Transom Mount Transducer

[gapple12]

I bought a 2002 Monterey 190 and the dash mount depth finder has never worked correctly. After checking all the wiring and finding nothing obvious, I went ahead and ordered a complete new kit. My old unit was a threw hull type which i didn't want to mess with replacing. I bought the Hawk Eye Depth Finder/Sounder with Temperature - Transom Mount Transducer and I'm curious as to where to mount the transducer for best results ? Does the transducer need to be submerged at all times when stopped or running ?

 

[gapple12]

Re: Transom Mount Transducer

Well, I was just looking threw my new kit and it came with a thru-hull and transom mount transducer. Is it possible to pop off the old thru-hull transducer and mount the new one onto the same plate ? Looks like a small black disk that goes threw the hull. Are they just epoxied on ? I would rather do it this way so I dont have to drill into the transom and feed the wire threw.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Transom Mount Transducer

If you expect a transom mount transducer to provide a reading at rest as well as under way, then yes -- it must be in contact with the water. Transducers cannot read through air. It must also be installed on the right side (starboard) side of the boat as far away from the prop as possible and away from any strakes or other structure under the hull that could create air bubbles in the water flow. In other words, the transducer must installed so it is constantly in smooth water. Did it not come with instructions? Through hull transducers are installed in a number of different ways so not seeing yours, we can't tell what you have or would need to do to replace the old unit. Again, -- no instructions???

 

[gapple12]

Re: Transom Mount Transducer

If you expect a transom mount transducer to provide a reading at rest as well as under way, then yes -- it must be in contact with the water. Transducers cannot read through air. It must also be installed on the right side (starboard) side of the boat as far away from the prop as possible and away from any strakes or other structure under the hull that could create air bubbles in the water flow. In other words, the transducer must installed so it is constantly in smooth water. Did it not come with instructions? Through hull transducers are installed in a number of different ways so not seeing yours, we can't tell what you have or would need to do to replace the old unit. Again, -- no instructions???

Yes, instructions are included, but i always like to get other ideas. The instructions say to mount it as close to the center of the boat and not much else. Comes with 2 brackets at different angles for the right angle mount i guess. Looking threw the instructions is says without the bracket it can be glued into the hull as well, but no glue or mounts for the thru-hull. My boat is off in storage an hour away so it will be a while before i can install it. I'm guessing the transducer must hang below the transom since on plain the water is flush with the lowest area ? hope I'm not over thinking this, thanks for your help.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Transom Mount Transducer

Just so you understand -- when they say "In the center of the boat" they mean when mounted as a through-hull or in-hull. Mount it outside on the stern and you definitely DO NOT want it in the center of the center as it would be too close to the prop and very turbulent water.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Transom Mount Transducer

Most Transom mount Transducers also include the comments that they can be "Through" Hull Mounted by the marketing department.

Just a guess; First consider that the Original, Factory, Through Hull Mount, was done before the engine was installed, and removing the old one and positioning the new one while the epoxy sets, is going to be a challenge.

The transducer must be mounted in smooth flowing water, No Air Bubbles.
OR on a section of the hull that does not leave the water when on plane at full speed.
In either case, this usually means within 6 feet of the transom and as near to center as practical.

With an OB or I/O drive, on the transom, and not directly in front of the propeller where the Transducer would disturb the inflow water to the propeller is the best choice.

The transducer, Not the Bracket, will need to be located below the bottom of the hull and outside of the Anti-Ventilation (AV) plate of the drive.

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Transom Mount Transducer

A through-hull transducer is one that is mounted through a hole cut through the bottom of your hull. By your description, that is the type which is currently installed in your boat. Unfortunately, that is not the type of transducer that was included in the Hawk Eye unit you purchased. Your mounting choices with your new transducer are in-hull (no hole, just glued to the inside of your hull bottom) or transom mount. Because a through-hull transducer gives the best performance (all other things being equal), and because you already have a hole in your hull to accommodate that style, I would stick with it. If that means returning the Hawk Eye for another unit which comes with a through-hull transducer, then that's what I'd do. If your current transducer is actually an in-hull style, then I'd just pop it off and install your new one in its place.

 

[gapple12]

Re: Transom Mount Transducer

Thanks for everyone's reply's. I contacted the company I got it from and he says it would work both ways but since I purchased the water temp model, I would loose that feature since it must be in the water. I'm going to remove the old transducer and temporarily strap down the new one into the same hole and see it it works. I'm really not to worried about the water temp if it means I dont have to drill a hole in the transom.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Transom Mount Transducer

...but since I purchased the water temp model, I would loose that feature since it must be in the water... I'm really not to worried about the water temp if it means I don't have to drill a hole in the transom.

The temperature sensor will be reporting the temperature of the hull, which will be very close to the temperature of the water on the other side.
It will not respond quickly to rapid temperature changes but it will be close enough to predict your reaction if you are about to jump in.

 

[gapple12]

Re: Transom Mount Transducer

The temperature sensor will be reporting the temperature of the hull, which will be very close to the temperature of the water on the other side.
It will not respond quickly to rapid temperature changes but it will be close enough to predict your reaction if you are about to jump in.

Good to know, may only be off a few degrees anyway.