Adhesive For Shoot-Thru Transducer Mount On Kayak?

[ROCbass]

I just got a Lowrance Mark 4x DSI for my kayak and I plan on installing the transducer with the shoot thru hull method. I was wondering what adhesives others have used for this application. Specifically, has anyone used silicone with good results? most of the videos and advice I've seen recommends either epoxy or marine goop. I was thinking about trying the silicone in case I ever decide I want to remove the transducer, but I don't want to if it will be more likely to have a negative impact on the unit's performance than other adhesives. 

 

[Traveler2586]

I just got a Lowrance Mark 4x DSI for my kayak and I plan on installing the transducer with the shoot thru hull method. I was wondering what adhesives others have used for this application. Specifically, has anyone used silicone with good results? most of the videos and advice I've seen recommends either epoxy or marine goop. I was thinking about trying the silicone in case I ever decide I want to remove the transducer, but I don't want to if it will be more likely to have a negative impact on the unit's performance than other adhesives. 

 

Can you contact the kayak manufacture, they have probably already worked this subject before.

 

I've installed STTH transducers in bass boats, but never in a yak.  Depending on the flex of the yak's plastic hull, I would go with a thin epoxy.  Start by sanding the installation area and bottom of the puck transducer with a rough sandpaper (80 or 100 grit); carefully clean the dust from both areas; use plumbers putty to build a dam around the installation area; find a way to hold the transducer in place while the epoxy cures and practice putting the trans in place with the hold-down; when your ready, mix the epoxy and complete the install.  Remember to work out any air bubbles from under the transducer when you put it in place.

 

If the epoxy does not stick to the yak's plastic hull as the hull flexes (there are some plastics that do not bond well), it can be carefully chipped off the transducer and some other adhesive tried.

 

But I would highly recommend you make an effort to contact the kayak manufacture first, it could save you a lot of time and aggravation

 

Good luck.

[S Hovanec]

Use the epoxy. If you ever want to remove it, a block of wood and a whack with a hammer is all you need to dislodge it. Probably wouldn't have to hit it all that hard either to remove it from the plastic of the hull.

[mc6524]

Actually clear silicone adhesive works great. You just need to be careful to not have any bubbles under the transducer. Once you set the transducer place a brick or something wavy on it until it cures. Removing it in the future is a breeze.

[bartdude186]

Duct Seal, and call it a day. easy on easy off. stays in place great. I have had great luck with it, i would at least try it before using any epoxy, about $2 at lowes or home depot.

[stevec328]

I used the duct seal on my Ride and would do it again. Cheap and if you need to relocate it comes up easily. Like Bartdude said, you can find it in the electrical section at Lowes or HD and it's cheap.

[Traveler2586]

Duct Seal, and call it a day. easy on easy off. stays in place great. I have had great luck with it, i would at least try it before using any epoxy, about $2 at lowes or home depot.

 

Duck seal???  Are you talking about the thick grey/brown clay like putty used to seal cable/conduit entrance holes in walls; or some other product by the same name?

 

I have corrected installations where someone has used RTV Silicone to install a transducer and could not get the air out of the connection; the RTV is just too thick for the bubbles to move (and they used far too much RTV).  RTV is very difficult to clean off the transducer and hull; there is no solvent that I know of that dissolves RTV; it has to be sanded or scraped off. 

[bartdude186]

Duck seal???  Are you talking about the thick grey/brown clay like putty used to seal cable/conduit entrance holes in walls; or some other product by the same name?

 

I have corrected installations where someone has used RTV Silicone to install a transducer and could not get the air out of the connection; the RTV is just too thick for the bubbles to move (and they used far too much RTV).  RTV is very difficult to clean off the transducer and hull; there is no solvent that I know of that dissolves RTV; it has to be sanded or scraped off. 

Yep, thats the stuff. Odd use for it but it works great.

[MikeinFresno]

none...use the wet bath way of doing it. Cut the end off a pool noodle or get a blaock of EPP foam and shape it to fit the transducer. Then glue the noodle piece into the bottom of the yak. Fill it with water and press fit the transducer in the hole. No air bubbles this way, comes right out for whatever reason you want to remove it, etc. Most guys west coast do this or have a yak with a built in recess for the transducer.