Replacement Depth Finder for 1997 Powerquest 22' - Remove old?

[gibbywmu2000]

Hi Everyone,

So my old Lowrance 3500 depth finder gauge hasn't worked in several years. I just bought a replacement Faria online, which includes the in hull transducer. Now, I'm not quite sure if this install will even be possible, after realizing that Powerquest probably installed the old depth finder BEFORE the engine was installed (of course they'd have plenty of room to work around in there). I literally would have to crawl under the engine to replace it. It may not make sense, but I don't know if I'll have enough headroom, even if I can get under the engine, to be able to read the numbers on the base of the transducer that are necessary to align for the proper deadrise of the boat so that the gauge works as accurate as possible. If its not possible, its too much of a guessing game and I'll probably just send it back. I really don't want the "Out of Hull" style, or whatever its referred to. I think that would look tacky and the depth finder is not a life or death situation in my boat because I keep it on the same lake. This is more or less for teaching my wife how to drive it.

Now, I assume the current location of the old depth finder is where it needs to be, so I'm going to try and remove it. I hope that its secured with Silicone and not some hard epoxy. I'm afraid if I try and remove it and its epoxy'd, I could risk cracking the fiberglass. of course thats not idea when its the bottom of the boat!

If anyone has any suggestions, would be much appreciated. I'm sure several have encountered this same problem.

 

[JoLin]

No, it was placed where the manufacturer wanted to place it. All that's necessary is that it's close to the centerline of the boat, and far enough toward the stern that the transducer won't be shooting through air when you're on plane.

All my boats have had transom-mounted transducers, BTW.

 

[gibbywmu2000]

Thanks John, greatly appreciate the feedback! Ok, so would you recommend removing the old depth finder if possible? I'm hoping scraping it off with a chisel or putty knife will take it off.

 

[JoLin]

If it were me, it would depend on how difficult it is to reach. If it's really buried, I'd probably just leave it. Maybe snip the wire and get that out of there if it bothers me. it isn't doing any harm.

 

[Old Ironmaker]

I have 2 transducers transom mounted. Is that tacky? I have never thought of that. If the thru hull is that difficult I would abandon it and mount the new one on the transom. Just my opinion here.