I want to install an inside hull transducer on a 1988 Catalina 30. Is there anywhere in the hull where it is solid fiberglass where the transducer will work?
transducer installation
- Thread starter anchorron
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anchorron,
Many have used the area just aft of the v-berth water tank with good success. Myself, well, that was another story. I never could get it to work reliably there and eventually hauled the boat and had a thru hull transducer installed.
I can tell you for sure though, that on my '85 it was 1/2 thick solid fiberglass in that area if that helps at all.
Take care, DanM (in the Kemah area too by the way).
Many have used the area just aft of the v-berth water tank with good success. Myself, well, that was another story. I never could get it to work reliably there and eventually hauled the boat and had a thru hull transducer installed.
I can tell you for sure though, that on my '85 it was 1/2 thick solid fiberglass in that area if that helps at all.
Take care, DanM (in the Kemah area too by the way).
I just moved mine today. I made a ball of butyl tape and twisted it on. Just in front of the forward tank, just left of center. Done.
Anch,
I've installed several pucks, and as the guys say, just to the left of the fuel tank is a good place to start.
A simple way to find a good spot is first to have your sounder wired and ready to turn on. Put the puck in a zip lock baggie half filled with water and seal it best you can.
Turn the unit on and move the bag w/puck around making sure the puck STAYS on the bottom. The zip lock bag works well in this way and takes the shape of the hull.
When satisfied with the location, hold the puck in place with one hand. With marking pen in the other hand, partially trace around the O.D. of the puck somewhat and you have your correct location.
When caulking it in, make sure there are no air voids, and your puck placement is real close to your location marking. I also make a small 1" wide cardboard or plastic collar a little larger then the puck and locate this. You can use duct tape for holding in place.
First apply caulk & while applying the puck, make a slow half turn motion to ensure full puck contact with the caulk-no voids. quickly check your sounder for a good read, if not good, you still have time to remove & relocate it. Your done pal....
CR
I've installed several pucks, and as the guys say, just to the left of the fuel tank is a good place to start.
A simple way to find a good spot is first to have your sounder wired and ready to turn on. Put the puck in a zip lock baggie half filled with water and seal it best you can.
Turn the unit on and move the bag w/puck around making sure the puck STAYS on the bottom. The zip lock bag works well in this way and takes the shape of the hull.
When satisfied with the location, hold the puck in place with one hand. With marking pen in the other hand, partially trace around the O.D. of the puck somewhat and you have your correct location.
When caulking it in, make sure there are no air voids, and your puck placement is real close to your location marking. I also make a small 1" wide cardboard or plastic collar a little larger then the puck and locate this. You can use duct tape for holding in place.
First apply caulk & while applying the puck, make a slow half turn motion to ensure full puck contact with the caulk-no voids. quickly check your sounder for a good read, if not good, you still have time to remove & relocate it. Your done pal....
CR
I have several posts and everyones replies placed on the site back in April.
Take a look because I've just done everything that was discussed. The placement just aft of the forward water tank in the bow is the best location, as you want to the transducer to give you the earliest possible indication of shallow water approaching. I initially rested the unit on a plastic zip lock bag of mineral oil, as it is denser then water & doesn't slide as easily. I also used a wax ring (used from a toilet flange type install) to temporarily fix the transducer to the inside of the hull. This way it can be easily removed if needed. The wax is solid enough to secure, but allows the signal to penetrate. Just make sure there are no voids between the transducer & the hull, or it won't work.
Good luck, Jeremy
Take a look because I've just done everything that was discussed. The placement just aft of the forward water tank in the bow is the best location, as you want to the transducer to give you the earliest possible indication of shallow water approaching. I initially rested the unit on a plastic zip lock bag of mineral oil, as it is denser then water & doesn't slide as easily. I also used a wax ring (used from a toilet flange type install) to temporarily fix the transducer to the inside of the hull. This way it can be easily removed if needed. The wax is solid enough to secure, but allows the signal to penetrate. Just make sure there are no voids between the transducer & the hull, or it won't work.
Good luck, Jeremy
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