Mounting A Splitshot Transducer: Aluminum Boat Guide

Mounting a transducer on an aluminium boat can be a complex task. Transom mount transducers are a popular choice for boaters due to their user-friendly installation and removal. When mounting a transducer, it is important to consider the placement, avoiding areas of turbulence, and ensuring the transducer is parallel to the waterline. For aluminium boats, extra care should be taken to seal any drill holes properly to prevent corrosion. In-hull transducers are not recommended for aluminium boats due to signal interference with the metal hull. Transom-mount transducers provide a direct and clear path for the sonar signal through the water. They are also cost-effective and less complex to install and maintain, making them a practical choice for aluminium boats.

Using a mounting board and industrial-strength Velcro to avoid drilling holes

Using a mounting board and industrial-strength Velcro to attach a transducer to an aluminium boat without drilling holes is a great option. This method can help you find the best location for your transducer without causing any damage to your boat.

First, you need to choose the location for the transducer. The hull of the boat is the best place for it. Clean the area where the transducer will be mounted with a mild soap and water solution, and remove any wax or polish.

Next, you can attach the mounting board to the transom of the boat using marine epoxy or silicone. Make sure the board is secure and give the epoxy or silicone enough time to cure before proceeding.

Now, you can attach the transducer to the mounting board using industrial-strength Velcro. This will allow you to adjust the position of the transducer if needed and make it easy to remove for maintenance or upgrades.

When attaching the transducer, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the angle and height for optimal performance. You may need to take the boat out on the water and adjust the transducer at trolling speed to find the best position.

Using this method, you can securely mount a transducer to your aluminium boat without drilling any holes. This will give you the flexibility to experiment with different locations and find the sweet spot for your transducer without causing any damage to your boat.

The optimal placement of the transducer on the transom

Another factor to consider is the placement in relation to the chines. Avoid mounting the transducer too close to the chines, as this can result in regular exposure to turbulent water, affecting the performance. It is recommended to position the transducer on the right side of the hull, as most propellers rotate clockwise, which can push water up under the transducer if it's on the left. Additionally, propellers create a vortex that can disturb the water around the transducer.

When mounting the transducer, it is suggested to tilt it slightly downwards, deviating from the standard 90-degree angle. A slight downward angle of around two degrees helps keep the transducer parallel with the water when the boat is in motion, improving the accuracy of readings while moving.

It is also important to consider the material and method of mounting. Using a material like nylon or a cutting board as a mounting pad can provide insulation from electronic interference. Additionally, applying a sealant or silicone to the screws and holes can prevent corrosion and ensure a secure fit. Drilling and tapping threads for the mounting screws may be necessary, especially when mounting on aluminium or fibreglass surfaces.

Using a transom-mounted transducer on an aluminium boat

One way to mount a transom-mounted transducer is to use a transom mounting plate. This way, you only need to drill two holes and you can adjust or add different transducers without drilling more holes in your boat. You can also use a piece of poly cutting board or polyethylene glued to the transom with marine epoxy or silicone. Another option is to use a transducer board or cut your own board, which allows for fine-tuning or moving the transducer. You can also attach the transducer to a small piece of PVC board with marine epoxy, avoiding drilling any holes.

If you want to drill holes and mount the transducer directly to the transom, you can use marine epoxy or silicone to seal the holes. However, some people prefer not to drill holes in their boat.

When mounting the transducer, it is important to ensure that the surface underneath is smooth and that the transducer is level. You can use a torpedo level and a stack of coins to adjust the height and angle of the transducer while the boat is at trolling speed. It is also important to seal any gaps that may cause water to shoot up and create a rooster tail, using silicone or another suitable sealant.

How to avoid damaging the propeller when mounting a transducer

To avoid damaging the propeller when mounting a transducer, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the transducer is placed at an appropriate distance from the propeller. The recommended distance is at least 15 inches (38 cm) for boats with outboard or inboard/outboard motors. This distance helps to prevent interference and potential damage from the propeller's turbulence.

When determining the mounting location, it is crucial to avoid the propeller's path, especially on single-drive boats. The turbulence created by the transducer can lead to cavitation, reducing boat performance and potentially damaging the propeller. Therefore, it is best to mount the transducer to the side of the boat with the downstroke of the outboard propeller, which is usually the starboard side.

Additionally, it is essential to consider the transducer's orientation. It should be parallel to the waterline when the boat is in the water. This ensures consistent contact with the water and accurate readings. For V-bottom boats, achieving a level orientation can be tricky, so it is recommended to use a horizontal line on the transom and a framing square to adjust the side-to-side level.

When installing the transducer, follow these steps:

• Gather the necessary tools and hardware, including a drill, bits, marine sealant, screwdriver, wrench, tape, level, and marker.
• Confirm the transducer's position, ensuring it is away from obstructions, in an area with minimal turbulence, and not in the propeller's path.
• Set up the transducer and bracket temporarily, marking the screw positions to ensure level alignment.
• Drill holes at the marked spots, using a drill bit slightly smaller than the mounting screws.
• Apply marine sealant to the holes to prevent water seepage.
• Attach the bracket and loosely screw it in, leaving room for adjustments.
• Slide in the transducer and align it parallel to the hull, ensuring it is submerged when the boat is at rest.
• Tighten the screws on the bracket and transducer once everything is correctly aligned.
• Route the transducer cable to the fish finder display inside the boat, avoiding pinch points, and secure it with clamps or ties.
• Connect the transducer to the display unit according to the instructions, ensuring a tight connection.
• Test the setup in shallow water before venturing into deeper areas. Look for clear readings and adjust the transducer angle if needed.
• Perform final checks: confirm tight screws, dry sealant, and secure cables.

Using a transducer mount that fits into the scupper holes of a kayak

To install a transducer mount using this method, follow these steps:

• Measure the scupper hole: Use a scupper hole size gauge to measure the section of the scupper hole where it is completely round and begins from a straight cylinder wall. Select a plug size that has your scupper hole measurement in the middle of the taper range. This ensures a tight fit and prevents the plug from being knocked out or sitting too low.
• Prepare the plug: Choose a plug with a centre hole that is the same size or slightly larger than your transducer cord. Insert the cable into the split side of the plug. The split can be glued closed using cyanoacrylate glue (super glue).
• Install the plug and transducer: Place the plug and cable into the scupper hole and determine the final position of the transducer. Seal the centre hole with standard silicone to ensure a leak-free seal.

There are also DIY options for creating a scupper transducer mount. This may involve using materials such as PVC pipe or metal discs and washers to create a custom mount. Additionally, there are commercial scupper transducer mounts available, such as the Lowrance Kayak Scupper Mount, which can be used to mount "Skimmer" type transducers in most scupper openings without the need for adhesives.

Frequently asked questions