SternMate

[naptime]

I was reading the latest Boat US magazine and saw an ad for SternMate. This is a non-screw type mounting for transom mounted transducers. It uses an adhesive (no holes in the transom) and allows for easy adjustment of the transducer for optimal performance. It is supposed to work on fast boats (30mph), however it seems somewhat pricey at $120. Has anyone had experience with this mounting. The web site is www.sternmate.com.

[thataway]

That whole system depends on the adhesive system. It does not say that it would mount on a boat with bottom paint (You would have to put the bracket on the bare fiberglass or gel coated hull first). Not sure how it would hold up in the water all of the time, but may be OK. The site says it adheres UP TO 30 mph.

The use of a block of starboard gives the same range of adjustment, without the cost. But you do have to drill 2 or 3 holes in the hull (properly drilled out, undercut and epoxy filled to mount the Starboard.

[CaptainChris]

Hello! I have followed your recent posts regarding our SternMate™ transducer mounting system. The system components, to include our proprietary adhesive, ..."have proved performance results unobtainable by most powerboats", not a 30 mph maximum speed, which can be found on our "About SternMate ™" web page. We recommend the use of the included Setback Plate provided with the kit for those boats which may exceed 30 mph. The uses for this plate is also explained.

King Starboard is a great product; however, we cannot use any poly plastics for this application as adhesive bonding to these materials consistently produces an inferior bond as with many plastics. Epoxies and others have proved much too brittle with premature failure experienced. SternMate™ thermoplastics are uniquely compounded and our adhesives are specially formulated to provide the required durability and a correct "marriage" of adhesive compatibility for which SternMate™ is uniquely designed and intended.

Safe boating...

Captain Chris