I once saw a post in this forum that someone had a depth meter that was attached inside the boat, not thru-hull.Not wanting to pull the boat out of water for thru-hull or transom installation, this would be just what I need. Does anyone remember this?
Depth Meter
- Thread starter markmcb
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Yes, you can do this with many transducers provided you have a solid fiberglass hull. You can check the positioning by placing the transducer on a plastic bag filled with water and testing the location you want to install the transducer. I generally recommend installing a "shoot-through-the-hull" transducer by glassing in a short section of schedule 40 PVC pipe and then installing the transducer in an pipe cap fitting, so it can be easily removed for replacement or maintenance. Fill the PVC pipe with mineral oil.
Thanks Sailingdog. Would you happen to know a company that makes a "shoot-through-the-hull transducer", or would most any one do?
Most modern transducers can "shoot-through-the-hull", but you'll generally lose a bit of range. Testing the particular one you're using is the best way to figure out what it'll do.
shoot thru
Most Humminbird transducers are designed for transom or shoot thru. We settled on the 323 and found they offer a transducer swap program were you can send in the transom one unused for a shoot thru with separate temp sensor. The temp on the standard one is incorporated in the transducer and as such will not work to read water temp if it is mounted inside but the standard transducer will still do depth from inside.
Most Humminbird transducers are designed for transom or shoot thru. We settled on the 323 and found they offer a transducer swap program were you can send in the transom one unused for a shoot thru with separate temp sensor. The temp on the standard one is incorporated in the transducer and as such will not work to read water temp if it is mounted inside but the standard transducer will still do depth from inside.
I also made use of Humminbird's exchange policy. In order to get it faster they charged me for the thru-the-hull model and then credited it back when they received the transom model. This was for their 788 plotter/fishfinder.
The older model still works and was originally glued to the hull with silicone but it didn't want to stay working so I glued it with epoxy and never had a problem since. Ditto with the Humminbird, which is how they say to do it, even to the point of supplying the epoxy. I know if they ever go bad it'll be a pain to remove but hopefully it'll be a long time in the future.
The older model still works and was originally glued to the hull with silicone but it didn't want to stay working so I glued it with epoxy and never had a problem since. Ditto with the Humminbird, which is how they say to do it, even to the point of supplying the epoxy. I know if they ever go bad it'll be a pain to remove but hopefully it'll be a long time in the future.
I sucessfully did the same as sailingdog with an Airmar thru-hull transducer that came with a Raymarine ST40 Depth instrument. I did the test first, with the transducer + water in a baggie, then I made up the PVC pipe housing, and cut the flange off the transducer so it would fit in.
Instead of mineral oil, I intend to use RV antifreeze which is less messy. For this season I've just been using water in the chamber. Yes I've taken out the transducer for the winter
Instead of mineral oil, I intend to use RV antifreeze which is less messy. For this season I've just been using water in the chamber. Yes I've taken out the transducer for the winter
Humminbirds are great
The thru hull transducer looks like a hockey puck, the standard one looks like a triagle. Expoxying to the inside of the hull works great. Last hockey puck one I had was going strong after 8 years when I sold the boat.
The thru hull transducer looks like a hockey puck, the standard one looks like a triagle. Expoxying to the inside of the hull works great. Last hockey puck one I had was going strong after 8 years when I sold the boat.
simple to do
I used a B&G transducer and a glob of silicone. It should work unless you have a cored hull.
I used a B&G transducer and a glob of silicone. It should work unless you have a cored hull.
The easiest way to test your shoot-through transducer is to put a gob of creamy peanut butter on the inside of the hull where you want to place the unit. Then stick the transducer in the PNB (no jelly required). If the unit works you can silicone it in place.
Good luck! Be sure to remove ALL of the PNB, you may have unwanted furry visitors if you do not clean up after yourself.
Good luck! Be sure to remove ALL of the PNB, you may have unwanted furry visitors if you do not clean up after yourself.
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