Puck transducer w/water ballast

[Roger F]

Trying to determine best location for puck for new Garmin unit. Lots of info in archives, however, not sure if the boats discussed have the water ballast configuration as mine does, 2004 H240. Specs in manual do not clearly show ballast location and trying to find best shoot through location to mount puck. Any updated info on puck reliability would be welcome too (though it would appear to be very dependent on specific location and hull material so varying per boat/per installation). Thanks

 

[Roger F]

Any hints

OK...no bites yet. What about any hints for this new boater as to visual clues (or other ways) to find a spot that may be hull only to locate puck? I have heard that near the bilge pump in the 240 may be a good location, but that is aft of the keel (I believe) so I am thinking that will result in interference too.

 

[Monty Miller]

Checked archives....

...found info in the link below. Searched using "transducer h240".

 

[Drew]

V-Berth

Roger - I'm no expert on gizmos, but, I have an '04 240 as well. The ballast is largely beneath the cabin floor. If you open the compartment under the V-berth, you have access to the hull beneath the waterline. That seams to me to be the best place for a fishfinder/depth sounder. Good luck...

 

[Bob15530]

By the bilge

I think the 260 & 240 are fairly similar in location of bilge/ballast tank.Try filling a ziplok bag with water and try it at several locations around the bilge. Make sure there is water under the puck & no air bubbles. On my 260 this was forward and to the starboard of the bilge, right at the corner of the opening under the aft bunk.Once you found the spot, there are several methods in the archives for installing the puck (everything from plumbers wax to KY Jelly to mineral oil).I have the Raymarine model in mineral oil; no problems.

 

[rlw]

transducer location

I put mine back by the bilge pump, I don't get any interference. I have noticed when the boat is in the slip it gives a lot of false readings but once it's under way it works great.

 

[Roger F]

Garmin says...

Thanks for the input! Garmin finally responded to my inquiry to them. Here it is: "The hull material at the location of the install will need to be single layer fiberglass, non-cored, and 3/8" thick or less." Any thicker or mixed/layered material, then a thru-hull transducer is the only option they recommend.

 

[Mike B.]

Silicone caulk might do -

I went outside with a low-profile transducer because it also has a temperature sensor.I don't know if that will work with the Garmin, but it's a thought.