transducer attachment

lloyds · Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 3:54 pm Post subject: transducer attachment

I just purchased a new fish finder and was wondering if anyone has ever successfully attached the transducer to the hull with glue or adhesive of some sort? I hate to think about drilling new holes in the transom.

starcrafttom · Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 4:06 pm Post subject:

I would use 5200 to glue a piece of star board to the transom the screw the transducer into that. It will take a few days for the starboard to set up and cure but once its on its not coming off. I would line it up just a half inch or so above the the bottom of the hull. the mount on the transducer should have enough reach to make the bottom of the transducer and the hull line up.

Tug · Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 4:08 pm Post subject:

I came across this, not sure if it works. www.sternmate.com it is a transducer mounting system that doesn't use screws .Tug

thataway · Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 7:19 pm Post subject:

The Stern Mate systems seems to be a well thought out way of mounting a single transducer--not sure if it gives full flexibility. The mounting adhesive seems to be a two part--probably an epoxy. This would give me some pause about removal.

If using Starboard (which I have used many times)--you have to cross cut the back of the Starboard, with angled cuts or better yet small dovetails. I like to use 2-3 screws--first drill the screw holes, in the Starboard (countersunk)--and then into the boat. Then enlarge the screw holes, and fill with thickened epoxy. Put the block back in place and drill the pilot holes,--put the 4200 or 5200 in place and then the screws.

5200 does not adhere well to unprepared 5200. In fact few things do--flame treating and some epoxies and other urethane bonding agents can adhere--but not as well as screws, and the cross hatching.

Then you can put as many holes as you want in the Starboard to get the transducer just right.

Or try the Stern Mate and let us know how it goes.

lloyds · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 11:45 am Post subject:

I never saw a price on the sternmate on their website. But I didn't go through the purchase process either. I was thinking of using a piece of hardwood and using epoxy to attach it to the transom. I am going to try something, just can't decide what.

BrentB · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 11:46 am Post subject:

It costs $120

lloyds · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 1:14 pm Post subject:

Too high for me. I think I can accomplish the same thing with a good piece of hardwood.

forrest · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 1:34 pm Post subject:

West Systems G-Flex 650 epoxy bonds to Starboard. Lightly sand Starboard and flash with a propane torch. Apply epoxy and clamp together or in the case of it being on the transom wedge a brace against a block of wood holding the Starboard tightly against the transom until the epoxy cures.

lloyds · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 1:54 pm Post subject:

Thanks for that info. I don't have a torch. Can I accomplish the same thing with a heat gun?

BRAZO · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 1:59 pm Post subject:

We successfully mounted our transducer directly to the hull in 2008 and no problems at all. We used JB Weld - simple and easy.

We have cruised about 250hrs and all is nice and solid - no starboard, no drill holes.

Here is the original post that we found:

breausaw · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 2:18 pm Post subject:

naptime · Guest

I used the Stern Mate Product and it has been on over a year without any issues. It was easy to install and also provides for easy adjustment of the transducer position.

Wandering Sagebrush · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 3:36 pm Post subject:

Lloyd, I think Tom's idea of a piece of starboard on the transom is best. I did drill and seal the holes when I mounted my starboard, as I did not want to have 5200 stuck on back there.

CaptainChris · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 4:46 pm Post subject:

forrest · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 11:17 pm Post subject:

I need to add a caveat to my statement that G-Flex bonds to Starboard. It has been working great bonding Starboard to aluminum. I tried to glue two pieces of Starboard together to form a 1 inch thick piece to mount a new 1000 watt transducer to. While the bond between the two pieces of Starboard appears to be sound, the overflow from the joint broke off easily from the edges of the Starboard. Of course that edge wasn't sanded or flashed.
Forrest