Transducer installation

[Split Decision]

Cut the hole for the simrad ducer over the weekend. Not a project that I would wish on my worst enemy. The hull was 1 3/4 thick in the center. I mounted a template to the hull and cut the shape out with a plunge router 1/4" at a time. Went through 4 carbide bits to get through.

After the hole was cut I installed a wood plug the same shape as the ducer and fiberglassed over the inside. Let it cure, drilled a 1 1/2 hole through the glass for the through hull fitting that seals the wire and knocked the wood plug out. I then drilled the two 1/2 in holes for the mounting bolts and bolted it in.

This was a 2 day job that I would not want to do again. At least not untill I get a new boat. Yea, like my wife will ever let that happen again.

Here are a few pics of the project.

[CClassic28]

Tom,

WOW!! That is one large hole!! And to think I was a little scared cutting 4 2-1/2" holes for my underwater lights.

Anyway, nice work and good luck with the ducer, you should get a great clean shot from that location



Chris

[TwinFin]

Tom:

You are much braver than I am. I could never have cut a big hole in that beautiful boat :-). But then, I don't use sonar enough to justify it. I went with a simple transom mount unit.

Looks like you know what you are doing. Good luck! Beautiful boat, sweet electronics set up.

[jm1159]

Tom, are you sure about mounting the tducer on the V? Usually the tducers are positioned to the side of the V just in case you may hit something while running.

[Split Decision]

Tom, are you sure about mounting the tducer on the V? Usually the tducers are positioned to the side of the V just in case you may hit something while running.

I discussed the location with Mac when I was at the factory. I had 2 choices,
1- To install it just behind the starboard gear but it would have been a nightmare fiberglassing the inside and there is a false floor toward the center in that spot which would have been a problem.

2- To install it where I did. This spot is the strongest spot in the hull. Only about 10" between the inside stringers so when I fiberglassed over the top, I wrapped the glass up the sides of the stringers. Very strong.

It is hard to see in the pic but the front of the ducer is flush with the bottom of the V so unless it takes a direct hit, it should slide over the top and not hurt it. It will not get torn off.

[sunshineva]

Split Decision -- :D Impressive installation! Any scope pic available to share with this forum?

TwinFin -- How is your transom mounted unit working? My Furuno GP1850 with transom mounted transducer will not read bottom when I get on plane. Manual indicates it is wrong setup. Need to fix this problem. :evil: Thru Hull!! :idea:

Everyone :?: -- Where is the best place to install a Thru Hull Transducer in a CC28 with twin diesel inboards? Looks like Diesel tank and Batteries limit my options?

Thanks
Sunny

[doeboy]

Tom what kind of transducer was installed. I know it was a simrad. is this a 2 or 3 KW? how does it work, it must be great detail for sonar. thanks Mark

[Split Decision]

It's the simrad combi-c ducer. It is a 1 kw. I was told that this is about the best ducer you can get. I think it has 8 elements in it. I did see a cutaway at a boat show when I was looking but forget the exact amount. It can see down to 2000 ft with detail. No need to go deeper. I mostly keep it on the top 200 ft anyway since that is where all the tuna are.