Filling Old Transducer Holes

[reelnmn]

So I just bought a Humminbird SI unit and will be removing some old accessories off the back of my boat. What is the best ways to fill the old screw holes? I've heard everything from using MarineTex to just removing the old component and reinstalling the old screws dipped in silicone.

Looking at the picture below I plan on installing the SI transducer where the white fin currently is. Will it be safe to remove the fin, fill those holes and then drill new holes in the same vicinity for the SI transducer? I don't want to weaken the boat.

Thanks

Chris

[Fishing Rhino]

Those small screw holes will not weaken the hull structure. But, you do want to fill the old holes.

Here's what I'd do. Make a wood peg that will slide snugly into the hole. Measure the depth of the hole and make the peg slightly shorter than that depth. Using a marine epoxy, work or inject the epoxy into the hole. You want enought so that the peg will force some to ooze out. Insert the peg, and using a nail set or something similar, install the wood plug until it is slightly recessed. Clean the excess epoxy that oozes out with acetone or lacquer thinner. Then put a drop of epoxy into the recess. You will want it to have a slight bump, not a hollow. Put a square piece of packing tape over the drop, and use a bondo spreader to press the tape down. Leave it for the cure time of the epoxy.

Remove the tape and if done right, you should have a smooth watertight surface. If needed, you can buff that area, then apply a coat of wax. Done right, it will be permanent.

[reelnmn]

Thanks Rhino, I had read some of your other posts on similar subjects and was hoping you would chime in.

Do you recommend using the liquid epoxy or the putty? I would think the putty would be easier/cleaner to work with but didn't know if it would be as effective.

Chris

[skunked_again]

i put marine sealant on the screw threads and put them right back in the hole and leave them.

[Fishing Rhino]

Thanks Rhino, I had read some of your other posts on similar subjects and was hoping you would chime in.

Do you recommend using the liquid epoxy or the putty? I would think the putty would be easier/cleaner to work with but didn't know if it would be as effective.

Chris

I'm not familiar with the putty. I'd stick with the liquid. It's pretty thick. What you could do is to put a piece of masking tape over the hole, then punch a hole in the tape. You'll need tweezers or a needle to pull the tape from the hole. Trim it as neatly as possible, and voila, you won't have to worry about getting gunk on the hull.

[Wayne P.]

For the SI transducer, what are you expectations for that transducer? Your proposed location is not the best from what I can tell in your picture.

Why is the Lowrance transducer at that location?

What boat brand and style is it?

[reelnmn]

For the SI transducer, what are you expectations for that transducer? Your proposed location is not the best from what I can tell in your picture.

Why is the Lowrance transducer at that location?

What boat brand and style is it?

Boat is a 1993 Procraft (183 I think)

The Lowrance transducer was already installed in that location when I purchased the boat. Is that a bad install location as well? I planned on removing all the extra components once I have the Humminbird unit fully operational.

My expectations for the Bird? To give good SI and DI at speeds up to about 6mph. I'll have XP-9-20 thru hull installed for on plane depth readings. Where do you recommend it being installed?

I can try to get some better pictures if that would help.

[Wayne P.]

You made a good decision with the XP 9 20 shoot-thru addition. Did you get the AS SIDB Y cable also?

That transducer location should be determined by testing BEFORE you epoxy it to the hull. You probably have a location prepared in your hull for shoot-thru transducer installations. Check it out first. Follow the transducer installation instructions for testing.

Send me a picture of your transom with the motor raised up all the way and I'll mark the location for the SI tranducer.

purdum43@aol.com