I am looking for advise about installing a thru hull transducer. I plan to install it in the hull forward of the keel. Just looking for pointers as to what kind of sealent to use and any pertinent instructions. Thanks for your help, Ryan
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Cored hull or solid glass??
It makes a big difference on the installation. As far as a sealant I use Sikaflex or 3M 4200 for below the waterline. 5200 is overkill and you or someone else will eventually want to remove that transducer. Where is the current one mounted and why not use a hole you may already have??
It makes a big difference on the installation. As far as a sealant I use Sikaflex or 3M 4200 for below the waterline. 5200 is overkill and you or someone else will eventually want to remove that transducer. Where is the current one mounted and why not use a hole you may already have??
Don't do it if you don't have to
Try shooting thru the hull first, most hulls are solid glass up front and new ducers will work fine thru them. Try getting a reading in a baggy full of water, and then if that works mount it in a toilet bowl wax ring (new wax ones work best) Air bubbles or cored hulls will stop signal.
Try shooting thru the hull first, most hulls are solid glass up front and new ducers will work fine thru them. Try getting a reading in a baggy full of water, and then if that works mount it in a toilet bowl wax ring (new wax ones work best) Air bubbles or cored hulls will stop signal.
Puck it !
Hello, I installed a Norcross transducer just foward of my wing keel. I placed it inside the hull because I just did not want another hole in the hull. Finding a good spot to place your puck will drive you nuts, using a baggie with water will drive you further over the edge, because they rip open when caught on rough fibers, using a ball of toilet bowl wax ring, with your puck stuck into it will drive you completely insane,( bring many rolls of paper towels), you will need then to wipe up all the wax that is left behind, because the spot you think works, won't. This is how I did mine; I did use the wax ring, but left it as is. I first sanded down an area that I thought that would work, I pressed the wax ring slightly on that area, poured in enough water in the ring to cover the bottom of the transducer,(you don't need to cover the whole puck,per tech support from Norcross), and tried that area. It worked! I then marked that area with a waterprof marker, pulled out the puck, soaked up the water, threw out the wax ring, cleaned up the wax. I bought a pvc shower drain, took the guts out of it, glued it down at the spot I marked out,(I used 4200 marine adhesive, and the large flange part is against the hull), I then fill it with mineral oil, stuck in my puck,which just fit, and secured it, then placed a rubber cap over the top of the pvc drain and clamped it. I did put a small hole in the rubber cap, and fed my transducer wire through it, and I used plumbers goop to seal around the wire. It's really not a bad job to do....of course, I'm back to normal! Jay
Hello, I installed a Norcross transducer just foward of my wing keel. I placed it inside the hull because I just did not want another hole in the hull. Finding a good spot to place your puck will drive you nuts, using a baggie with water will drive you further over the edge, because they rip open when caught on rough fibers, using a ball of toilet bowl wax ring, with your puck stuck into it will drive you completely insane,( bring many rolls of paper towels), you will need then to wipe up all the wax that is left behind, because the spot you think works, won't. This is how I did mine; I did use the wax ring, but left it as is. I first sanded down an area that I thought that would work, I pressed the wax ring slightly on that area, poured in enough water in the ring to cover the bottom of the transducer,(you don't need to cover the whole puck,per tech support from Norcross), and tried that area. It worked! I then marked that area with a waterprof marker, pulled out the puck, soaked up the water, threw out the wax ring, cleaned up the wax. I bought a pvc shower drain, took the guts out of it, glued it down at the spot I marked out,(I used 4200 marine adhesive, and the large flange part is against the hull), I then fill it with mineral oil, stuck in my puck,which just fit, and secured it, then placed a rubber cap over the top of the pvc drain and clamped it. I did put a small hole in the rubber cap, and fed my transducer wire through it, and I used plumbers goop to seal around the wire. It's really not a bad job to do....of course, I'm back to normal! Jay
Advice.
I replaced my instruments last year. Removing the old ones was a bear, but I managed. The TD holes (Speed, depth) were larger than my new ones required, so I had to have the original holes glassed & redrilled. All is fine, now. The new TD's are mushroom-shaped and insert from the outside. Be sure to seal them properly, inside and out. I used polysulfide to seal them (Boat caulk). Be sure that they are snug, the mushroom seals properly and use backer material (plywood, 1/4" to 1/2" thick, and a 1" "collar" around the hole on the inside, between the hull and the hold-down nut). That will do the job. Good Luck.
P.S. Be sure that you periodically check for any leaks after the boat splashes.
I replaced my instruments last year. Removing the old ones was a bear, but I managed. The TD holes (Speed, depth) were larger than my new ones required, so I had to have the original holes glassed & redrilled. All is fine, now. The new TD's are mushroom-shaped and insert from the outside. Be sure to seal them properly, inside and out. I used polysulfide to seal them (Boat caulk). Be sure that they are snug, the mushroom seals properly and use backer material (plywood, 1/4" to 1/2" thick, and a 1" "collar" around the hole on the inside, between the hull and the hold-down nut). That will do the job. Good Luck.
P.S. Be sure that you periodically check for any leaks after the boat splashes.Don't make a whole
I use a thru hull 'ducer and it does work like a dream. I bought one that comes with a case that yhe only thing I have to do is fill it up with mineral oil every year, that's all. It's very easy to install and very easy to test to find a place for it. I have a 28 footer and I installed mine on the port side of the boal right where the mast step to the hull. The only thing you need is a zip bag fill with water and placing the 'ducer on the bach it will tell you where the best spot is. It took me less than 30 minutes to do the whole instalation. Hope this helps.
I use a thru hull 'ducer and it does work like a dream. I bought one that comes with a case that yhe only thing I have to do is fill it up with mineral oil every year, that's all. It's very easy to install and very easy to test to find a place for it. I have a 28 footer and I installed mine on the port side of the boal right where the mast step to the hull. The only thing you need is a zip bag fill with water and placing the 'ducer on the bach it will tell you where the best spot is. It took me less than 30 minutes to do the whole instalation. Hope this helps.
Ducer mounts
I agree with all those who tell you not to drill another hole in your hull. Always a chance for a leak. Only difference I have with all this info, is that I glue my ducers in. Find the best place, with the baggie of water, toilet wax ring, or whatever works for you. Then get a small can of marine tex epoxy, clean off the spot on the hull, and stick it down. I have done this with a Norcross ducer and lately a Garmin and no problems at all.
I agree with all those who tell you not to drill another hole in your hull. Always a chance for a leak. Only difference I have with all this info, is that I glue my ducers in. Find the best place, with the baggie of water, toilet wax ring, or whatever works for you. Then get a small can of marine tex epoxy, clean off the spot on the hull, and stick it down. I have done this with a Norcross ducer and lately a Garmin and no problems at all.
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