Epoxy for thru-hull transducer - depth finder

[Moose_25_2500]

I want to purchase epoxy for my thru-hull transducer. I have read that it should be a no air bubble or slow setting type epoxy so it can read accurately. I cannot find any specific epoxies that specifically state low or no air bubbles.
Anyone know of a product that works best? Thanks

 

[dingbat]

Re: Epoxy for thru-hull transducer - depth finder

I assume you mean a "shoot thru" transducer. A thru hull transducer (hole in boat) doesn't need epoxy.

Having said that, a good quality 60 minute epoxy works well for that application.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Epoxy for thru-hull transducer - depth finder

I found some inexpensive A.C.E. Transducer Epoxy online. Available for less than 6 bucks on good ole iBoats.

 

[Grub54891]

Re: Epoxy for thru-hull transducer - depth finder

When mixing the epoxy,do it gently,thus not creating air bubbles. Done it a few times and it turned out good.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Epoxy for thru-hull transducer - depth finder

I was going to recommend 1 hour or 2 hour epoxy, but I can't seem to find it online anymore (weird??).

To get bubbles out of the epoxy after mixing, hit it with a heat gun. This will bring the bubbles to the surface and pop them. BUT, it will accelerate the curing time of the epoxy, so be careful with how much heat you apply,,, epoxy may start setting before you are ready. Experiment with a small batch to see how fast it sets after popping the bubbles with heat, to make sure it's not kicking off too quick. (IE: normal 5 minute epoxy will set in 30sec to a minute if you apply heat, or too much heat.)

 

[Outsider]

Re: Epoxy for thru-hull transducer - depth finder

Clean the intended location well. Coat the transducer with about 1/4" of a good quality caulk, level as best as you can. Place the transducer by lowering straight down, twisting 20*, or so, a few times after the caulk makes contact. Weight the transducer with a couple of pounds (I used a small bag of lead shot, which molds well to the shape). You don't want to squeeze all the caulk out, clean up the edges with a wet paper towel, if desired. If it makes a mess, you used too much caulk. You will still have to struggle a little if/when you remove it, but it will come up and without any gel coat attached ...

 

[dingbat]

Re: Epoxy for thru-hull transducer - depth finder

Clean the intended location well. Coat the transducer with about 1/4" of a good quality caulk, level as best as you can. Place the transducer by lowering I straight down, twisting 20*, or so, a few times after the caulk makes contact. Weight the transducer with a couple of pounds (I used a small bag of lead shot, which molds well to the shape). You don't want to squeeze all the caulk out, clean up the edges with a wet paper towel, if desired. If it makes a mess, you used too much caulk. You will still have to struggle a little if/when you remove it, but it will come up and without any gel coat attached ...

Do not use caulk unless you want to put your sounders performance in the dumpster