Installing new depthfinder, have two questions

[cshyde]

I recently acquires a 17 ft Bonito center console boat. I'm installing a new Lowrance fishfinder/GPS unit replacing an existing outdated fishfinder. I was removing the old bracket holding the transducer on the bottom of the transome. When I took out the four stainless screws holding the old transducer mounting bracket, water began dripping from the screw holes. not a lot but it surprised me that it happened. The Lowrance has only two screws for the transducer mounts so I am going to have to fill in the screw holes from the old mount. What is the recommendation for filling these holes and should I wait for things to completely dry out before filling them? Should I apply some kind of sealant to the new mount to keep water out? Finally, should I be concerned that water came out of the old screw holes?. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Installing new depthfinder, have two questions

You may not want to hear this but it would appear the transom is water soaked. Before doing anything, remove another screw somewhere (inside the boat but below the water line) to see if that area is wet as well. If so, there is not much you can do as the damage is done and transom replacement will likely be necessary down the road. How far down the road is a big ?????? Anything you stuff into the holes will not provide a solid mount as there wouldn't be anything for the screws to bite into. You could certainly seal the holes with epoxy or 5200 and then fasten a transducer mounting board to the boat. Tthis is a white plastic material similar to a kitchen cutting board and available at any marine dealer. The transducer(s) can then be mounted to that board.

If you think positive, this may not be an issue at all but we can't see your boat so you need to check the transom thoroughly for moisture and rot. I once came upon a group of folks whose boat sank due to transom separation due to rot. Nobody hurt but it snarled navigation on the Mississippi River for a bit while the debris was picked up and the boat was recovered.

 

[cshyde]

Re: Installing new depthfinder, have two questions

The boat has always been trailered and stored on land. I'm the second owner. The four screws I removed were very tight into the transome. Since I have to drill new holes for the new unit I'm going to wait a week or so (Its 98 degrees in NJ anyway) and drill the two new holes and see if I get any water out. I will also inspect for noticeable leaks where rainwater could be getting in. I'm wondering if there is any other way to check the condition of the wood inside the transome?

 

[SeanT]

Re: Installing new depthfinder, have two questions

That's exactly what I used - an old kitchen cutting board. Have to really slow down the jig saw or it melts the board as you cut it!

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=352387

 

[Lrider]

Re: Installing new depthfinder, have two questions

That's exactly what I used - an old kitchen cutting board. Have to really slow down the jig saw or it melts the board as you cut it!

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=352387

I read your other posts, it has been a year now, how is it working?

Do you have pics?

 

[pinellas50]

Re: Installing new depthfinder, have two questions

Did those old screws go completely through the transom and into the bilge area?

 

[cshyde]

Re: Installing new depthfinder, have two questions

<do the holes go all the way through the transom?>

I'll check tonight but I'm pretty sure they do not go through the transom. I think I will replace the drain tubing and make sure I use a good sealant on the old holes. I also found some transom drains here on iboats that can be installed to drain the transome while trailering. I guess this is why a surveyer would have been a good thing but hindsight is always 20-20. I did tap the transom with a plastic hammer and did the trick if moving the engine up and down with it tilted. The transom does not flex and it sounds solid. I'm going to be optimistic and if the transom needs to be repaired it looks vert easy on this boat as there is plenty of room to work back there. Then I can re-start the Plywood Vs Seacast debate all over again.

 

[SeanT]

Re: Installing new depthfinder, have two questions

I read your other posts, it has been a year now, how is it working?

Do you have pics?

Working great. Been using it all month for water sports.

Pics are in the other thread, just follow that link.