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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Transduce mount

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NCBrew
Captain

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USA
338 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/28/2009 : 08:53:17

I presently have a Humminbird 787c GPS/depth sounder combination. I plan on using it both on my pontoon boat and Catalina 25.

It has a removable unit from the base so I will have a base mount on each boat. My problem is I only have 1 transducer.

My question is, should I buy a transom mounted transducer (like the one I use on the pontoon boat) or a ping thru the hull transducer. Is the bottom hull a single hull or is it a sandwitch hull. Can I ping through it or do I have to cut a hole.

I would like to see pictures of instrument setup on a pre 1988 Catalina 25.

NCBrew

1998 Catalina 250WK
Ravaging
Albemarle Sound,NC

I spent most of my money on boats and beer, the rest I just wasted.

Edited by - on

Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 12/28/2009 : 09:33:57

I mounted the transducer to shoot through the hull. The hull area just to starboard of the interior stairs (under the cushion) is single layered hull and relatively flat. A good number of the people on this forum have had good success using the wax from a toilet bowl ring to secure the transducer. It holds it securely, can be kneaded to eliminate air bubbles and is removable in case you decide to relocate it. My Humminbird transducer is made to shoot through the hull or mount outside on the transom. User choice. Won't you need to get another GPS receiver as well if you use it on both boats?

Edited by - Sloop Smitten on 12/28/2009 09:34:43

Tom Gauntt
Navigator

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204 Posts

Response Posted - 12/28/2009 : 09:40:56

NCBrew,

Here's what I did on my 1982 swinger:

I used a Eagle CUDA 250 for my depth and basic GPS needs. I also connected it to my VHF radio for the benefit of DSC. The teak mounting block is used to cover the two holes left by an old single gauge depth finder and a separate water temp gauge. I mounted the transducer inside the boat on centerline behind the swing keel. I used the wax from a toilet wax ring to mount the transducer (rather than oil or epoxy) and haven't had any trouble at all. If you mount your transducer inside the hull, you will not get accurate water temp readings. Not pictured is another addition below the Cuda GPS. I have since added a [url="http://www.standardhorizon.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=84&encProdID=491E084FB06B41812BEEF96C77A4A8E2&DivisionID=3&isArchived=0"]Standard Horizon Chartplotter[/url] to navigate some rather tricky channels nearby. I have been very happy with the performance of both, especially the Chartplotter.

On the port bulkhead, I replaced the old wet compass with a [url="http://www.ritchienavigation.com/catalog/product.jsp?op=pgroup&pgid=A1D272B3-1DD7-11DC-919C-86F3E007494B"]Ritchie Venture Bulkhead compass[/url]

The obvious problem is, one the most relaxing places to sit on the boat is in cockpit with your back against the bulkhead. Underway, this is hard to do on my boat due to the electronics on one side and the compass on the other. Because of the holes left from the dead or dying instruments (and the complexity of wiring and electrical interference), I mostly replaced things where they were with newer and improved items.

If you haven't priced transducers, you might want to do that. I was surprised at the price most people were/are asking.

Edited by - Tom Gauntt on 12/28/2009 09:43:51

NCBrew
Captain

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USA
338 Posts

Response Posted - 12/28/2009 : 20:24:53

Tom:
I am going to mount it either the same place as yours (old holes there) or on the other side.

Thanks for the picture.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 12/28/2009 : 20:43:23

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by NCBrew
 My question is, should I buy a transom mounted transducer (like the one I use on the pontoon boat)...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I have a transom-mounted transducer on my current boat, but I don't tack!

The transom on the C25 is generally out of the water, and windward under sail, one side or the other is WAY out. You can't mount in the middle--the rudder already has that spot.

Below the cabin sole, the hull is solid fiberglass. Many people successfully shoot through the hull--no holes required.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 12/28/2009 20:44:10

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 12/28/2009 : 22:23:00

I also used a chunk of wax from a toilet wax ring with success for my Eagle Cuda fishfinder/depth sounder, placing the transducer just behind the keel cable "volcano". Just don't knead the wax any more than absolutely necessary. You don't want to trap air bubbles in the wax.

Edited by - on

Unsinkable2
Captain

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USA
273 Posts

Response Posted - 12/29/2009 : 13:08:56

Same as others, I used a shoot-through-the-hull transducer mounted behind the volcano. I cut a small piece of cardboard tube (approx 5 inches in diameter) and laid it down on the hull, then used a propane torch on a couple of wax toilet rings. The wax dripped in nicely around the puck transducer, and the cardboard ring kept the hot wax from running all over. Once the wax dried, I pulled the carboard ring out. Made for a nice, tidy installation that never has a problem. Going on 3 years now and with annual temps that stretch from 105 to 0.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3408 Posts

Response Posted - 12/29/2009 : 16:59:13

Here's the sensor mounted below the VBerth area using the toilet bowl wax ring method and some photos of a Humminbird Fishfinder mounted with a RAM swing mount.:

Edited by - on

NCBrew
Captain

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USA
338 Posts

Response Posted - 12/29/2009 : 17:39:13

Thanks for the pictures. I can't imagine where under the V-berth you are referring to. Wouldn't people be stepping on the transducer as they go to the V-berth.

I visited your blog and I see where the transducer is mounted.
By the way, nice installation of the storage area.

NCbrew

Edited by - NCBrew on 12/29/2009 18:25:11

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3408 Posts

Response Posted - 12/29/2009 : 22:03:00

What is so great with the wax method is that it takes no time at all to install the sensor and if no signal in first location you try, then very easy to try again.

I guess my website explained or showed details better to see exactly where near the VBerth it is installed. It is right next to the original sensors/transducers accessible from the hinged door below the VBerth area.

Edited by - on

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.