brushhog
Well-known member
i need to install a skimmer style transducer in the hull,i know epoxy is recommended,but i have been told that clear silicone sealer will work ,as long as hull is clean,has anyone used clear silicone? did it effect signal?
install question on skimmer style transducer
- Thread starter brushhog
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brushhog
Well-known member
is it best to build a "dam" around the area to keep the epoxy from running? or is that not needed,i think i will mount near the old puck,it seemed to work fairly well,just doubling my power with the new one,,,
How to Install Shoot-Thru (Epoxy In Hull) Transducer:
First: It is recommended to test the location prior to installation. Hull construction can have effects on getting good readings and it's best to find the best location. Air Pockets, Areas that Glass Matts Overlap, Delamination of Hull can effect the sonar performance. The best wasy is to disable automatic bilge pump temporarily and add a couple inches of water to the hull. Next build a small sand bag using a Ziploc bag. Place transducer in hull and using sand bag hold it down to find the best location for installation. Normally the closer to the rear of the boat and center of the boat the higher speed the sonar will stay locked on. Make sure the location is away from strakes underneath as these will cause aerated or turbulated water underneath and disrupt the clean water flow accross the bottom of the hull which can effect sonar readings.
Second: Mark the location of the best readings and drain the water and allow hull to dry. Hull must be dry for epoxy to adhere and set-up.
Third: I like to sand or smooth out area of hull the transducer is mounted so it's flat and smooth surface.
Fourth: Using Plumber's Putty or Play Do build a small dam around the Area the transducer will installed about an 1" wider than transducer to keep epoxy from flowing during installation.
Fifth: Use Slow Cure Epoxy - I recommend the epoxy that comes with the transducer direct from Humminbird. Slow Cure Epoxy stays cooler than fast cure. DO NOT use silicone or any other material than epoxy. Silicone can absorb sonar waves and creates alot of issues. Mix thoroughly until consist color. Avoid whipping while mixing to reduce creating air bubbles in the epoxy. The less air bubbles the better the final results and improved sonar readings.
Sixth: I like to apply a thin layer of epoxy on the transducer, I also like to apply a thin layer pressed into the bottom of the dam to squeeze out any potential air bubbles between epoxy and hull. Fill the rest of the dam with remaining epoxy.
Seventh: Installation of transducer. As you push transducer into the epoxy start 90° from foward and push and slowly turn the quarter turn. This will helps squeeze out air bubbles under the transducer.
Eighth: Using Sandbag from step one place on top of transducer to hold it in place. And allow the epoxy to cure for a minimum of 24 hours.
Ninth: Remove Sandbag and Plumbers Putty. Your Transducer is now installed and ready to use.
Tenth: Test Transducer in the Water to make sure you have good sonar readings. If not you may have air the epoxy and may need to repeat procedure to get good sonar readings.
First: It is recommended to test the location prior to installation. Hull construction can have effects on getting good readings and it's best to find the best location. Air Pockets, Areas that Glass Matts Overlap, Delamination of Hull can effect the sonar performance. The best wasy is to disable automatic bilge pump temporarily and add a couple inches of water to the hull. Next build a small sand bag using a Ziploc bag. Place transducer in hull and using sand bag hold it down to find the best location for installation. Normally the closer to the rear of the boat and center of the boat the higher speed the sonar will stay locked on. Make sure the location is away from strakes underneath as these will cause aerated or turbulated water underneath and disrupt the clean water flow accross the bottom of the hull which can effect sonar readings.
Second: Mark the location of the best readings and drain the water and allow hull to dry. Hull must be dry for epoxy to adhere and set-up.
Third: I like to sand or smooth out area of hull the transducer is mounted so it's flat and smooth surface.
Fourth: Using Plumber's Putty or Play Do build a small dam around the Area the transducer will installed about an 1" wider than transducer to keep epoxy from flowing during installation.
Fifth: Use Slow Cure Epoxy - I recommend the epoxy that comes with the transducer direct from Humminbird. Slow Cure Epoxy stays cooler than fast cure. DO NOT use silicone or any other material than epoxy. Silicone can absorb sonar waves and creates alot of issues. Mix thoroughly until consist color. Avoid whipping while mixing to reduce creating air bubbles in the epoxy. The less air bubbles the better the final results and improved sonar readings.
Sixth: I like to apply a thin layer of epoxy on the transducer, I also like to apply a thin layer pressed into the bottom of the dam to squeeze out any potential air bubbles between epoxy and hull. Fill the rest of the dam with remaining epoxy.
Seventh: Installation of transducer. As you push transducer into the epoxy start 90° from foward and push and slowly turn the quarter turn. This will helps squeeze out air bubbles under the transducer.
Eighth: Using Sandbag from step one place on top of transducer to hold it in place. And allow the epoxy to cure for a minimum of 24 hours.
Ninth: Remove Sandbag and Plumbers Putty. Your Transducer is now installed and ready to use.
Tenth: Test Transducer in the Water to make sure you have good sonar readings. If not you may have air the epoxy and may need to repeat procedure to get good sonar readings.
brushhog
Well-known member
thanks for the info doug v,i have had a couple new boats,factory or dealer always installed them,this is a upgrade at the console,,,i'm gonna call stratos today to see if they placed the factory ducer in that location for a reason,that may be a good mounting location if they did,i wont be using the orginial ducer,,,have you ever been on table rock?
I recommend testing and you can find the optimum locations. Most Dealers and Factory stick it in the back with no testing and they work decent. But if you test the location you can find the best location and usually find where you can get higher speed readings than just guessing at a location.
Yes I fish Table Rock quite often live about 2 hours north on Truman Lake. That's where I do alot of Drop Shoting and Vertical Fishing...I love fun fishing that way. Hoping to get down over the winter and get some videos produced busting some big Smallies.
Yes I fish Table Rock quite often live about 2 hours north on Truman Lake. That's where I do alot of Drop Shoting and Vertical Fishing...I love fun fishing that way. Hoping to get down over the winter and get some videos produced busting some big Smallies.
brushhog
Well-known member
my tx partner up in wisconsin is from that area,he was a guide on table rock then he moved to wisconsin a little over a year ago,i got a hold of stratos boats,they said by the hull# the puck was installed in that location from factory,,i got the unit in today,all i got left is to glue it down,,thanks again
dragfish
Well-known member
Great info! If I do it with a transducer with a temp gauge how acurate will it be?
brushhog
Well-known member
i been told once the hull temp stablizes about 2-3 degress difference,,
If you trade in your transducer with the Transducer Exchange Program: http://www.humminbird.com/FAQ.aspx?ContentId=1766
You can get the XP 9 20 T and it has a temp pigtail that mounts externally and the epoxy to mount the transducer.
You can get the XP 9 20 T and it has a temp pigtail that mounts externally and the epoxy to mount the transducer.
