To all: I hear that it is possible to install a depth sensor transducer that shoots through the hull, rather than drilling into the hull. However, I have also heard that you have to have a specific type of fiberglass construction for this to work. So, does anyone know if it is possible to NOT drill with a 1984 Hunter 25.5, that is do we have the correct fiberglass? Thanks for your help RPDB
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You need to test it first anyway.
Russ: You need to test the spot that you want to install it. You can use silicone, vasoline etc. If it works that way it will work fine when you epoxy it.
Russ: You need to test the spot that you want to install it. You can use silicone, vasoline etc. If it works that way it will work fine when you epoxy it.
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Don McCoy
"Perfect" location
I have recently purchased a replacement for the original thru hull transducer that is on my boat and while waiting for a haulout to install, I experimented last week with placing it in a plastic bag filled with water and moving it to various locations in the boat. It worked great at depths to 65 feet, sitting on the hull in the foremost compartment under the vee berth. No turbulance interferrence and it will give me the depth of the water my keel is approaching, not what it just passed over. I have since attached it to the hull using "Lube Gel" (a silicone/teflon goop from Radio Shack used for weather proofing electrical connections) and it works great at the dock but will check it out again in the ocean this week. If the signal seems to be weaker using the gel, I intend to remove the bottom of a plastic peanut butter jar and attach that to the hull using silicone. I will fill it with mineral oil and run the wire out thru the lid. Whatever method I use, the location seems perfect. Good luck. Don McCoy S/V Maverick h25.5
I have recently purchased a replacement for the original thru hull transducer that is on my boat and while waiting for a haulout to install, I experimented last week with placing it in a plastic bag filled with water and moving it to various locations in the boat. It worked great at depths to 65 feet, sitting on the hull in the foremost compartment under the vee berth. No turbulance interferrence and it will give me the depth of the water my keel is approaching, not what it just passed over. I have since attached it to the hull using "Lube Gel" (a silicone/teflon goop from Radio Shack used for weather proofing electrical connections) and it works great at the dock but will check it out again in the ocean this week. If the signal seems to be weaker using the gel, I intend to remove the bottom of a plastic peanut butter jar and attach that to the hull using silicone. I will fill it with mineral oil and run the wire out thru the lid. Whatever method I use, the location seems perfect. Good luck. Don McCoy S/V Maverick h25.5
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Ken Shubert
Experiments
Don't use silicone or vaseline on the transducer when you're looking for the ideal mounting location. Use KY jelly because it'll clean up with water. It's very important to have the hull and transducer clean and free of grease so the adhesive will hold on the permanent installation. I've used silicone rubber because it's easier to remove with a razor blade if necessary. Any adhesive that is free of air bubbles will work. Inside hull mounting does reduce the range but I still get more than 75' with no problem. If you hear a clicking sound --- the transducer is not bonded to the hull and you could damage the sender! You should also be aware that radiation from the sounder cable can cause interference to HF and even VHF radio so don't run the cables together. It'll give Decca and Loran a fit but that's history. Ken S/V WouffHong
Don't use silicone or vaseline on the transducer when you're looking for the ideal mounting location. Use KY jelly because it'll clean up with water. It's very important to have the hull and transducer clean and free of grease so the adhesive will hold on the permanent installation. I've used silicone rubber because it's easier to remove with a razor blade if necessary. Any adhesive that is free of air bubbles will work. Inside hull mounting does reduce the range but I still get more than 75' with no problem. If you hear a clicking sound --- the transducer is not bonded to the hull and you could damage the sender! You should also be aware that radiation from the sounder cable can cause interference to HF and even VHF radio so don't run the cables together. It'll give Decca and Loran a fit but that's history. Ken S/V WouffHong
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Jerry
Measure Depth Thru Hull
Russell, I have used a transom mount depth transducer as a thru hull transducer for four years. I took an end piece with a screwed cap for a 6" PVC sewer pipe and epoxied it to the bottom of the boat inside the lazarette and about four inched off centerline to avoid turbulance from the keel. I fill the pipe with water, put the transducer in and a sponge on top of it to hold it down. I screw the cap in and forget about it until fall. It reads accurately and works fine as long as there are no air bubbles on the face. R Jerry
Russell, I have used a transom mount depth transducer as a thru hull transducer for four years. I took an end piece with a screwed cap for a 6" PVC sewer pipe and epoxied it to the bottom of the boat inside the lazarette and about four inched off centerline to avoid turbulance from the keel. I fill the pipe with water, put the transducer in and a sponge on top of it to hold it down. I screw the cap in and forget about it until fall. It reads accurately and works fine as long as there are no air bubbles on the face. R Jerry
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Steve
Tough to stop, even when you know!
Picking the right location should be matter of ease of hook-up and good operation. The matter of being forward of the keel is great but common sense says.... "your not going to be able to do a lot or much less stop if the bottom comes up on you, not a 5 kts going forward under sail. So use prudently with charts and other indicators to keep you off the hard. another 2 cents
Picking the right location should be matter of ease of hook-up and good operation. The matter of being forward of the keel is great but common sense says.... "your not going to be able to do a lot or much less stop if the bottom comes up on you, not a 5 kts going forward under sail. So use prudently with charts and other indicators to keep you off the hard. another 2 cents
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Russell P.D. Burton
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