In hull transducers

Status
Not open for further replies.

H.M.

.
Jun 22, 2006
3
- - stuart florida
I am preparing to put in an in hull transducer for a low cost depth gauge. The directions of installation warn of interference if there is a core between the hull fiberglass. Does the 86 Catalina's have a core? Where is the best location for placing the transducer? Any other suggestions? HM
 
Dec 2, 2003
392
Catalina 350 Seattle
Temp Installation

In a nutshell, no, Catalina does not core their hulls. Decks yes, hulls no. Location is dependent on a lot of things - clear shot (no keel/wing in the way), pointing down - not out to one side too far, fairly smooth surface, easy access from the inside, but not in an area that will get banged up from stored gear, etc. Consider also ease of routing the cable - you don't want to cut it. You don't mention what model. On my (previous) 1986 C27, I mounted mine foward of the waste tank - under the v-berth. The best thing is once you've scoped out where you think you want to place it is to give it a try before you actually fire up the epoxy. Put the transducer in a plastic ziploc-type bag filled with water, and hold it in place where you think you want to put it (based on the above thoughts), and see how it reads. Try a couple spots in that same general area and see if one seems better than the other. Once you pin down where you want it, get a nice sized dollop (that's a technical cooking term...) of epoxy and place the transducer - twisting gently into place to eliminate any air bubbles between the transducer and the hull. Lots of stuff in the archives on this subject too. Good Luck! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 (was Inamorata C27 #6111) Seattle
 
A

AXEL

Same as below but...

Same advice as below except instead of epoxy you can use RTV. In the event you want to move the transducer at some later time, RTV is a lot more forgiving than epoxy and will work just as good.
 
Mar 31, 2004
244
Catalina 380 T Holland
What's RTV?

Both above posts make sense. The ability to remove the transducer without breaking everything makes a lot of sense. However, I don't know what RTV is. Steve Alchemist
 
A

AXEL

SILICONE

It's a trade name for Silicone rubber, you can get marine grade at any West Marine.
 

H.M.

.
Jun 22, 2006
3
- - stuart florida
Thanks..

Thanks for the help. I've actually tried locating more on this subject in the archives, but no luck. What epoxy are you recommending? HM
 
A

AXEL

WEST MARINE

I don't know the specific name but go to a West Marine and check where they have chalk & sealers. Buy a tube of clear or white (doesn't) matter) silicone sealer. Make sure all surfaces are clean, be carefull what you use to clean the transducer (don't use acetone on plastic). Squirt a nice size blob of silicone and bed the trabsducer. It's easy! If you want to move the transducer later it should cone right up.
 
S

St Simon

One other thing

If you are simply bedding the puck, the advice given is right on. Bed it in silicone (a lot) and squeeze it down so no air bubbles exist. Now if it is like mine, it came with a short cylinder mounting base that the puck mounts into. I bedded the mount in silicone. Since there can be no air you must fill the area inside the mount with some sort of liquid. I have always used mineral oil because it will not freeze. Now that I'm in The Valley of the Sun, any liquid will do. Good luck !!!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.