Depth Sounder-Interior "puck" vs Through-hull

[DanVanWinkle]

I need to replace the original sounder on my '82 25D. Currently, the transponder through-hull is in with the pots and pans (don't ask me why). It seems like a good plan to eliminate a "hole" by getting rid of that through-hull and using a interior "puck" instead. I'v see references here on how to mount a puck but am wondering about how well they work vs the traditional through-hull. Anyone made the change and been pleased or unhappy with the puck? I assume the mfg send detailed instructions on how to mount the puck, right? dvw "Bali Ha'i" #69



vanwinkled@pt.cyanamid.com

[Anthony P. Jeske]

Because Cape Dorys have a solid glass hull, you can mount the transponder inside the hull and get good results. I too, was not eager to drill another hole through my hull to mount the transponder. I talked to a factory representative before I doing the job. They said that the only problem I would have is that the instrument would not read as deep. The difference in my case was that where formerly I could read to 400 feet, now the instrument blanked out at about 350 feet. Since shallow water readings are what I need, this loss by mounting inside the hull was not important.

Some marine supply houses sell transducer "domes" that you mount inside your hull, fill with oil and insert the transducer into. I made one of these, and used it for years, but had seepage problems. I wound up "glueing" the transducer to the hull with RTV. It's important not to have an air bubble between the transducer and the hull. It won't work if there's a bubble.
Good Luck,
Tony Jeske



ajeske@ixpres.com

[jim]

Dan: I did just that 3 years ago in my 25D. I mounted the transducer (puck or regular) in a piece of PVC tube cut to the right angle so it stood upright. Placed the tube just aft of the existing transducer thru hull. I found the sweet place by placing the transducer in a "Baggie" full of water and moved it about while observing the signal (keep the bag wet on the outside). I "glued" in the PVC pipe with LifeGuard polysulfide and when cured, filled it with water. The transducer loses about 30% deep depth sensitivity but who cares over 250 feet? The unit is a Standard Horizon. The unit has worked very well so far with no leaks: guided me from CT to Annapolis and back! I left the old one in place out of laziness.



james.jamieson@yale.edu

[Neil Gordon]

You may find the meter is bad but the transponder is fine. That's what happened when I replaced mine two years ago. Test the transponder with a new meter and see.

You won't get as good performance with a puck that has to penetrate the hull.


Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167



neil@nrgordon.com

[Lyn Heiges]

I need to replace the original sounder on my '82 25D. Currently, the transponder through-hull is in with the pots and pans (don't ask me why). It seems like a good plan to eliminate a "hole" by getting rid of that through-hull and using a interior "puck" instead. I'v see references here on how to mount a puck but am wondering about how well they work vs the traditional through-hull. Anyone made the change and been pleased or unhappy with the puck? I assume the mfg send detailed instructions on how to mount the puck, right? dvw "Bali Ha'i" #69

I have a CD27 and a CD28 both now with through hull transducers. I have the Standard Horizon DS-10 (originally a DS-1 of 1984 vintage) on the CD27 and a DS-45 (originally a DS-10 of 1993 vintage) on the CD28. I tried the inside the hull installation of a bronze through hull type transducer locating it in the bilge of the CD27 for a few years with great success, however I found there was that loss of reliability in readings. I moved it into a forward space under a berth locker for convenience and bought a fairing block for the installation which helps with the water currents and protects the whole assembly. Never any problems in reliabilty! The CD28 had a nylon through the hull transducer mounted in a similar location with RTV when I bought it! FUNKY READINGS ALL THE TIME in 10-feet of water or less as well as greater depths! Part of the problem was the less than prefect contact through the hull and the "bouncing around" of the transducer in the RTV. I just completed doing the bronze through hull transducer (Standard does supply them, but not off-the-shelf at E&B/West Marine or BOAT/US for about $118) and the fairing block installation on the CD28. It just went in the water yesterday and the electrical system is still disconnected, but I'm sure it WILL WORK RIGHT when I turn it on!

Good Luck and write if you have questions!
Lyn Heiges
CD27 #186 GUILLEMOT
CD28 #307 NOON CHILD



lheiges@compuserve.com

[John]

>> What's an RTV ???

