Amanda Knapp
Wet installation of a transducer in a fiberglass boat is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. It involves drilling holes in the boat's hull, applying marine sealant, and mounting the transducer securely. The main advantage of wet installation is improved performance as a fish finder due to reduced signal loss. This is achieved by placing the transducer in a wet box or directly in the water outside the hull, eliminating interference from the hull and providing clearer readings. However, the process can be intimidating for boat owners, as it requires drilling holes and the potential use of epoxy or silicone for mounting. Professional installation may be preferred to ensure a proper seal and avoid damage to the boat.
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What You'll Learn
Wetbox installation
The process of wetbox installation involves drilling pilot holes into the fibreglass boat, filling these holes with marine sealant, and then using screws to fasten the transducer mount to the boat. The transducer can be mounted inside the hull of the boat, but it is important to ensure that there are no air bubbles between the transducer and the hull, as this can affect the accuracy of the instrument.
One of the benefits of wet installation is that it allows the transducer to be located in clean water, well forward of the engines, reducing the potential for interference from other electronics. This method also makes it easier to run cables separately. However, wet installation requires drilling a hole in the hull bottom, which can be a daunting task for boat owners, and may not be suitable for DIYers.
There are alternative methods to mount a transducer, such as using an aluminium mount that fastens to the top of the transom with a screw clamp. This method does not require drilling holes in the transom and allows for more flexibility in moving or changing the transducer. Another option is to use mounting boards, which can be purchased from marine suppliers and mounted to the boat, providing a surface to which the transducer can be attached.
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Drilling and sealing
Firstly, when drilling, it is important to create pilot holes. This involves drilling a small hole as a guide before drilling the full-sized hole. This helps to ensure accuracy and prevent errors. The size of the pilot hole can vary depending on the size of the screws and the transducer being installed. It is also recommended to use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the screw size to create a tight fit. After drilling the pilot holes, they should be filled with a marine-grade sealant or silicone to protect the fibreglass and ensure a watertight seal.
Next, the transducer mount can be attached to the boat using stainless steel screws. It is important to use stainless steel or similar to prevent corrosion and ensure longevity in a marine environment. The screws should be coated with a sealant to enhance the watertight seal. When fastening the screws, it is important to be cautious and not overtighten, as this can cause damage to the fibreglass or the transducer mount.
To further enhance the seal, it is recommended to use a quality marine sealant or caulk around the screws and the transducer mount. This will fill any gaps and create a smooth finish. It is important to use a sealant that is approved for below-waterline use and will not damage the gelcoat of the fibreglass. The sealant should be applied generously and smoothed out to ensure there are no air bubbles or gaps.
Finally, it is crucial to allow the sealant to cure completely before using the boat. The curing time can vary depending on the type of sealant used and environmental conditions. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific sealant used. Once cured, the transducer installation will be securely sealed and ready for use.
Overall, the drilling and sealing process is a critical step in installing a transducer in a fibreglass boat. It ensures a watertight seal and protects the boat from damage. By following these steps, boat owners can ensure their transducer is securely and effectively installed for optimal performance.
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Transom-mounting
When drilling holes in the transom, it is important to avoid going too deep. Measure the length of your screws minus the thickness of your mounting bracket and mark the necessary depth on your drill bit with a wrap of painter's tape. Tighten the screws by hand to avoid stripping. To avoid gelcoat cracking, run your drill in reverse until the bit reaches the fibreglass, then use a countersink to carefully chamfer the edges around the hole. Seal the installation by coating screws and filling pilot holes with a quality marine sealant approved for below waterline use.
To ensure the transducer is level, use a horizontal guideline on your transom, such as the bottom edge of a jackplate, and a framing square to make sure your side-imaging transducer is level side-to-side. The transducer bracket should also be parallel with the waterline. A good starting point for the transducer is to have it parallel with the hull bottom and 1/8" below it. Lowering the "tail" end of the transducer a few degrees can improve performance at speed.
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Through-hull transducers
However, there are some drawbacks to through-hull transducers. They are generally more expensive, and their installation is more complex, requiring a 1” to 3” hole in the hull bottom and is not a job that can be done by most DIYers. Models that extend below the hull bottom can also be damaged by floating debris, the bottom, and even trailer bunks.
When installing a through-hull transducer, it is important to ensure that the transducer is parallel with the hull bottom and 1/8” below it. Lowering the “tail” end of the transducer a few degrees can improve performance at speed. However, it is important to note that lowering the transducer too much can increase drag and expose it to strikes from floating debris.
There are several tips to consider when installing a through-hull transducer. Firstly, use a horizontal guideline on your transom to ensure your side-imaging transducer is level side-to-side. Secondly, try to get the transducer level with the waterline when viewed from the back, as this can significantly affect performance with side imaging. Finally, to avoid gelcoat cracking, run your drill in reverse until the bit reaches the fiberglass, then use a countersink to carefully chamfer the edges around the hole. Seal the installation by coating screws and filling pilot holes with a quality marine sealant approved for below-waterline use.
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Performance considerations
The type of transducer and installation method can also impact performance. For fibreglass boats, through-hull transducers typically deliver the best results, especially at speed, due to their location in clean water, well forward of the engines. This location also makes it easier to run cables separately, reducing interference. However, through-hull transducers are generally more expensive and require a larger hole in the hull bottom, which can be a significant drawback for some boat owners.
Transom-mounted transducers, on the other hand, are often the preferred choice for trailerable boats as they are less likely to be damaged during launching. When installing a transom-mounted transducer, it is crucial to mount it in an area with minimal disturbed water to ensure clear images, especially at high speeds.
Another important consideration is the shape of the transducer. Transducers with a streamlined shape are designed for through-hull mounting, allowing them to be positioned outside the hull, which is ideal for smaller boats. For flat hulls, transducers can be installed directly, ensuring the transducer surface is flat and the water flows smoothly over it.
Additionally, the use of a wetbox or silicone mounting method can impact performance. A wetbox can improve performance by eliminating signal loss, but it requires more setup time. Silicone mounting, while easier, can result in difficulty if the transducer needs to be moved.
Finally, it is worth noting that even with careful consideration, performance cannot always be guaranteed. Transducer mounting is an imprecise process, and extensive trial and error may be necessary to achieve satisfactory results.
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Frequently asked questions
Wet installs are ideal for trailerable boats where the transducer might be damaged in the launching process. A wetbox install also means that if you are not happy with the performance of your set, you don't have to try to remove the silicone from the transducer prior to transom mounting.
The process of a wet install for a transducer in a fiberglass boat involves cutting a hole in the boat, applying foam or tape to the outside of the hull, pouring in a milled glass fiber/epoxy mix, making the inside area flush, and then mounting the transducer.
Some tips for a wet install include using a horizontal guideline on your transom to ensure your side-imaging transducer is level, and drilling pilot holes and filling them with marine sealant to fasten the mount to the boat.
