Depth Sounder in-hull

[Tim]

Would like to install a depth sounder in my 25.5 but don't want to drill holes. Has anyone had GOOD success? What make of depth sounder would be best?

 

[Ed]

Consider the outboard bracket

A possible solution would be to take advantage of your outboard motor bracket. On my 240 the bracket is on the starboard side. With the motor removed, I used the outter two bolts to attach a 15" length of flat aluminum bar, about 1.25" wide. Home Depot has a whole selection of different metals and sizes. Be sure to select a sturdy thickness. Drill holes at the top of the bar to fit the outboard bracket bolts and smaller holes on the bottom end to attach the transducer. Sanded and paint the whole rig, except for the tranducer, to avoid dissimilar metal problems. The Navman 4150 fishfinder shows speed and depth. The installation was easy. The configuration leaves plenty of space away from the prop, and the aluminum can be bent slightly forward toward the hull to further increase clearance. With the motor tilted up for sailing, all is well anyhow. Total investment was less than $200 two years ago..and still working perfectly. Although your boat's setup is probably a little different, perhaps a similar approach would work. Good luck. -Ed

 

[Bill]

Fish finder

I still have an inexpensive fish finder for my depth sounder, that performs better than the factory depth sounder. A piece of chewing gum is still holding the transponder in place on the inside of my hull after 3 & 1/2 years. Go figure.

 

[Scott]

Depth Sounder

I installed a Unidyne depth sounder that I bought from Boat US. It is a very simple unit that does not require you to drill through the hull. I believe they are call "puck" transducers. I installed it underneath the sole in the forward stateroom just forward of the keel. Installed it 8 years ago and it has been working just fine. The only maintenance that I've had to do is rebed the transducer last year. It is a very simple unit that only displays depth, with a depth alarm that you cans set.

 

[Reudi Ross]

I built a bracket

out of 2" x 3/8 stainless strap that bolts to my lower rudder post bracket and runs up under the boat about 15" for the transducer and speed sensor. Keeps it away from the rudder and centered under the hull. I tried the outboard bracket, but it picked up turbulence when the boat was heeled.

 

[Wright Ellis s/v Whisky II]

I second Bill

I have a buddy that bought a fish finder and epoxyed the transducer at the keel line inside the hull. Works great.