Transducer Mounting Plate

[Brad1]

I am looking for feedback from anyone that is using, or has used, a transducer mounting plate. Here's an example of what I am referring to:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/horizontal-item.jhtml?id=0000847010102a&navAction=jump&navCount=0&indexId=&podId=&catalogCode=&parentId=&parentType=&rid=&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fcatalog%2Fitem-link.jhtml_A&_DAV=AdvancedSearch&hasJS=true

My question is, does the seam or gap between the bottom of the mounting plate and transom, create turbulance that would affect the ability of the transducer to get a good reading? Especially at speed.

I'm getting ready to install a transducer on my new Hydra-Sports and I'm trying to determine if it would be wise to install a mounting plate first. It seems to me that the advantage of using such a plate would be greater with an aluminum hull (as shown in the link) since it is not easy to fill in a screw hole on an aluminum boat whereas it's easy to do so on a glass boat.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[logged out CnR]

I have used these on both boats I have owned. Never any problems and makes it a lot easier to add\change\remove transducers. Go with the smaller of the two listed in the link, I originally purchased the larger one and ended up cutting it down to the size of the smaller. Put a little silcone on the back of the board and stainless screws when attaching it, it will make it solid and prevent any water from creeping in.

CatchNrelease

[UseOneToo]

I also use one of the mounting plates. I insisted on it when I was ordering my boat and my dealer said "We do it as standard practice on every boat we sell".

My two prior boats did not have one ... largely due to my own ignorance at buying time.

I have had no problems with mine at all. Interestingly enough, the dealer on my current boat DID mount the transducer too close to the motor and had to move it. That plate has already proved its value.

[Brad1]

UseOneToo,

Just curious, how close was too close? I'm looking to mount mine approximately 18 inches from centerline on a single engine outboard.

[UsedOneToo]

>UseOneToo,
>
>Just curious, how close was too close? I'm looking to mount
>mine approximately 18 inches from centerline on a single
>engine outboard.

Brad1,

The errant location was about 6 inches from the motor itself. It caused loss of signal at revs over 4000. This loss was intermittent but ocurred about 60% of the time or so. The dealer insisted the location was not the problem and told me they mount all their transducers that close and do not have a problem. They wanted to make sure the depth was read from the lowest point of the boat or as close to it as they could get and also said that it was the point of cleanest flow of water. However, when the transducer was moved the problem went away. Interesting, huh?

My boat is in storage right now or I would go out and measure for you. My boat is 95 inches wide. Figure that means half of 95 or about 47 inches is found on each side of the motor center line. I would bet my transducer is about half way from the EDGE (not centerline) of the motor's shaft housing to the edge of the boat, if I recall correctly. That would put it about 23 inches or so from the motor.

I don't have enough experience to be able to tell you if 18 is enough or not. Sorry.

I do know that it is important to get it away from the chines of the boat, too. They can cause loss of signal by emitting a turbulent flow of water. I would call a dealer for your model of boat and ask their service center where they mount the transducers. Or, better yet, call the boat manufacturer's customer service center. They would know too.

Hope this helps.

[old fisherman]

The plate should be about 1/2" above the bottom of the boat. I use a substane called NP-1 to caulk the plate to my Lund. The biggest thing is to get it right the first time as it is very hard to remove. I'm on my third boat using this method. It also allows you to drill several hole in the plate but none in your boat.Hope this helps.

[Cooker]

I second the NP-1. However, it does take a very long time to setup (at least in cool weather). I had to have it taped in place for several days before it set up. I would suggest using a two step approach. First, use an instant adhesive or NP-1 between the board and the boat to get it stuck in place. Second, run a bead of NP-1 around the perimeter of the board to finish it off. Also, if the board has predrilled screw holes, fill the with the sealant to keep water from getting between the board and boat. I mounted my plate about 1/4th inch from the bottom of the boat.

[Far Beyond Driven]

Hey Cooker and Old fisherman, Would you still suggest attaching with two screws in conjunction to this NP-1?

[Cooker]

I just used NP-1 and no screws. It is solid as a rock. Hit a branch at about 45mph. Broke the transducer but the plate did not budge. Additionally, no holes throught the transom, therefore no leaking screws - ever.

[Walleye Nut]

Where can I get this NP1 ?

[T-Mac]

Brad, we install hundreds of transducer boards. Just keep the lower edge of the transducer board 1/8' to 1/4" above your hull line and and you will avoid the problems for which you had concerns.

[Cooker]

Got mine at a local lumberyard that caters more to contractors. Menards and Home Depot did not have it. You may also be able to do an internet search on NP1 Sealant and find someone.