I own a 2003 Catalina 18 and I am looking for the best location for a depth sounder transducer. Thanks Steve
Transducer Location
- Thread starter STEVE MIELKE
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Here's an easy, practical way...
...to find out. I'm assuming here that you do not intend to install it through the hull, instead you want to install it inside the boat and "shoot thru" the hull. Hook up your transducer/ display to power. Put the transducer in a ziploc bag with water in it. Put the bag on the deck in some test locations that you think may be where you want to mount the 'ducer. (In my Oday 22 I have it mounted inside the storage space under the starboard quarterberth, just outboard of the centerline. So the transducer and associated wiring are out of sight and not susceptible to foot traffic.) It may help to put just a little water on teh deck to get a good connection between the bag and the deck. Now turn on the transducer and see if you get a "reasonable" water depth reading. If you are on your mooring or slip, you should know the actual water depth. To mount the transducer, you can use silicone, wax, epoxy (probably best but you might have trouble replacing the transducer if it ever fails), a standpipe file with oil or water - there are lots of ways to do it. If you search Google you will find lots of articles. As far as placement, in genereal you want the 'ducer to be close to centerline so it doesn't come out of the water when you heel, not too far forward so it dowsn't come out od the water when you pitch over a wake or wave, and not where it will be affected by bubbles or obstructed by the centerboard or keel. Good discussion and lots of other info atthe included link - see below. Hope that helps!
...to find out. I'm assuming here that you do not intend to install it through the hull, instead you want to install it inside the boat and "shoot thru" the hull. Hook up your transducer/ display to power. Put the transducer in a ziploc bag with water in it. Put the bag on the deck in some test locations that you think may be where you want to mount the 'ducer. (In my Oday 22 I have it mounted inside the storage space under the starboard quarterberth, just outboard of the centerline. So the transducer and associated wiring are out of sight and not susceptible to foot traffic.) It may help to put just a little water on teh deck to get a good connection between the bag and the deck. Now turn on the transducer and see if you get a "reasonable" water depth reading. If you are on your mooring or slip, you should know the actual water depth. To mount the transducer, you can use silicone, wax, epoxy (probably best but you might have trouble replacing the transducer if it ever fails), a standpipe file with oil or water - there are lots of ways to do it. If you search Google you will find lots of articles. As far as placement, in genereal you want the 'ducer to be close to centerline so it doesn't come out of the water when you heel, not too far forward so it dowsn't come out od the water when you pitch over a wake or wave, and not where it will be affected by bubbles or obstructed by the centerboard or keel. Good discussion and lots of other info atthe included link - see below. Hope that helps!
Use of Plumber's Putty to secure Transducer
I have a 96' Mac26X, and was advised to test locations in the bilge using Plumber's Putty to secure the transducer. In the MacGregor you have a internal water ballast tank, so the trick it to locate the transducer in a area where you are sounding thru the hull and not thru the ballast tank. Next priority was to locate it somewhere to avoid turbulance and bubbles. Decided on area just forward of the CB trunk. Mounted the transducer in the bed of Plumber's Putty with the intend of having to relocate it later. Did NOT have to!!! Got great return. Only problem is the ballast tank has to be full to get readings. Side benefit, I now know when the ballast tank is almost full. The Hummingbird SX100 starts to record the bottom as it shots thru the ballast tank water. Like it up forward rather than further aft as it allows for more reaction time to change course with bottom coming up quickly.
I have a 96' Mac26X, and was advised to test locations in the bilge using Plumber's Putty to secure the transducer. In the MacGregor you have a internal water ballast tank, so the trick it to locate the transducer in a area where you are sounding thru the hull and not thru the ballast tank. Next priority was to locate it somewhere to avoid turbulance and bubbles. Decided on area just forward of the CB trunk. Mounted the transducer in the bed of Plumber's Putty with the intend of having to relocate it later. Did NOT have to!!! Got great return. Only problem is the ballast tank has to be full to get readings. Side benefit, I now know when the ballast tank is almost full. The Hummingbird SX100 starts to record the bottom as it shots thru the ballast tank water. Like it up forward rather than further aft as it allows for more reaction time to change course with bottom coming up quickly.
C18 Transducer Location
Thanks for the info on how to mount the transducer with toilet wax or plumbers puddy. But my biggest question is where to mount the transducer on a 2003 C18. The inside of the hull is filled with foam for positive floatation I am hoping to here from someone who has installed a depth sounder on a C18. Thanks Again Steve
Thanks for the info on how to mount the transducer with toilet wax or plumbers puddy. But my biggest question is where to mount the transducer on a 2003 C18. The inside of the hull is filled with foam for positive floatation I am hoping to here from someone who has installed a depth sounder on a C18. Thanks Again Steve
Try Lazzerette if you have one
I mounted mine in the rear storage lazzerette on my macgregor 26D. it is out of the way under the outboard gasoline tank and gives good readings thru the hull.
I mounted mine in the rear storage lazzerette on my macgregor 26D. it is out of the way under the outboard gasoline tank and gives good readings thru the hull.
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