ksboy Posted March 14, 2015 Posted March 14, 2015 I need some help with placing a skimmer transducer in the bilge of my 1992 Champion 168. It was attached to the back of the transom but I keep breaking it off and would like to affix it to the inside of the hull. I'm thinking of using silicone temporarily to see if it will "see" thru it and give good readings. I'd appreciate any help or advice anyone has to offer. Thanks. Quote
Al Wolbach Posted March 14, 2015 Posted March 14, 2015 I used epoxy that Lowrance sells to install in my Champion. I don't believe silicone will keep it in place if you run the boat, maybe not even to trailer to the water. I believe Lowrance has some tips on their web site, or did at one time. You must sand or wire brush the fiberglass/transducer and clean with a solvent prior to applying the epoxy to get it to hold. I have only installed a couple of them and I used epoxy both times but I was placing the transducers where the old one was so location was not an issue. And don't forget, if you have a transducer with a built in temp sensor your new temp reading will be the bilge temp not water temp 1 Quote
Super User WIGuide Posted March 17, 2015 Super User Posted March 17, 2015 I'm not 100% sure but I'm thinking you could just set something on top of it like a ziplock back with sand in it to hold it in place to make sure it reads in that spot that you have it. Once you find the place you want it, you can go ahead and follow the recommended install process. Quote
Super User Fishes in trees Posted March 18, 2015 Super User Posted March 18, 2015 I don't think that the skimmer type transducers will work for a through the hull install. I think that you've got to use a puck style transducer for that application. Call Lowrance and go by what they say. Quote
Gotfishyfingers? Posted March 18, 2015 Posted March 18, 2015 I don't think that the skimmer type transducers will work for a through the hull install. I think that you've got to use a puck style transducer for that application. Call Lowrance and go by what they say. x2 Quote
Al Wolbach Posted March 18, 2015 Posted March 18, 2015 x2 I have mounted both type transducers for shoot thru and lowrance, at one time, showed how to epoxy them on their web site. The only problem that I remember was that most skimmer transducers have built in temp sensors, which will then cause your water temp shown on the unit will actually be your bilge temp. It was also a little more difficult to hold the skimmer transducer immobile while the epoxy dried/cured(24 hours) due to the shape of the transducer. Lowrance recommended placing a weight on top while the epoxy dried to keep a good contact with the hull. You have to remember to cover, if you have a 60 degree transducer, to cover 60 degrees of the bottom of the transducer with epoxy when attaching it to the hull. And avoid any air bubbles in the epoxy when you mix/apply it. When you are ready to actually attach the transducer to the hull, give the transducer a slight twist as you push down to remove any air bubbles from the epoxy then place a weight in it while it cures. If you should need to remove a transducer that has been epoxyed to a hull, take a short piece of wood 2x4, place it against the transducer and hit it with a hammer. The transducer will pop free with a couple of light hits. To reattach the same transducer you will need to scuff up the old epoxy/hull with a wire brush or course sand paper, clean with solvent, reapply fresh epoxy, and place the transducer back on the hull as described above. 1 Quote
Super User Way2slow Posted March 19, 2015 Super User Posted March 19, 2015 I to have used skimmer transducers to shoot through the hull. Flat bottoms are easy, football shaped ones can be tricky getting them straight. One thing I would do is make sure the area you plan to install it is suitable. It must shoot through solid fiberglass with no air pockets. Best way to test it is to use something like 4 mil plastic sheet. Lay it over every thing back there and fill the sump with water, letting the plastic form fit an make a nice water filled bowl. Then set the transducer in your water bowl where you want, brace/support it some way so it will stay put and it should work just as good as it was epoxied.in. If you dont get a good strong signal, then you probably have a bad location. Quote
ksboy Posted March 19, 2015 Author Posted March 19, 2015 Got it. Used advice from Wayne P. (thanks, Wayne). It works like a champ! The temp works fine, seems to adapt to the water temp after a few minutes. I get about the same reading on the tm xducer and the rear one mounted in the hull. Thanks for all the input guys. Quote
Al Wolbach Posted March 20, 2015 Posted March 20, 2015 Got it. Used advice from Wayne P. (thanks, Wayne). It works like a champ! The temp works fine, seems to adapt to the water temp after a few minutes. I get about the same reading on the tm xducer and the rear one mounted in the hull. Thanks for all the input guys. What did Wayne advise so the rest of can learn?............Al Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted March 21, 2015 Super User Posted March 21, 2015 What did Wayne advise so the rest of can learn?............Al Just like you suggested Al and Way2slow that actually know about this subject. I just use more detail Quote
Al Wolbach Posted March 21, 2015 Posted March 21, 2015 Just like you suggested Al and Way2slow that actually know about this subject. I just use more detail Been so long since I installed one I couldn't remember detail,lol.....Al Quote
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