Uniden Clock manual THROUGH-THE-HULL Transducers, Selecting an Installation Location

have a solvent base. However, some solvent bases will damage encapsulation materials and plastics to varying degrees. If you need

anti-fouling protection, use only paints with a mineral spirits base; do

not use acetone vinyl-based paints. Glochester (RULE) Durapoxy is a hard, mineral spirits-based paint that has been found to be virtually transparent to acoustic energy. Never apply paint to the transducer by spraying; use a brush or roller. A sprayed surface “wets” very slowly, and there are often microscopic air pockets under the surface which attenuate the sound energy.

THROUGH-THE-HULL TRANSDUCERS

The two most popular styles of Through-the-Hull Transducers produced are low profile types, which typically are 1-3/4" or 2" in diameter, or stem-type transducers, which typically have a 3/4" pipe thread and require a fairing block to level. The two most popular materials used are nylon and bronze. Choice of material depends upon the boat construction:

Wooden boats require the use of a bronze transducer or bronze fittings because when the boat is out of the water, the wood will dry out. When the fitting is installed and the boat is returned to the water, the wood will swell and possibly crack a nylon type of transducer. Therefore, bronze is recommended for all wooden boat applications.

Larger fiberglass boat manufacturers often request bronze transducers and fittings due to the size of the boat and the total number of fittings used in the installation. However, nylon transducers are better suited for this application because of their ease of installation, lower cost, and more complete seal to the fiberglass hull.

Selecting an Installation Location

The mounting location must provide a smooth flow of water over the face of the transmitting surface of the transducer. Bubbles will cause the instrument to read improperly and cause erroneous readings. The mounting location should have reasonable access from inside the vessel since the transducer will require tightening from inside the hull.

∙On sailboats, mount the transducer where the acoustic beam will not be shaded by the keel. A spot forward of a fin keel with a minimum deadrise angle is preferred.

∙On planing powerboats, locate the transducer off centerline 6" to 12" and before the first lifting strake (flat area).

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