attaching transducer to boat

[The Quadfather]

Ok, so I got my Lund 14 ft. last weekend. Along with the Eagle Fishmark 320 ff. I feel a little embarrased to ask this question, but am I REALLY supposed to attach the transducer to the very bottom of the transom by drilling to holes into the boat and then running a couple of bolts through this with a couple of washers, including rubber washers, and the final point being, will some "Below water line silicone" placed around the bolt really seal everything up fine??

I realize that Eagle has some units known as portable which use a suction cup to mount the transducer to the transom. I am still trying to reach Eagle to see if this cup can be purchased for my unit.

The idea of doing this myself and screwing something up has me concerned? Of course it sounds like a piece of cake...... but I feel like going and having it done for me.

What have you hardcore outdoorsman done?

Chris

[bigastrout]

Can't it be glued? I would think there is a glue out there that would work. Maybe a butal type they are water proof and super strong.

[gon2fsh]

I would think a bolts and washer would be fine but rivets would be my first choice.

[Marc Martyn]

Do not feel embarrassedo:) The only stupid question is the un-asked one. Although I don't own a boat, there are many guys on this forum that will steer you in the right direction. Tomorrow you will know exactly what to do.

[A9]

Quad: Like you know I got that suction cup mount...I'd try returning that whole unit and getting the model I've got..And you'll never have to drill the actual unit into those wood seats...

[gpc]

Yeah if I were you I would try to get the suction cup. Its simple and theres no drilling. Also if you were ever to beach your boat or do anything were the bottom of your boat hits the bottom thats one more thing you have to worry about. We had our boat at 3 tree point moored on a new bouy. Well we estimated wrong and sure enough low tide, boat on beach. We had to get a new transducer. On our old boat there was a suction cup and our fish finder came with a carry case it made it pretty convienent just putting it in the truck when we were done. Trust me Id be scared too drilling holes in the bottom of my boat LOL

[Bill G]

Chris
First of all don't panic#-o I also have a Lund, a little biger but the same type transum. I have 2 speed/temp senders and 1 tranducer on the right side bottom of the transum.
I change sonar equipment every few years so I had a piece of alum made into a stand off bracket about a foot long and 8 inches deep and stands off about 2 inches.
It is the same angle as the bottom. I installed it about 3/4 inch up from the bottom so when I am up on plane I don't have a roster tail from the bracket.
I fastened it to the boat with # 12 pan head stainless sheet metal scews 4 ea. I used the black RTV sealent.
I was very careful about locaton and predrilled the holes for the bracket filled the holes and laid a the coat of sealant on the mounting part of the bracket and screwed it on.
It has been there for 9 years and not a hint of a leak.
The transducer cables run up the out side of the boat to the upper transum drain hole about 2 inches from the top. I ran the wires threw there and along the gunal to the consol.
If this doesn't sound clear PM me and I will send you some pictures.
Bill

[Rozman]

I just put the Eagle 480 on my 14 foot lund, same mount as the 320. I mounted just like the instructions said and then used some silicone, no problems at all.

[Easy Limits]

Yes, the thought of drilling holes below the water line can be somewhat nerve racking. Read the mounting instructions carefully and measure twice, cut once. Use some high grade marine silicon. I like to dip the screws in to the silicone to make sure the silicone gets around the threads. Let the silicone dry for at least a day before putting the boat in to the water.

[Jay S]

I didnt want to drill holes in my boat so i took a piece of 1 x 2 wood and attached the cone to it. then i just used a c clamp to mount the wood to the transom and no holes. Ive had it this way for about a year and works great. Also if i ever have to park my boat outside I can easly remove the whole unit and have piece of mind that my equipment is fine.

[hewesfisher]

Chris - I did something similar to what Bill did when I put my FM 480 on my old 14' Hewescraft. I bought a couple pieces of aluminum stock about 14" long by 2" wide by 1" thick. I pre-drilled the holes in aluminum stock and then used them to mark the position on my transom. Once done, I drilled holes through the transom and then attached the new plate with stainless steel hardware and marine grade sealer. I gooped the bolts up but good and made sure it oozed out when I tightened the stock to the transom. Cleaned up the sealer that oozeed out and never, ever, had a leak.

Before I attached the plates to the bottom of the boat, I drilled and tapped them for screws to mount the speed/temp sensor and transducer. Like Bill, I routed the cables up and over transom to the seat in front of where I sat. Was a nice clean install.

Cabelas sells some nice polyethylene transducer plates that are quite reasonable. Here's a link to what I'm talking about. I did something similar to the regualr mounting plate, but you could always get one of their Pro models and attach it above the water line if you're really worried about that.

[Marc Martyn]

Well, when you really think about it, all boats have a hole in it.......the drain plug. I have had more problems in the past with plugs wearing out and deteriorating than factory sealed rivets or screws. I think Hewes and Bill G have a good point.

[TroutCowboy]

i had to replace the plywood on the transom of my old aluminum fishing boat and all i did was put thin rubber washers on each side of a metal washer (so one was between the boat and the washer and one was between the washer and the wide-headed panhead screw). i didn't even use any silicone gasket glue or anything and she's water-tight!

of course my investment in an old sears aluminum boat & outboard is considerably less than that of a my ski boat, so like you i'd do whatever it takes to make you comfortable in knowing she'll stay afloat. there is some good advice in this thread about maybe making a template first so you get your holes right the first time, gooping everything up with marine grade silicone and also the location of the transducer so it's not in a bad location for drag/performance.

good luck!

p.s.>>> any of you guys have any experience gluing a transducer puck to the bottom of your boat? the depth finder in my ski boat came loose and i don't know if an even coat of silicone will do the trick or if there is a special glue and/or technique?