Hole in my hull??

[paultallett]

I'm thinking if installing a new transom hung transducer to my boat. I'll lead the wire up and above the water line, then take the wire inside the boat by the smallest hole I get away with drilling. The question being how is the best way to seal up the hole?? Obviously when at sea the hole will occassionally be underwater due to waves, so do I use a special skin fitting or do I just bung it up with a much Sikaflex as I can?? /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Regards Paul.

 

[rafiki_]

Industry norm appears to be a good mastic sealant. It may need renewing every couple of years. I had a problem with a transom transducer on my previous boat. Arrived back at boat after 2 weeks to find the a bilge full of water. Due to the speed sensor in the transom. After a pump out a bit of sealant did the trick.

 

[RobWales]

Paul,
If I were you I would use a dedicated cable skin fitting and fit it on the horizontal area of the overhang on your 285, the flat bit that sits directly above the drive i.e the underside of the moulded in swim platform.
For the transducer screws use plenty of sikaflex but as with all self tapping screw holes that go through the gelcoat be certain to countersink the hole a lot bigger than the actual hole as this will stop any stress cracking and starcrazing!
Also for good measure use sikaflex on the new cable skin fitting.
Rob

 

[omega2]

If the transducer is for a fish finder only no need to have outboard, just stick to the inside of the hull.

 

[paultallett]

Cheers Rob,

Thats kind of what I was thinking of doing. Have you had any experiance with any particular skin fitting you would recommend??

Paul.

 

[RobWales]

Just look in any Swindlery for a suitable size wiring gland fitting!
Or as Omega has stated you could place inside engine bay and shoot through the hull....
Have used this method.......
Bed in a pool of resin by making a dam ensuring there are no air bubbles left under the transducer beetween it and the hull,when resin goes off remove the dam,ensure its an area thats always in contact with the water (outside hull) and make certain the transducer is pointing directly down.
Rob.

 

[paultallett]

Thanks gents. The transducer is log and water temp so need to be the wet stuff!!! I think I'll have a look at the ASAP book for fittings, ready for when she's lifted.

Regards Paul.