Seeking Depth Sounder Input

[jneely]

I also installed a Garmin. Mounted in 3M bedding material. Works like a charm and was easy to install. I do have to top off the anti-freeze in the transducer each spring due to evaporation.

[John Stone]

A quick update to this thread to close the loop should anyone else read it.

If you followed my engine installation thread you know I installed a Raymarine i50 depth sounder. I wanted to install the transducer inside the boat and for it to shoot through the hull vice have another hole in the hull. Thus, I did not install the transducer till after I launched the boat to be certain the position I selected would work. I used a technique for installing as detailed by a marine installer named Rod Brandon. He told me to use the optional P319 transducer with the Raymarine i50 unit.

I tested the location by placing the transducer on a ziplock bag full of water. I got a good reading. Then I sanded the paint away made a dam by cutting the bottom and sides off a plastic paint mixing bowl. I secured it to the hull with butyl rubber.

I mixed the epoxy by combining the resin and hardener in a small zip-lock bag and massaged the components together. I did this instead of stirring to avoid creating bubbles. I read about the technique on-line at a site used by people that make jewelry settings. Anyway, after I massaged it for about a minuet I snipped one corner and let it run out into the mold. A few bubbles formed immediately on the surface but I was ready--I eliminated them by quickly passing a micro propane torch across the surface. I made four pours over 3.5 hours to avoid excess heat build up. The last pour was only 1/8" deep and into that I pressed the transducer which I had previously sanded with some 60 grit so the epoxy could grip it. I have applied a lot of epoxy over the years and I was anxious about pouring epoxy and having bubbles form that would degrade the performance of the sounder. But, I was amazed. It is the clearest epoxy I have ever poured. I could not see a single bubble in the hardened puck.

I let the epoxy cure for two days. Then, I tested it. I got a perfect reading. Since installed, the sounder has worked flawlessly.

[Bill Goldsmith]

I cut a piece of PVC pipe and glued it into the hull after cutting and fitting to match the internal hull profile. My transducer sits in a bath of water in the pipe and it works flawlessly shooting through the original GRP, some epoxy and bottom paint. I installed a threaded cap with a slot just to keep the water in when heeling.

[mgphl52]

A quick update to this thread to close the loop should anyone else read it.

As expected, a beautiful installation John! I do wish I had your patience and eye to perfection!!!

[John Stone]

Thanks. Was not difficult. Just required some planning and refusal to accept a short cut. Maybe I am just hard headed. LOL.

[wikakaru]

Nice job, John. I like the fact that you found the solution on a jewelry making site. It's amazing the cross-over one finds between apparently unrelated endeavors.

Smooth sailing,

Jim