I was going to try and install a depth finder on my Carolina Skiff but I came up with a problem. Its recommended to install the transducer right below the hull for best results. Now where the screws are supposed to go in I cannot see where the screws end up. So if it leaks I will not know. What should I do?

a)screw the screws in and put in a lot of silicone?

b)make a rig(wood or metal) long enought to where I can just screw the rig in the upper section of the boat sturdy enough to hold the transducer where its supposed to be.

c) dont mess with it and let a professional do it and pay some good money and still not know if its leaking?

d)None of the above and include your idea.

PLease do not guess. I prefer the opinion of someone who has delt with this problem.

Thank you in advance,

Orlando

If you're going into your transom, there's a lot of meat there. Just fill your pilot hole with water proof RTV before you screw the bracket on.

Good Luck!

Don't know much about a Carolina Skiff, but is there a reason you can't install a thu-hull transducer. No drilling just qlue it in the sump area.
If you can't qlue one in, do as TX-Champ said. Use Marine RTV around and in the Drilled holes and it will not leak. I just don't like drilling any holes in my boat.
Don't pay to have it done, you can do it and save you dollars. Not a hard job.

Bay boat=shallow water=underwater stuff to knock transom transducer around. Go with the thru-hull idea. You can use the same transducer. Good question on penetrating the transom. Wouldn't do it unless absolutely nessesary. Just asking for problems down the road.

Thanx for the feedback guys

Orlando

You don't say which model skiff you have so you may want to check with a dealer before installing a shoot-through-the hull mount. This is because most Carolina Skiff's are built with a foam core. The foam can play havoc with your depth finder sensitivity. Sometimes the manufacturer leaves a place near the stern for a transducer, sometimes not. One way to find out yourself is to fill the bilge with a little water and then drop the transdicer into the bilge. If you can get a clear reading of the bottom and structure you are probably OK. I have a Skiff and found I had to mount my transducer on the transom.

Good Luck!

Chuck

ive installed one on a friends skiff(transom).lot of marine grade silicone no problems tru hull wont work so well very thick hull full of foam.thats why they float even if you cut them into small sections

I have installed transom mount on 18.5' Tracker and 21' Baystealth. I use 100% silicon in the screw hole before fastening the screws down and haven't had a problem. Both units have been removed and reinstalled using the same fasteners and silicone with no leaks.

I have a 18" foam filled flats skiff. My experience with transom mounts is that they always get knocked off. Thru the hull is THE way to go, and a lot less trouble to install. I created a space in the bilge under the center console. Access is easy and it was a snap to wire.