In-hull / shoot-thru transducer in ferro cement boat?

[gwalarnyacht]

Hello YBWs, I'm considering an in-hull transducer for my 50-year-old ferro-cement boat. I have reviewed comments on the internet and am aware that ferro-cement is not ideal for in-hull depth transducers. However, I noticed that these old postings are decades old and seem to originate from theoretical knowledge and hearsay, rather than from experience. Has anybody tried it? Here an additional thought; How about fish finder transducers made from transoms? Has anybody tried to submerge them in oil on the inside and shoot through a hull?

 

[Refueler]

The clue is the words FERRO-cement ...... the hull has a metal lattice work that the Cement mix is 'plastered' over and into. This must in all probability create a difficult situation for an in-hull transducer.

All FC constructed boats I knew of had such mounted thru hull.

Note : I would be extremely careful about what working you do with FC construction ... such as drilling holes etc. I suggest seeking professional advice before starting any work.

 

[[194497]]

I might be inclined to buy a transom-mounted transducer and just mount it on the transom...

 

[Refueler]

I might be inclined to buy a transom-mounted transducer and just mount it on the transom...

Its funny you mention transom mounted ... I have a 24ft mobo and a 5m speedboat .... the MoBo is easy as its a GRP job and a place can be found inside hull to mount ... but the speedboat is of Aircraft Dural - yes the Soviets used Dural in a number of their speedboats ... and I am not inclined to try cutting holes in that ... transom mount would be good. I was considering on a pole clipped into place ..

 

[Rappey]

I might be inclined to buy a transom-mounted transducer and just mount it on the transom

Surely it would be in and out the water like .... errrr -

Drilling holes for transducer in ferro takes a little longer but its not rocket science.
You can buy a cheap amazon or ebay chinese diamond hole saw kit that work well.
They often need to be wet when drilling. Make a bluetack dam wall around where you want the hole then drill inside it or use a squirty bottle to keep the holesaw cool.
You can use a wooden block on the outside shaped so the transducer sits verticle.
Its important to seal the steel armature once its exposed inside the hole.