Installation

Mounting the Transducer

Shoot-Thru-Hull Installation

To avoid drilling a hole to mount a thru-hull transducer, a transducer may be secured with epoxy inside a boat (“shoot-thru-hull” installation). This type of installation can provide better noise reduction and allow you to use a higher gain setting. For a transducer to be mounted inside the hull (shoot-thru, not thru-hull), the boat must be fiberglass, with no core. Contact your boat manufacturer if you are unsure. Professional installation may be necessary. Be sure to always wear a dust mask and safety goggles when installing.

Some transducers are specifically designed to be mounted inside a fiberglass hull. The standard plastic transom mount transducer can also be mounted in this fashion using the following method. If using a temperature sensing transducer, the temperature displayed reflects the hull temperature.

Selecting a location:

Strip Caulk or RTV Sealer

Hull Surface

PVC Pipe

Weight transducer

to hold it in place

or a Can

 

Fill Pipe or Can with water or a light mineral oil

Testing the Location

1.The location has to be solid fiberglass, devoid of any air bubbles, laminates, fillers or dead air space. The location needs to be in an area of clean water at all speeds. Do not place the transducer over any strakes or behind any obstruction on the hull that would create turbulence at speed.

)NOTE: Many modern hulls have a prelocated pocket for shoot-thru-hull transducer installation. If you are unsure if your hull is equipped with a pre-located pocket, contact your hull manufacturer.

Testing the location:

1.Fabricate a test device from a section of PVC pipe or a can, as shown in the side bar.

2.Temporarily seal the test device to the hull with caulking or RTV sealer, and fill with water or light mineral oil.

3.Place the transducer in the water, pointed directly at the bottom. Weight it down. Set unit for optimum performance. If the sonar performance is significantly degraded, find and test another location.

Permanently installing the transducer:

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1.Lightly sand the surface of the hull and face of the transducer with 400 grit wet or dry sandpaper.

2.Build a dam using strip caulk about 1/4” (6mm) tall. Pour about 1/8” (3mm) of two part, slow cure epoxy in the dam.

3.Place the transducer in the epoxy, turning the transducer to work out any air bubbles.

4.Weight the transducer in place and allow to cure for 24 hours.