Transducer wire routing ideas

[iwombat]

Mounting a new transducer and the connectors are too big to pass through the existing splashwell drain holes where I had the other ones routed. So, it looks like I either go right over the back, or drill a bigger hole into the transom.

I'm leaning toward drilling a hole up high and to the starboard of the splashwell so I can route it underneath the rear transom cover. I'm looking for ways that I can maybe tidy up the whole thing a little.

I need to drill about a 1" hole, and pass the plug through. The wire is only maybe 1/8" though. I could 3M 4200 the whole mess shut. I'm thinking maybe I cut a piece of aluminum tube lengthwise and make a two-piece grommet a little bigger than the wire and epoxy that in place after passing the plug through. I'm not exactly convinced I can keep from making a big ugly epoxy mess on my wire though.

Any other ideas?

 

[flashback]

Re: Transducer wire routing ideas

I know they tell you not to cut the wire, but I have done it several times and have not had any problems.. I solder them back together and put heat shrink on the splice..

 

[klos]

Re: Transducer wire routing ideas

One of my suppliers for automotive supplies has oversized grommets that we have used in some restorations.
Example- outside diameter 1" and drill ID to 3/8 or whatever ID you need. Then cut from inside hole to outside of grommet, slide your wire/cable in and superglue the slit. Use a little 5200 and install grommet.

I will try to find a link to suppliers web site.

You can also probably find a pretty good assortment of rubber grommets at the hardware store.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Transducer wire routing ideas

Home Depot, Sears, and Lowes all carry the plastic grommets in various sizes and colors right in the aisle where screws are kept in drawers.

 

[Trophy24]

Re: Transducer wire routing ideas

Drill the hole big enough for the pug. (above the waterline!) Epoxy the edge of the hole. After it has dried, run the wire. Cover the hole with a stainless clamshell cover like you can find from West Marine for about $4.00. Fill the hole from the inside with marine silicone or 3M 4200. Nice and neat looking pro job that will not leak. Yep, thats how I did mine... LOL

 

[iwombat]

Re: Transducer wire routing ideas

Sounds good, except I'm not 100% clear on what you mean by a clamshell cover. You got a url or a pic I could reference?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Transducer wire routing ideas

Wombat, The clamshell covers are very common. They are used for the Pitot tubes on speedos, as well as any other place that wires penetrate the hull above the waterline. They look like the old clamshell vents that were on the boats in the 50s.
I do not recommend you cut the transducer wire under any circumstance. Also, you might consider mounting the transducer in the bilge. I have had good luck (and no barnacles) doing that. It needs to be wet to operate properly, and must sit on solid fiberglass without a foam or any other core.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Transducer wire routing ideas

Okay, now I know what you mean. Yes, that's a good idea. As for mounting it inside - I've got an aluminum hull so no option there. I don't really have any particular fear of cutting the wire. I think routing another hole is a whole lot less work than cutting, resoldering and then properly re-shielding the wire, however.

I think the plan is to cut a 1.25" hole up high and to the side of the transom (so the wire runs straight inside the hull and not through the splashwell and into the hull). Epoxy it in and file it smooth. Then, cover with one of these:

http://www.iboats.com/Seadog_Midget...d.257681--list_time.1173717825--view_id.38039

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Transducer wire routing ideas

I faced the same problem. I drilled the large hole and used the clamshell.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Transducer wire routing ideas

Went to west marine to get a clamshell today and found one of these instead. Perfect size for a lowrance transducer plug.

http://www.boatersworld.com/product/319400016msk.htm