Transducer location for Tomcat255

thataway · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 10:55 pm Post subject:

Matt,
I like a depth meter as a back up to a fish finder. But a fish finder gives you so much more information--like bottom slope, structure, wrecks, debris etc. You can always just read the numbers, but I sure appreciate the "pictures".

Doryman · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 12:58 am Post subject: Re: Transducer

matt_unique · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 2:15 pm Post subject: Nav/depth

I plan to get the C-80 with radar and GPS. The cost of the DSM300 and requisite transducer was not worth the cost for me. I don't fish so I wanted either cheap/simple depth or detailed sonar, neither of which the DSM300/transducer system offers from my research. I can connect the ST40 to the C-80 to have a depth number in my C-80 if I want. I can also add real sonar at some point as well.

Thanks for the ideas.

Doryman · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 3:05 pm Post subject:

Don't forget that the DSM300, etc. option shows you a lot about the depth besides just the numbers -- e.g., hard or soft bottom, and it gives you a visual indication if you are going into shallower waters.

Warren

matt_unique · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 10:42 am Post subject: DSM300

That's a good point about the DSM 300. There's no question it would be nicer than simple depth but I'm not sure I would be able to realize the value relative to the cost. If I could do detailed searches for shipwrecks, I would be sold. The pictures I've seen from the unit while over wrecks were unremarkable.

I was also thinking about the virtue of having a separate critical system. If my C-80 crapped out I would have my hand-held GPS, charts, compass, and depth gauge if I go with the ST40. Via SeaTalk I can have the depth listed in a box at the top of the C80 as well.

Any experience with the 600W Adjustable In-hull depth gauge I'm considering?

Thanks

Doryman · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 1:41 pm Post subject:

That argument for the ST40 has much merit to recommend it.

I only have experience with the E-80 and the DSM300/Airmar -- sorry!

I don't believe anyone else has ever posted about the ST40, because I believe that unit is more commonly installed on sailboats. You might ask around on a sailing forum -- several sailors here who could point you in a good direction if you are interested.

Warren

matt_unique · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 9:01 am Post subject: A little help

I'm about to install my shoot thru hull transducer. I read the following earlier in the thread:

>>

The spot is approx 12”by 12” in the starboard sponson against the transom. There is an indent where we have not cored the hull. It will be pretty obvious to whoever is doing the work. Your boat looks beautiful! Congratulations and thank you for your business.

Jeff Messmer <<

There is no obvious indented area in my starboard sponson. I looked at the picture from another member - i.e. stick your arm straight down the aft battery hatch to the left in the corner junction of the battery cases (facing rearward - into the starboard sponson) - but that area is not indented on my Tomcat. What about the very bottom of the sponson behind/around the bilge pump?

Thanks for the help. I suspect I will have to do tests while underway but I would sure prefer to do at least a temp install before I splash if I can find the right spot.

drjohn71a · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 11:51 am Post subject:

As near as I can remember now (it's been over a year since my transducer was installed) the spot is on the INSIDE, rear corner side of the Starboard hull, where the bilge pump is installed.

I had ordered and the shop had recieved the thru hull transducer, but something about my setup... yes the bait well... obliterated that intended installation spot from outside access, so I had to go with the transom mounted transducer.

My bait well was initially deeper than the waterline, so it would not drain. It was subsequently fixed with a shallower bottom, but I have not checked out if there is access now.

So, if you have a transom livewell, or dual Starboard batteries, you may not have access to the recessed area.

John

Doryman · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:32 pm Post subject:

Is this photo of my transducer the one you saw?

BTW This article from MadMariner claims that the shoot-through transducer performs worse than a through-hull (1st choice) or a transom mount (2nd choice.) I am very happy with mine, though.

Warren

matt_unique · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 10:04 am Post subject: Angle?

Does anyone know the angle of the hull where the shoot thru hull transducer is mounted?

Thanks

drjohn71a · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 4:02 pm Post subject:

My memory is that it is flat with the bottom of the hull in that area, but the entire boat rides a bit 'bow up' so maybe not totally flat fore and aft.

John

thataway · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 9:21 pm Post subject:

Flat works. There is enough lattitude with a 20 degree beam cone that a few degrees will not make a difference.

matt_unique · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 9:53 pm Post subject: Angle

Thanks for the replies. After several trials with a level I discovered the angle to be about 14 degrees. My particular transducer (Airmar 600w) had instructions that read the angle setting had to be within 5 degrees. The real test will be when she splashes of course.

matt_unique · Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 7:50 am Post subject: GE Silicone II

The instructions called for GE Silicone II. We had some in the house from some bathroom work so I applied the bead around the bottom of the housing. 20 hours later and the stuff has not cured at all (temps yesterday were high 60's and sunny). For some reason the stuff I have is no good. I will need to clean it up and use the tried and true 4200. I need a watertight seal to hold the antifreeze.

thataway · Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 8:45 am Post subject: transducer

Matt,
where are you putting this? In my boat this area is appears to be flat--14 degrees is a lot! Are you putting this in one of the bubbles? I susually make boxes, epoxy in place, and use mineral oil as the media.

I don't like silicone for an area which may be wet--and the bilge will be wet.

I must be missing what you are doing.

From Van Horn, Tx,

On the road,

Bob