Depthfinder

[Big T]

I do remember this topic comming up before but it was never clear about the installation. I leave my boat in a slip all year (St. Pete, FL) and, consequently, had no need for the trailer. As such, I would like to install a transducer that "shoots through" the hull (i.e. one that does not require a hole through the hull). Has anyone installed one like this? If so, does it work well? Recommend a model?

 

[Sparkysail@mail.ameritel.net]

I did

I installed the low end Horizon DS with in hull (glued to the inside) in my H23 about 4 years ago. The only problem I have is that with three coats of bottom paint, the unit has a hard time with soft bottoms. (As a side note, my new {used} boat has an expensive fishfinder with through hull tranducer which occasionally looses the bottom in the same areas.) My solution was to not put as much paint under the transducer. I followed the directions and installation was a snap. The biggest issue is to make sure that there are no imperfections/bubbles/coring in the hull where you mount the transducer. Per the directions, I put the transducer in a plastic bag full of water and mover around until I got good readings, then two part epoxied in place. Bottom line - I'd do it again.

 

[Steve Lucas]

I works..kinda

My transducer in my h23 shoots through the hull. I used silicone to hold it to the hull. It works but also has trouble over very soft surfaces(especially shallow soft surfaces which makes things interesting). I think I need to tweak the sensitivity some more. I will probably epoxy it in now that I know it works.Steve

 

[Ken Shubert]

Works Great!

The transducer for my Garmin GPS126 is mounted on my H23.5 just aft of the ballast tank, underneith the aft berth. I used silicone adhesive and moved it a couple of times before settling on this spot. I'd really like to have it up forward but couldn't find a spot. Silicone works fine, epoxy is pretty permanent even some kind of gel like KY will work for trial and error locating. Any discontinuity in the hull or bubbles/turbulence underneith will cause some errors. The deepest water I've been in is 90' and it still worked fine. Since it's a 'fish finder' type display, it will show soft bottom or rocks and it seems to be accurate. If you hear a clicking sound in the cabin, your transducer has come loose. KenS/V Wouff Hong