Question regaiding how to install Airmar P79 shoot thru hull transducer?

[ranger17]

1 where should I install it ? best location ? I have removed fuel tank and plan to cut a hole to install access panel then install a transducer there.
2 how do I mount the base? using glue, screw, silicon or slow sure plastic welder? the base doesn't have hole for screw.
3 I read some articles saying that transducer can't operate in dry condition is that means I have to fill the base with some kind of liquid such as Marine oil, oil bath before installing the transducer?

Thanks,

ranger17

[DSCS]

If you don't have the install instructions that came with the transducer you can get them here.

http://www.airmartechnology.com/uploads/InstallGuide/17-217-01.pdf


1 where should I install it ? best location ? I have removed fuel tank and plan to cut a hole to install access panel then install a transducer there.
In the above instructions Airmar recommends slightly off centerline. Mine works find right on the centerline.

2 how do I mount the base? using glue, screw, silicon or slow sure plastic welder? the base doesn't have hole for screw.
In the above instructions Airmar recommends silicon adhesive.

3 I read some articles saying that transducer can't operate in dry condition is that means I have to fill the base with some kind of liquid such as Marine oil, oil bath before installing the transducer?
In the above instructions Airmar recommends 71ml (2.4 fl. oz.)of propylene glycol

If all else fails follow the instructions.  :whistle:

[ranger17]

What kind of propylene glycol that you used?
Based Coolant?
U.S.P ?

ranger17

[Yachter Yat]

Hi Ranger:  Airmar has pretty good instructions but I wouldn't use regular GE Silicone for setting.  Use this instead: http://boatlife.com/life-seal.html   Note:  LifeSEAL *not* LifeCAULK.  Also, I did a similar installation years ago in another boat and used mineral oil instead of antifreeze.....worked great.  Another thing I've done to help insure the transducer is shooting straight down is to level the hull on the trailer before installation.  Why level the transducer if the boat is sitting on an angle on the trailer?  I did this by simply letting the air out of one of the tires until the hull was level.   That's right.........I drive my wife crazy too!  :biggrin:

Yat

[GregE]

YAT, that leveling procdure  worth a grin!!   :biggrin: :applause:

[Salmon King]

Ranger...

There is another thread on here about installing a shoot-thru-hull transducer where I mentioned that Arima has graciously provided a space for the transducer to be mounted (at least it was there on my '83 SC). 

If you remove your fuel tank, put your hand in the large hole there next to the transom you should feel a flat spot just to the starboard side of the keel just in front of the hole.
That is for mounting a transducer. 
What I did was sand that area with some 60 grit, wipe it clean with denatured alcohol, then put a large dollop of silicon (yes I used the standard GE and it worked out perfectly) on the transducer (IMPORTANT!!!!!!  be sure you have no air bubbles in the silicon!!!) then place the transducer. 

Once it is in place twist it side to side with light downward pressure.  This will make sure you have a secure bond AND will work out any air bubbles that you might not have noticed.


I just pulled mine out for doing new electronics and found that I actually only had MAYBE 1/16" of silicon on the bottom of the transducer...the rest had performed a bead around the perimeter.  Like I said...mine worked flawlessly at all speeds in any conditions.  It worked so well that the next time I pull my fuel tank I will remove the new one from the transom and put it in there.


Terry

[Markshoreline]

Can you just use a transom mount as a shoot thru?  I have thought the shoot thru's were somehow special for that application.   ???

[Threeweight]

You can, but it takes a little more doing.  We used to glue standard transom mount ducers to the inside hulls of our fishing kayaks for shoot-thru-the-hull applications.  Build a foam bed with a cut-out in the middle to hold the transducer, then glue it down.  Once it has cured, fill it with marine silicone as Salmonking suggested, then insert the ducer, then put some weight on it to hold it.  Let cure 48 hours or so.

That said, I'd go with one designed for shoot-thru-the-hull if I were adding one to my boat.

[Salmon King]

Can you just use a transom mount as a shoot thru?  I have thought the shoot thru's were somehow special for that application.   ???

Mine was a transom mount.  Of coure the one I have now (the one I may move inside) is also.

[ranger17]

Just want to thank you all for your recommendations.  I have completed installation and tested it last Saturday.  So far it works well in bay but haven't tested it off-shore yet.  I will try to upload some pictures.

ranger17