Depth Sounder and Transducer Placement

[Michael]

I am outfitting my (new to me) 94 H26 and I have a couple of questions for you experts.1. Any suggestions on placement for the depth sounder display unit? I want it easy to see, but out of the way. (I just asked this on TSBB, but perhaps H26 people will have a more specific answer).2. I have a transom-mount transducer. A previous owner had put the transducer on the hull just forward of the stern, a foot or so starboard of the centerline. The new one looks like it should mount on the transom proper and fold down. However, with the lip, I am not sure it will work that way.As always, thanks a bunch,Michael

 

[Ken Shubert]

Try this

You have to find some clear area away from the ballast tank. On my H23.5, I mounted it under the aft berth because the forward area contains floatation foam. The transom mounted sounder "puck" will work fine when mounted inside the hull with RTV sealer or expoxy. It's very important that there be no air bubbles in the adhesive. You can experiment with temporary placement by using KY Jelly to bridge the gap.... just like the medical ultrasound techs do. Forward of the ballast tank and on the C/L would be ideal but it'll work quite well other places.KenS/V Wouff Hong

 

[G. Bassett]

Try starboard cockpit bulkhead

My '94 H26 has the depth/speed display unit located on the starboard bulkhead about 8" below the cabin top and about inline with the winch centerline. The back of the display is covered with a cylindrical plastic cover. The power data lines run between the bulkhead and liner to either the acc switch or to the transducers which are located through hull adjacent to the bilge pump. The location of the display works out good since it is near the line of sight forward.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

mountin g

As one who probably has installed more units on 26's than anyone else, here is some food for thought. Placement of the display module has been suggested on the starboard side which I recommend as you have to run power to the unit and you are close to the electrical panel. You should place high and out to the far right as you are looking at the bulkhead from the cockpit so when a person is laying on the seat and lenaing back will not be hitting the module.Make sure you are in a falat area both inside and outside of the bulkhead.You have several ways for transducers to mount in the boat. One of course is on the transom mount but I have found they are not as accurate and sometimes debri in the water will hit the rascal thus damaging it. The second is of cours the thrull hull and if you will look at bilge area underneath the rear berth, I generally place one to each side where the glass is flat and still accessible(The knot transducer should be in an area with room as you will need to remove this all the time depending on the situation0. The third kind is a puck style which is for depth only. The transducer sits in a bath of mineral oiL(purchased at a drug store). The area inside the hull needs to be clean and flat. Remove any gel coat. Use 4200 fast cure to secure the base and follow the rest of the directions.Crazy Dave Condon

 

[Michael]

Another q. for Crazy Dave

Crazy Dave,The transducer I have (though I could take it back since I have not installed it yet) is a Garmin depth/temp/speed unit The display is a Garmin 160 Blue. I don't care about the temp, but am interested in the depth and speed. It is designed for transom mount, though.Thoughts?Thanks,Michael

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

accuracy

There aremany good unit out there but I like the Autohelm which is now called Ray Marine. If you want a unit with one head display, I suggest the ST-40. Yes the transducers go through the hull but you willget better responses from the transducers. IF you do go that route, do not cut large holes and use 5200 liberally. Set cure for a minumum of five days.Crazy Dave Condon