Depth Finder Installation

[WanabeBoater]

Hello once again, I am having a difficult time understanding the instructions on installing the transducer to the hull. I am installing a Bottom Line Tournament 1101 and the manual states that there are two ways to install the transducer. The first way I understand, screwing the transducer to the hull which I dont want to do. The other is to install the transducer inside hull with an epoxy. This is where I am confused. Would that mean actually inside the hull or outside the hull closer to the center of the hull? The directions do not specify. Please help. Thanks

 

[cuzner]

Re: Depth Finder Installation

What you need to do is find a flat spot in your bilge, close to the middle as possible, the idea is for it to be over a spot in your boat that is always in the water. If you have an i/o engine usualy it should be placed under the engine block, try and keep it away from you bilge pump.When you epoxy make sure you have no air bubbles in the epoxy.<br /><br /> Jim

 

[Solittle]

Re: Depth Finder Installation

I have always attached mine to the outside of the transom and have had no problems doing it this way. You can install as cuzner describes of course. Some manufacturers will advise you of the potential of reduced accuracy or depth readings if you do it this way. Having said that if I were to do it this way I would not want to epoxy it in in case I were not satisfied with the performance. You could affix some kind of cylinder to the inside bottom (like a piece of PVC sewer pipe). Then partially fill the cylinder with mineral oil and drop the transducer in that. I have never done it this way but I have read about it.

 

[WanabeBoater]

Re: Depth Finder Installation

Wow, this is great information. Thank you both for answering my question. You figure with the amount of money spent for a product, the manufacturer could at least print a manual with a little more detail. Thanks Again!!

 

[imported_Curmudgeon]

Re: Depth Finder Installation

Clean a flat spot in the bilge (solid glass, no core) that has a clean water flow on the outside, coat the bottom of the transducer with 1/4" to 1/2" silicone sealer, gently press the ducer down and twist back and forth a little (to evenly distribute the sealer), put a light weight on top (to hold it in position) and wait for the sealer to cure. I wouldn't use epoxy if you ever think you might want to move/remove it, and mineral oil is a real pain in the butt. Unless you're fishing exceptionally deep water (>500'), you'll likely see very little degradation ... and you'll be able to remove it if/when necessary.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Depth Finder Installation

Before you glue it to the inside you need to test it inside. If your boat is solid fiberglass then it probably will work. <br /><br />If the boat is hand layup fiberglass then it will only work good if they got all the air out when they put down the matts.<br /><br />If your boat is fiberglass with a foam core then it will not work unless you cut down thru the core to the outer fiberglass.<br /><br />If the boat is Aluminum then it will now work.<br /><br />Before you glue it with SLOW CURE EPOXY test it first. Slow Cure Epoxy is the proper glue. The idea is to not get any air in it when you mix it and if you do the slow cure will let the air work the way out.<br /><br />To test it to see if it will work Clean an area in the bilge area. Take a peice of plastic pipe big enough to put the transducer in. Cut it to match the angle of the hull so the pipe is straight up and down. Now seal the pipe to the hull with some kids clay or silicone seal so it will hole water in the pipe. Now put the transducer in the water and try to get it pointed straight down. To hold it down put a bag of sand on top or a bag of led shot. Now take it out and see if it works. If it does you can glue your transducer down at that spot. If it does not work then try another spot. If you can not find a place where it works then glue it on the transom and try that. Or better than that glue a transducer mounting plate on the back with Silicon seal and mount the transucer to it and try it again. These are ways you can test with out drilling holes.

 

[blouderback]

Re: Depth Finder Installation

Just mount it to the transom and drill a hole though the transom for the wire. It's no big deal - everyone needs to drill holes in their boat at least once, and it will give you the best performance.

 

[jch7450]

Re: Depth Finder Installation

I have to agree with Bob a 100%!<br />Your Tournament 1101 also has Digital Surface Temperature capablity. it won't work inside the hull. just make sure you keep the Transducer even with the bottom so not cause Cavitation. Hope this helps!

 

[WanabeBoater]

Re: Depth Finder Installation

Its mounted and ready to go...thanks for all the help.

 

[blouderback]

Re: Depth Finder Installation

Way to go, WannaBe! Wasn't it fun drilling that hole?

 

[WanabeBoater]

Re: Depth Finder Installation

Well, it wasn't that fun..I installed the transducer inside the hull using epoxy. The tough part was getting underneath the engine block. But its intalled and works great. I just need it for depth, I can stick my foot in the water to determine if its to cold to get in. Thanks for all the help.

 

[QC]

Re: Depth Finder Installation

I used epoxy on mine too. It works very well on this hull. The biggest issue at install was gravity. It wanted to slide like a snail on the epoxy toward the very bottom of the bilge. I thought I was gonna die holding it until I set up something for it to lean on. I resisted going that way, but wanted the clean transom if I could get away with it.

 

[WanabeBoater]

Re: Depth Finder Installation

Okay, it doesnt work great..I have epoxyed the transducer upside down inside the hull. What I thought was working great was, I believe, the temp. of the engine oil pan. Now I have to remove the transducer from the hull and turn it right side up. Any ideas on how I might accomplish this task? Thanks

 

[jch7450]

Re: Depth Finder Installation

Maybe use a wide heavy dudy scraper, little by little with a hammer. then mount the darn thing on the outside, like i said before.

 

[blouderback]

Re: Depth Finder Installation

Try some Acetone. When you do get it un-epoxy'd, mount it on the transom. DRILL THE HOLE! It's easier than you think.

 

[WanabeBoater]

Re: Depth Finder Installation

JCH7450 take a xanax, I'm sorry if I don't want to mutilate my boat. The manual states it will work well in-hull so I mounted it in hull (just upside down). I considered your advise..but there are other ways of doing things. Thanks

 

[Boatist]

Re: Depth Finder Installation

Why did you mount it without testing first? It is so easy to test with some kids clay and a small bag of sand. You can try all the different spots before you mount it.

 

[WanabeBoater]

Re: Depth Finder Installation

Boatist, I would have tested it first, but for one, I have never owned a boat until this year, nor have I ever fooled with this type of instrument. I was able to detach the transducer with great ease, however as you have stated, I will be testing it in different places and positioning it correctly. thanks for the advise.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Depth Finder Installation

Hey jch,<br /><br />Great thread. I was going to move mine inboard and never thought about the temp function. Now I'm going to leave it where it is.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Mark

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Depth Finder Installation

No one needs a xanax except you. Geez, the guy was only trying to help you.