Fishfinder transducer

[Nigel_Ward]

I have just bought a Garmin 100 fishfinder and am debating whether to hang the transducer on the transom of my Manta 19 or put it in the bilge shooting through the hull. I know it is possible to put it in the bilge with epoxy but am a bit reluctant to make the ultimate commitment with the transducer. Does silicon sealant work, and should the transducer be vertical or is it better fitted as close to the hull as possible i.e. flat against the GRP skin? I am also a bit concerned about how close to the keel I can go and whether it will give a mis-reading of depth.
Any comments are welcome.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Silicone

Has always worked for me, just make sure the hull is clean and you squeeze the transducer down on the silicone to make sure there's no bubbles.

 

[oldsaltoz]

G’day Nigel.
It should be mounted Vertically, to one side of the keel as most are foam filled and the air will prevent it reading. Try fixing an off cut of PVC or other pipe to the hull, cut at an angle to ensure the transducer is vertical. I used a small amount of epoxy resin to fix mine; don’t put too much in or it will heat up and form bubbles. You can always add more later to ensure it stays put.

Andavagoodweekend Old Salt Oz……

 

[chriswilliams29]

i have always fitted my transducers in the hull with clear silicon with always good results , i always fit them in the middle of the boat on the hull as there are less turbulents and disturbances, my last boat had a huge grp lay up but it always gave good definition,
i got fed up with external transducers as they are always getting weeded up or worse when the boat is lifted out the bracket gets damaged,

 

[oldharry]

My newly acquired Humminbird instructions suggested for in hull installation to wet the chosen area, and check the results before finally glassing in.

As there is (at the moment) always a little rainwater in the bilge below the cockpit, I just dropped it in that - and it worked perfectly!

Of course when summer does eventually come it will dry out, and i will have to fasten it down properly...... But at least I know that it does work in that location before fastening it down irrevocably.

 

[Nigel_Ward]

Thanks for all the replies. I now know the way forward!