufacturer to make sure the boat has two layers of glass with a flotation material in between, but since the boat company is no longer in business i don't know how i can find out. Is there a way to tell if the boat has two layers (besides cutting? ) <br /><br />Do you guys have any ideas on the best way to mount this thing?????<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Andy

 

[richg99]

Re: mounting transducer in bilge area, cutting top layer of glass????

I can't tell you the "best" way...but I mounted my "shoot thru" transducer by simply grinding away the PAINT ( PROBABLY NOT EVEN NECESSARY)and sticking a pool of epoxy on the now cleaned area. I stuck the transducer on it, and weighted it down with a brick overnight. It shoots through perfectly. I do NOT have a foam cored hull, and I'l bet you don't either. <br /><br />Re the transom mount..just run the transducer wire over the transom and back to your unit. However, the "shoot thru" may well give you a better reading at speed ( less turbulance ). Heck, to experiment, I'd glue it down with silicone ( I know they say NOT to do this, but zillions of guys have ) and see how you like it. If it doesn't work it is no problem to pull it up and try a different spot, or epoxy it in correctly. RichG

 

[crab bait]

Re: mounting transducer in bilge area, cutting top layer of glass????

drill out a hole up high on transome ..say across from top motor bolt,,or higher.. <br /><br />1 1/8 hole.. epoxy in a brass bilge/plug tube.. <br /><br />run cable thru..

 

[Boatist]

Re: mounting transducer in bilge area, cutting top layer of glass????

Andy H<br />If you want to try the shoot thur hull you can try it without doing any grinding. Clean an area and get some model clay and stick it down on the hull. Make a circular Dam and fill with water. Now put the transducer in the water and use some tape or something to holed it in place. Go for a test ride. Some boat mostly bass boats have a special place for the transducer. If it works good then get some slow cure epoxy so any bubbles have time to get out and glue it down.<br /><br />If your boat has a flotation core or some hand layup fiberglass glass then it may not work without grinding. If the hand layup fiberglass has no air then I think it will still work. Most reports I have read say at best loose 10 percent of the signal.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: mounting transducer in bilge area, cutting top layer of glass????

There are kits to fit the transducer inside the hull/bilge. A short tube that is cut to the bottom angle, fills with harmless oil/water and holds the transducer vertical to get a proper reading.<br /><br />Can't seem to find the kit online but in a local Marine store it's priced at some $50<br /><br />

<br /><br />Even check <br /> http://www.navman.com/marine/products/transducers/inhull.html

 

[ThomWV]

Re: mounting transducer in bilge area, cutting top layer of glass????

Boatist,<br /><br />Here is another trick for testing out possible mounting locations. Rather than build a temporary dam you can simply put the transducer into a heavy plastic bag and then put in a quart or two of water and then tightly tie the top of the water-filled bag around the cable with a tie wrap to hold the thing shut. That way the transducer is hanging in a bag full of water. Now, with someone else driving the boat at moderate speed, hook it up to the fish finder and move it around to test different mounting locations. Note where it works best and then come back and mount it there.<br /><br />A second option is to just let a bunch of water into the boat (pull the plug to let a bunch in). When you have a couple of inches in the bottom take the boat for a ride and test different places by simply setting the transducer into the water on the bottom. Problem with this method is that water sloshes around a lot and it can be an absolutly soaking experinece, as well as frustrating as hell as all the water rushes to the back and leaves a spot you want to try high and dry. Anyway both methods work for testing multiple spots, but both are a pain in the A$$.<br /><br />Thom