Bronze or plastic transducer?

[tbennett]

I seem to be getting conflicting information about the use of plastic transducers on wooden hulls, some say use bronze because the plastic might crack as the wood swells/moves, others have never heard this before. Bronze are much more expensive than plastic - what should I do?

 

[tritonofnor]

I needed an extra long transducer for my boat to go through a fairing block, only available in plastic. Fitted seven years ago - still going strong. Cut the hole about 1/4" oversize and filled the gap with sikaflex to allow for movement. Plenty of gunge under the flanges of the transducer too. never leaked - just hope I never need to get it out!!

 

[LittleShip]

The usual way on a wood boat is to fit bronze.............having said that, Tritonofnors way should suffice.
If it was mine I would play safe and it would get bronze!!

Tom

 

[Ayeshaman]

Am currently in the same dilemma and have decided to take the bronze option - as a well respected boatbuilder friend said ' If she was my boat I would fit bronze'

 

[Seanick]

I have fitted loads (well, over a doz!) of plastic transducers, just dont do the nut up at all tight, untill the end of the season, when the moisture content of your planks is probably highest. Use plenty of gunge (not sikaflex.....) around the stem and base of the transducer. If it leaks, you did not use enough! Push the transducer into its hole, then take up the slck on the nut. easy!

 

[ccscott49]

I use bronze, because I always have and could only find "proffesional" transducers long enough to go through two fairing blocks and my planking.

 

[pyrojames]

I've fitted plastic, (twice). The first one I did up too tight and it broke! The second one I'd learnt my lesson and it is fine. If I ever have to do a third, it'll be bronze.