I need to replace the original sounder on my '82 25D. Currently, the transponder through-hull is in with the pots and pans (don't ask me why). It seems like a good plan to eliminate a "hole" by getting rid of that through-hull and using a interior "puck" instead. I'v see references here on how to mount a puck but am wondering about how well they work vs the traditional through-hull. Anyone made the change and been pleased or unhappy with the puck? I assume the mfg send detailed instructions on how to mount the puck, right? dvw "Bali Ha'i" #69

I have a CD27 and a CD28 both now with through hull transducers. I have the Standard Horizon DS-10 (originally a DS-1 of 1984 vintage) on the CD27 and a DS-45 (originally a DS-10 of 1993 vintage) on the CD28. I tried the inside the hull installation of a bronze through hull type transducer locating it in the bilge of the CD27 for a few years with great success, however I found there was that loss of reliability in readings. I moved it into a forward space under a berth locker for convenience and bought a fairing block for the installation which helps with the water currents and protects the whole assembly. Never any problems in reliabilty! The CD28 had a nylon through the hull transducer mounted in a similar location with RTV when I bought it! FUNKY READINGS ALL THE TIME in 10-feet of water or less as well as greater depths! Part of the problem was the less than prefect contact through the hull and the "bouncing around" of the transducer in the RTV. I just completed doing the bronze through hull transducer (Standard does supply them, but not off-the-shelf at E&B/West Marine or BOAT/US for about $118) and the fairing block installation on the CD28. It just went in the water yesterday and the electrical system is still disconnected, but I'm sure it WILL WORK RIGHT when I turn it on!

Good Luck and write if you have questions!
Lyn Heiges
CD27 #186 GUILLEMOT
CD28 #307 NOON CHILD

[Lyn Heiges]

>> What's an RTV ???

RTV is a silicone rubber adhesive/sealent material developed by GE and Dow-Corning for long-term weather and heat resistant applications. It is used in the electronics, roofing, automotive, and building construction industries as well as aerospace. It never gets "hard" but maintains a solid, but non-rigid, status when cured and generally has an acetic acid component in the catalyst material. Great stuff when you want to run cables through walls, hulls, etc. or keep something sealed from the elements with minimal effects of aging.
It is NOT recommended for below waterline installations as 3M 5200 and other products are designed for those applications!

Regards,

Lyn

I need to replace the original sounder on my '82 25D. Currently, the transponder through-hull is in with the pots and pans (don't ask me why). It seems like a good plan to eliminate a "hole" by getting rid of that through-hull and using a interior "puck" instead. I'v see references here on how to mount a puck but am wondering about how well they work vs the traditional through-hull. Anyone made the change and been pleased or unhappy with the puck? I assume the mfg send detailed instructions on how to mount the puck, right? dvw "Bali Ha'i" #69

I have a CD27 and a CD28 both now with through hull transducers. I have the Standard Horizon DS-10 (originally a DS-1 of 1984 vintage) on the CD27 and a DS-45 (originally a DS-10 of 1993 vintage) on the CD28. I tried the inside the hull installation of a bronze through hull type transducer locating it in the bilge of the CD27 for a few years with great success, however I found there was that loss of reliability in readings. I moved it into a forward space under a berth locker for convenience and bought a fairing block for the installation which helps with the water currents and protects the whole assembly. Never any problems in reliabilty! The CD28 had a nylon through the hull transducer mounted in a similar location with RTV when I bought it! FUNKY READINGS ALL THE TIME in 10-feet of water or less as well as greater depths! Part of the problem was the less than prefect contact through the hull and the "bouncing around" of the transducer in the RTV. I just completed doing the bronze through hull transducer (Standard does supply them, but not off-the-shelf at E&B/West Marine or BOAT/US for about $118) and the fairing block installation on the CD28. It just went in the water yesterday and the electrical system is still disconnected, but I'm sure it WILL WORK RIGHT when I turn it on!

Good Luck and write if you have questions!
Lyn Heiges
CD27 #186 GUILLEMOT
CD28 #307 NOON CHILD

lheiges@compuserve.com