Transducer Through an Aluminum Hull?

[Dogface]

Hi

 

I have a 17' War Eagle. I use a Hummingbird SI depth finder. At speed I loose the bottom. No matter how I adjust the transducer or move it I loose the bottom at about 10MPH.

 

I decided to get a cheap depth finder and try that. I bought a HawkEye and installed it mounting the transducer as close to the centerline as I can. I still loose the bottom at speed.

 

The HawkEye instructions say I can glue the transducer inside to the aluminum hull. I think my hull is .072 or .080 thick. Has anyone ever glued their transducer to their aluminum hull. Did it work? 

 

I wanted to ask before I glue it and screw it up. 

[Scott F]

Side imaging doesn't work above trolling speeds no matter how you mount the transducer. I'd recheck your manual about mounting the transducer on the inside of an aluminum hull. They make a thru-hull transducer, but you have to drill a hole in the bottom of the boat to mount it.

[slonezp]

@Scott F I think he got a 2d unit for depth

 

OP, a skimmer transducer for 2d shouldn't lose depth if mounted correctly. Also, I have a HB SI transducer mounted to a spring bracket from TSS. I don't lose depth until above 30mph. You can epoxy a transducr to the inside of the hull, it is done all the time on 'glass hulls. You need to verify the hawkeye will shoot thru the aluminum. Otherwise you can get an Alumaducer made by Vexilar

[Dogface]

Thanks guys!

 

The instructions say I can epoxy it to the aluminum hull but I am concerned it will work. Maybe this week end I'll try it. I'll set it in place and put a shot bag over to hold it in place. 

59 minutes ago, slonezp said:

@Scott F I think he got a 2d unit for depth

 

OP, a skimmer transducer for 2d shouldn't lose depth if mounted correctly. Also, I have a HB SI transducer mounted to a spring bracket from TSS. I don't lose depth until above 30mph. You can epoxy a transducr to the inside of the hull, it is done all the time on 'glass hulls. You need to verify the hawkeye will shoot thru the aluminum. Otherwise you can get an Alumaducer made by Vexilar

I'll look into the TSS mount. My boat can just about make 30mph so it may work.

 

HawkEye does say I can use the transducer in the aluminum hull but they seem to be the only folks who do.

 

Thanks for the info.

[slonezp]

The TSS mounts aren't cheap. Let me ask you this. Is the SI transducer "breaking away" like it's supposed to if you hit something? That was my problem. It would break away from water pressure, not from impact. The spring back mount allows it to break away if I were to hit something, but has enough tension on it to keep it in position below 30mph