Inside hull depth transducer installation?

[Dan Geltmacher]

I read a small post here about someone who installed a transducer inside the hull with chewing gum. I stuck mine in and it didn't read the depth. I placed it in the head cabinet under the sink against the hull. Did I get to close to the keel? My GPS/depth/fish finder is a Garmin 185. The transducer is an "outside the hull type" I was told could be mounted inside as long as the hull is solid and there are now air bubbles traped in the mounting compound. True or untrue? ThanksHawaii dan S/V Illusions

 

[Steve Dion]

Mine has been there for years.

Dan:You may want to try something like vasoline to temp. attach it. Ours is under the v-berth in our H'31 and worked fine until last year when all of our instruments finally gave up the ghost. Just make sure that yours is the type that works thru the hull (I think that some don't). Check with the MFG.

 

[R. Young]

Test for a position

I have a Standard depth meter with the puck type mount. Its located in the forward berth (ahead of the keel) as close to the centerline as I could get it.You need to mount it where there is no air present. To test for a position, you can use a slick of water as a cushion between the hull bottom and the pickup - keep moving it around until you get good accurate reading. Or if in a well area, fill with water and do the same. When you find the position, epoxy it - make sure there are no air gaps.

 

[Ken Shubert]

More Tests

Mine is a Garmin GPS 135 Sounder so I'll bet it's the same transducer. You can try different locations by filling the gap with KY Jelly -- it's easy to clean up with water and it's very important to be clean and dry before using epoxy on it. I use silicone rubber so it's easier to remove with a razor blade. The best place would be forward of the keel and in the center if possible. I found that if it's loose or there is a void, you can here a clicking noise. The depth range will be reduced some by mounting inside but 75' is the deepest water I've been in and it worked fine. A Garmin engineer has his C25 in the slip next to mine ---- wonder what he uses?KenS/V Wouff Hong

 

[Bill Thiers]

Chewing gum

That was me. I use chewing gum to test position as described by other contributors, don't recommend it as a permanent solution for anything. For that I resort to the proper materials, e.g. Duct tape ;-)I'm thinking if you keep trying different locations, you'll find one that's solid hull from transducer adhesive thru to water. That's what you're looking for.