Transducer inside hull

[VisionIsle]

I am installing a transducer for my RaymarineDS500X inside the hull temporarily before I haul out. I get reading at times and other times I do not. It seems to work better in water (like in a plexiglass box I made) however, sometimes it has problems reading through the hull. Any Suggestions. I have also tried using mineral oil instead of water in the box.

 

[CN Spots]

Re: Transducer inside hull

Might be an air pocket between the transducer and the hull. The only means of mounting a transducer in a thru-hull situation that I've heard of is to permanantly adhere it to the hull with resin. Bubbles and airpockets in the resin will cause problems.<br /><br /><br />spots

 

[Boatist]

Re: Transducer inside hull

Welcome to the Board.<br /><br />To start with it will only work on the right type of boat. Aluminum or Fiberglass with a wood or foam core then it is not going to work. Hand Layup fiberglass can work if they soaked all the matts first and got all the air out. Solid fiberglass should work with only about a 10 percent loss of signal. Some Bass boat have made a special spot or two to mount the transducer.<br /><br />Ok since your shooting thru water to see the bottom and the transducer is designed for water water is the best thing to put around the transducer inside the hull. Start by cleaning the spot in the hull you want to try. A film of oil can maake a big difference. Take your plastic container and cut the bottom out of it. Any container that will lay flat against the bottom will work. Use some kid modeling clay or some silcone seal and seal your container to the hull. Give it some time to set. Add some water and then put in the transducer. Make sure no air on the bottom of the transducer. Next put in a bag of sand or something like that, that is heaiver than water to hold the trausducer down. Take it out on the water and try it. If any air gets below the transducer then you are wasting your time.<br /><br />If you find a spot that works to your satification then mark the spot. Again clean it up so Epoxy will stick and glue down the transducer with slow cure epoxy. When you mix your Epoxi do in a way that will not induce air. The slow cure Epoxy will alow air to work it way out. Any air between the transducer and the hull and water below will degrade your signal.<br /><br />Puck type transducers usually work better that transom types but it you get all the air out either will work.<br /><br />Good Luck