Anybody out there installed a Lowrance thru-hull transducer on a Blue Wave? I've been having problems with the transom mounted transducers and it was suggested that I try hull mounting it.

I have a 220 Classic and would really appreciate any advice or tips related to installing it in this or any other type boat.

Thanks-
matt

Haven't done a Blue Wave, but it's the same for all of them. Best place is center of the pad and as far aft as possible. This will be the last place to have any turbulant water passing. Sand a smooth spot in the glass. Just enough to smooth things up, now. We don't have to grind all the way through the hull! Also scuff the surface of the transducer.

Mix up some slow drying epoxy (15-30 minute working time). Coat both prepared surfaces with epoxy and push the transducer into place with a slight twisting motion. Using a epoxy or acid brush, apply additional epoxy around the base of the transducer. You either have to hold it very still or weight it with a sand bag until the epoxy sets up enough. We want a good tight mechanical connection here.

What you're wanting to do is obtain a VERY thin glue thickness free of bubbles between the transducer and the inside surface of the hull. Your transmitting and receiving sound, so bubbles or air pockets in between the transducer and hull equals poor performance. I also don't recommend silicone for that very reason. The soft pliable nature of RTV has a deadening effect to the sound.

Good Luck!

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Matt
If you need help with that let me know. I have done those thru hull installations a few times and they are pretty easy. Give me a call

Jeff

Si I could install my normal transducer inside as a thru hull?

I would really like to get it off the back, I go in some shallow stuff and am tired of it getting knocked "up"

Are you wanting a shoot thru hull application or a thru hull application. If the latter is the case then you need a different transducer. From your post it seems you are talking about the shoot thru application, take your boat out on the water and put a little water in the bilge and you can move the transducer around until you find the best spot.

Jeff-

I'm going to call you or might try to 'accidentally' (read: stalk) bump into you out on the lake on Saturday.

Baitfish-

I misspoke- meant shoot-thru rather than actually cutting a hole in the hull. Appreciate the clarification.

TX Champ-

Can I pick up an epoxy or acid brush at a hardware store?

Thanks to all for the advice!