Where to put depth transducer?

[Rich Riesmeyer]

Looking for advice on the best location to install a glue on hockey puck type transducer in a 23.5. Is it possible, or do I have to use a transom mount? I was considering under the V berth off to the side of the water tank, but I'm concerned that it might be out of the water when heeled over. Thanks for all the help,Rich

 

[Alan Long]

Works fine

I use a Raytheon fish finder/depth sounder with a glued in transducer in my 23.5. It is located just aft of the ballast tank at the centerline of the boat. Make sure you get a transducer designed for a nearly flat hull. The first one I got was designed for an angled hull and wouldn't work. Also, make sure you fasten it down with epoxy and not just silicone caulk. I know some folks here have had good luck using silicone, but I was never able to make it work.  If you aren't sure of the best place, you can put the transducer in a plastic sandwich bag filled with water and move it around to various locations to find the best one.Good luckAlan LongS/V Random Access

 

[Ken Shubert]

Thru the Hull

I'm one of those that has had good luck with silicone adhesive. Just be sure there are no voids or air bubbles in the glue. Epoxy is pretty permanent. I mounted it behind the water tank under the aft berth just like Allan did. It's always possible to pick a spot with a small bubble or blemish in the hull material that will mess up the effectiveness. You can use a water bag or balloon to move it around and try it or use KY jelly for a little better contact. You just need to create a bubble free seal. It works fine at reasonable heel angles but when the 'rails in the water', it totally loses it. I originally triedmounting it further aft and it failed most of the time we were moving. Your idea of mounting it forward is good but I never could find a spot. The area in front of the ballast tank is sealed up and seems to have some floatation in it.KenS/V Wouff Hong

 

[John Paoletti]

Transducer ....

This issue has been discussed before. If you look back through the archives, you'll probably find a couple dozen opinions. I talked with Mike Thomas at hunter a few weeks ago about the best place to locate. He told me to locate it aft of the water ballest. Some people had mentined that you'll want to put it in front of the keel. I figure it this way; 1. The time delay between the point at which you depth finder sounds a shallow alarm, and your keel striking the object, won't give you enough time to get you out of trouble if mounted in front. 2. If you set your alarm a couple feet below your keel depth, you'll have some warning before you strike ground.3. I can't think of a situation where the bottom would just jet up and strike your keel without setting off your alarm.You should be fine mounting in the aft through the hull.Good luck