Thru Hull Transducer

[Bukrub]

The speed temp switch on my thru hull transducer has quit, and the graph is not in the best shape anymore. I would like to put a new graph on my Cat22 but this thing already has 2 holes drilled thru the hull with 2 thru hull transducers in her. I currently have a Raytheon L365 on her, but dread drilling another hole. Will I be able to find a graph and transducer that will fit in one of the existing holes. I need to find a graph that will mount to the bulkhead, since the nimrod that had it before me cut a huge hole to mount it.

Any ideas or suggestions much appreciated.
Ron

 

[Jim]

I have a great one

buy a GPS and use that for speed. Thru hull transducer are a pain in the neck.

 

[BobM]

Buy a nice piece of teak...

...to cover the huge hole. Then mount your instruments in it. You could opt for a transom mount instead. At this point, since you have two holes already, you might as well bite the bullet and fill them both. The other option, is of course, to find a transducer the same or a larger size. There are ways to drill larger holes over an existing hole. Try the search function. I read about it on this site. Somebody had a link for an inexpensive tool for the job.

 

[Bukrub]

Thought about it

I considered a transom mount like on my bass boat, but the back of the transom is all ways out of the water on one side or the other, and I'm sure theres too much turbulence by the rudder to give accurate readings. I have a GPS, but its old also, and doesn't give me depth. This lake has lots of shallow points, and I'm fairly new to sailing.( Like 2 weeks new ) The current graph is hard to read at night, so I figured I would just replace it. I didn't really want to take the boat out of the water, but I thought if I could find a transducer that would fit in the existing thru mount, I could just do the quick swap of the electronic part.
Thanks
Ron

 

[BobM]

Depth is easy

Just buy a depth finder with a transducer that will shoot through the hull for now to avoid drilling or pulling her. I bought one online for less than $100. That won't get you speed though.

 

[sailaway78]

You can very easily

Mount a transom mount transducer to shoot directly through the hull. As long as it's not cored. No holes to bother with. Heres the down and dirty simple way. Take the transducer and put it in a baggie of water. Turn the depth finder on, and watch it as you move the baggie with the transducer in it around the inside of the hull. When you get a spot where it reads good and you are satisfied with the location, mark the location. Then clean the hull with acetone, and epoxy the transducer to the hull, in your pre marked spot. They work just as good as if in the water, as long as you find a good location while using the baggie. Several possibilities for mounting epoxy, and seems like I read a post some time ago about using 5200. And think someone used a wax toilet ring. I have always used Marine Tex, and never had a problem.