Running transducer cables in express cruiser.

[BigDog98]

I am planning on mounting/installing a transducer in my 27 foot searay for my lowrance hds5 unit and was wondering what is the best way on doing it. I do not want to drill a half inch hole in the transom just so the connector could fit through. I was thinking on cutting about 6-8 inches off the end of the connector , running all the Wire through the transom and dash and then re connecting the cut off connector / plug. I am good with soldering work and electrical work in general so it's not a problem for me. How does everyone else run their transducer wires? Also I was looking into purchasing the Navico HST-WSBL 83/200kh sonar transducer for the hds5 , to my knowledge and research it is the only one that will work with the lowrance hds5 units. Are there any other ones that I don't know about that are better? Thank you in advance.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Drill hole, full with 5200, go boating. Why over think what works in millions of boats.

I'm good at soldering too, however making sure the shield is still intact is a pain in the butt

 

[JoLin]

^^^ +1 ^^^

 

[Thalasso]

I am planning on mounting/installing a transducer in my 27 foot searay for my lowrance hds5 unit and was wondering what is the best way on doing it. I do not want to drill a half inch hole in the transom just so the connector could fit through. I was thinking on cutting about 6-8 inches off the end of the connector , running all the Wire through the transom and dash and then re connecting the cut off connector / plug. I am good with soldering work and electrical work in general so it's not a problem for me. How does everyone else run their transducer wires? Also I was looking into purchasing the Navico HST-WSBL 83/200kh sonar transducer for the hds5 , to my knowledge and research it is the only one that will work with the lowrance hds5 units. Are there any other ones that I don't know about that are better? Thank you in advance.

[h=2]Lowrance Shoot-Thru-Hull Transducer is what you want[/h] ​

 

[BigDog98]

[h=2]Lowrance Shoot-Thru-Hull Transducer is what you want[/URL][/h] ​

I am aware of the thru hull but I would like my temperature to work.

 

[alldodge]

Since most transducers use serial data and no longer use coax, cut and splice will work so long as good connections are made. Soldering and sealing the connections from the environment should be good.

Be nice if they made connectors which the pins could be removed and reinstalled.

 

[dingbat]

Transducers use analogue signals so there is no problem cutting the cable and soldering it back together. Don't pay much attention for the foil shielding. It's a feel good thing in most applications. My transducer is connected to the head via a terminal strip with no ill effects.

If you look in the Ford catalog, expect only Ford parts will fit

The Airmar P66 transducer is light years ahead of the HST-WSBL in performance. It's not even close.

If you want a clean install and peak performance go with the Airmar B60 thru hull.

Here is a complete list of compatible Airmar transducers
http://www.airmartechnology.com/mari...asp?q=lowrance

 

[JimS123]

You have to drill a hole anyway, so what's the difference if its a 1/4" hole or a 1/2" hole? Once you put the clamshell cover over the hole you won't be able to tell anyway.

Install it on the transom. Why waste the temp provision.

The instruction manual for my unit says don't cut and splice the plug. Even if yours says otherwise I don't think its a smart idea.

 

[oldboat1]

went through that issue last spring for the H.Bird Helix5 DI I was buying -- went with the transom mount and it has worked out well. Boat is an inboard Trojan F26 express. I would have to check to be sure, but I think the cable is under the swim platform on mine, and doesn't show anyway. (My location is just inboard of the port trim tab.)

 

[BearlyFunctioning]

Ran mine through the scupper hole in the transom under my swim platform, then out the top of the hose that connects to the rear deck in the engine bay. Sealed up nice.

 

[BigDog98]

Can you guys post any close up pictures, just want to get an idea on how i should do mine. Clean and simple.

 

[BearlyFunctioning]

Tomorrow in the daylight if your interested in my post?

 

[JimS123]

Mine has a transducer / temp combo, plus a separate speed paddlewheel. Two plugs and 2 wires - the hole was a lot bigger than 1/2". Both wires have clamps right abot at the waterline, and again about 1/2 way up. The clamshell covers the hole, which was well sealed. The OEM pitot tube is mounted the same way - its on the other side of the kicker bracket.

 

[BigDog98]

Mine has a transducer / temp combo, plus a separate speed paddlewheel. Two plugs and 2 wires - the hole was a lot bigger than 1/2". Both wires have clamps right abot at the waterline, and again about 1/2 way up. The clamshell covers the hole, which was well sealed. The OEM pitot tube is mounted the same way - its on the other side of the kicker bracket.

I can not run it that way because of my swimming platform. I can run it a little over the water line but it will still be under once on plane.

 

[oldboat1]

I can not run it that way because of my swimming platform. I can run it a little over the water line but it will still be under once on plane.

If there's a little weather break, I'll check mine (need to do some bottom paint touch-up) -- pic of the transducer cable location if I remember. I'm guessing my transom is probably about the same height as yours, but swim platform might be different (inboard). My platform is maybe a foot above the water line(?), and set back from the transom (maybe an inch setback). If my cable extends up above the platform before going through the transom, I'm sure it just goes up between the transom and the platform -- would see the cable that way, but still pretty unobtrusive.

 

[Old Ironmaker]

I always glue and slightly screw a piece of that polymer material of which I am having a brain fart as to the proper name. I buy a plastic cutting board from the dollar store and cut off a small piece of the brain fart material. Then screw only 1/2" into the transom or only glue with 3M 5200 to the pristine clean transom. Then screw and glue with 5200 the transducer into that material, therefore no or hardly any intrusion into the transom.

I was told to never cut the original cable of a transducer, any make. The new connection degrades the signal. Buy the proper length of the manufacturers cable.

While we are on transducers, when trailering the boat cover the plastic transducer with a sock. The newer transducers are thinner and stone or any road rash material will scratch the transducer and effect it's performance. Sounds logical to me.

 

[dannys2004glastron175mx]

You can use one like this with some 3M 5200 . http://www.ebay.ca/itm/130577434438?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT#shpCntId

 

[oldboat1]

pic of my transducer installation. It's on the starboard side, so memory wasn't quite right. Swim platform height above waterline is a foot.

 

[dingbat]

I was told to never cut the original cable of a transducer, any make. The new connection degrades the signal.

Perhaps an issue with a 25 year old analogue flasher unit, but not a 21st century digital unit that processes pulse timing and signal amplitude.

The reason for not cutting a cable is that the average Joe doesn't have proper soldering technique which leads to corrosion and intermittent connections issues down the road. Someone competent could splice the cable every 6" and still not have a bit of problem.

FWIW: Most high end transducer cables are supplied unterminated. Cables are cut to length at installation and terminated thru screw terminals to the head unit

 

[JimS123]

I can not run it that way because of my swimming platform. I can run it a little over the water line but it will still be under once on plane.

If its over the waterline at rest its surely way above at plane. Besides, what's the difference.

Really need to see a pic of your setup. My son has a similar situation and we just drilled a bigarse hole under the platform thru the transom. Not a problem and didn't even have to think about it. Because its hidden we didn't even bother with a chrome plated clamshell. Boy that 3M 5200 really seals up holes!