Transducer to Transom mount sealant

[dbj1515]

I'm mounting a new transducer onto the transom of my boat; would 4200 or 5200 be the best sealant to use to protect the transom from water getting in around the mounting screws? I'm thinking 4200 but would like other opinions to consider prior to performing the installation. Thanks.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I would go with 4000UV if sunlight is going to hit it.

 

[high&dry]

I would use the 5200. I would also bed the holes in epoxy or glass resin and then redrill them so the screws and holes are not open to wood or inner components (wood, foam, etc). A hole is only a hole if it goes through to something. But, that is just me.

 

[Baylinerchuck]

5200 hands down. I found my transducer difficult to seal around. I just completely installed new transom wood and did not want water intrusion. So I used a UHMW plastic block that was easier to ensure a good seal with 5200. This was screwed into the transom. Now I can mount my transducer and pitot to the UHMW plastic without drilling multiple holes into the transom. If I ever change transducers, I don’t have to worry about filling holes.

 

[dingbat]

Not a fan of drilling holes in a transom if it can be avoided.

i have a number of transducers and sensors so I installed a full blown transducer mounting plate. Best thing I ever did....

In your case I would go with a stern saver mini. No holes to drill or leak.

 

[dbj1515]

@dingbat

I definitely like this idea, no holes! Did you attach it with 5200 like Chuck (#4 above)?

 

[dingbat]

@dingbat

I definitely like this idea, no holes! Did you attach it with 5200 like Chuck (#4 above)?

4200 and 5300 have the same sealing proprieties The difference is their adhesion properties.

Having said that, I've been around boats long enough to know that nothing is permanent. Everything will need to be moved or replaced sooner or later. Why make life difficult in the future if you don't need to?

To answer your question, my transducer plate is attached with screws, no sealant. The four (4) holes where drilled then filled with epoxy. Left to sit for a couple of days then drilled to suit the mounting screws. The screws where then installed using with low viscosity marine epoxy for good luck.

 

[82rude]

I don't see anywheres where you mention type of boat you have?Glass or aluminum?On my al boat just for giggles I put my transducer on the inside hull in a bed of epoxy (fasco steelflex).Works just fine.I looked up dingbats stern saver mini and that looks like a nice option.I would think a sealed piece of 3/4 plywood would work the same as the mini ?

 

[dingbat]

I would think a sealed piece of 3/4 plywood would work the same as the mini ?

Appearance aside, nothing you can do will permanently “seal” wood in a marine environment.

Far better off going with plastic that doesn’t require any special treatment. Install and forget it

 

[Baylinerchuck]

Appearance aside, nothing you can do will permanently “seal” wood in a marine environment.

Far better off going with plastic that doesn’t require any special treatment. Install and forget it

This is the reason I used plastic UHMW pieces. Plastic isn’t going to rot. dingbat is right.

 

[jkust]

I would use 4200 or 4000 over the 5200 due to the permanency of the 5200.