“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you”
In order to successfully install a depth finder, fish finder, or any other small electronic device for fishing or water activities onto a fiberglass boat, the first step is proper mounting of the transducer. There are many types of transducers available on the market and each of them requires different installation techniques. This how-to article will provide you with simple steps on how to mount a transducer onto a fiberglass boat.
First of all, determine what type of transducer you are going to buy and how you want it mounted on your boat.
There are three general types available:
Transom mount(outboard end)
Transom mount transducers are attached with a mount to the transom of a boat. Typically a plastic mount is drilled into the transom and it is adjustable to allow the transducer to dip down into the water and be held there.
Thru-hull
A thru-hull transducer is installed by passing it through an opening made in the hull of a boat. It snugly fits into the gap and is then sealed in place.
In-hull
The most recent advancement in fish finder technology is the in-hull transducer, which has eliminated many of the woes associated with flat panels. These sit on the inside of the hull and read through the hull material.
Be sure to purchase the right type of transducer for your boat. Consult a professional before purchasing a new fish finder or other electronics for use on your boat.
In this guide, we’re going to cover how to install a Thru-hull transducer.
When you have decided how and where you want to install your transducer, you can begin the installation process.
How to mount an thru-hull transducer:
First, mark where you want your installed fish finder to be on the boat. Once you have the exact location, take a drill and start drilling a hole in the bottom of your fiberglass hull.
- Line up where you want your fish finder to be and mark a small “x” in the center
- Drill a hole through the marked area with a drill bit that is just slightly smaller than your transducer. You will have to test fit it several times so that you do not go too deep into the hull
Once you’ve drilled the hole, get your fishfinder ready to mount. Be sure that it is the correct model for the hole you have drilled and that it is compatible with your boat. Once you have determined what type of mount it has, you can begin installing the transducer on the boat.
- Locate how much room your fish finder needs to fit inside your hull (measure how deep your hull is and how long the transducer will be)
- Insert your transducer into the hole. If it is too large for the hole, use a file to make it fit (never force something that does not fit). Do not attach anything yet
Now you must make sure that the surface of your boat where you will be attaching the transducer is clean and dry. If it is not, you will likely mount it improperly and ruin your fish finder (or other electronics).
- Once the area is ready, take your 5200 or marine grade adhesive and apply a small bead around the perimeter of where you want to attach your transducer.
Then, attach the transducer to your boat.
- Be sure that you apply enough adhesive around the base of where you want your transducer attached so that it does not fall off after a few weeks or months.
- Now apply sealant around the outside of your transducer (i.e. where it meets the hull). This is used to keep water from seeping into the boat and causing internal damage or rusting.
While mounting a thru-hull on your fiberglass boat is more difficult than a transom mount, it can still be done with enough persistence and a few tools.
Where should you position the thru-hull transducer?
The best place to mount your fish finder is in the center of the boat. This will give you a better idea of how deep or how clear the water in front and behind the vessel is.
What are some of the best fish finder models on the market?
There are many great fish finders on the market. Some of the top models include Garmin, Lowrance, and Humminbird. Examples of specific models include:
Lowrance Hook-2: this fish finder is a great, basic model that can be used by anyone from beginners to professionals
Garmin Striker 4: this is another great fish finder. It has a 3.5″ display and has a built-in GPS so you never get lost!
Garmin Striker Vivid 7CV: a newer model that has a 7″ display, with a screen that is always on, plus a load of advanced features.
FAQ’s
What is a transducer?
A transducer is a device that attaches to the side of your boat and sends out pulses of sound, or “pings” into the water. The pings reflect off of objects in the water and come back to the transducer. This triggers the fish finder which displays an image on your screen or monitor, giving you a clear view of what is going on under the water.
What can cause a transducer to read incorrectly?
Several things can cause a transducer to read incorrectly.
- Depth of water: how deep the water is will affect how well your fish finder reads. Shallow waters, especially sand or mud beds, will cause your depth reading to be incorrect
- Speed of boat: how fast you are going while using your fish finder will also cause the reading to be incorrect. If you are moving too quickly when you stop or slow down, your depth soundings will be off
- Temperature of water: how cold or how hot the water is can affect how well your transducer reads. Colder water = less pings detected. Hotter water = more pings detected
Why is it worth installing a fishfinder?
It is worth installing a fishfinder on your boat because it allows you to find where the best places are to drop your lines. This will give you many more opportunities, especially if you go out fishing frequently.
How do different fishfinders help me?
Different fish finders have a lot of features that will greatly assist you in catching more and bigger fish. Some of the most useful features include:
- GPS: how deep or how shallow the water is in front and behind you. This tells how far apart to place your lines when fishing, and how deep your transducer should be set in order to detect certain fish/bodies of water
- Chartplotters: how long it will take you to get from point a to point b. This will allow you to optimize how fast you go when dropping your lines, catching more fish in less time
- Automatic Chart Rotation: how deep the water is in front and behind your boat. This allows for easy navigation around different bodies of water and makes it easier to catch more fish
Installing a transducer on your fiberglass boat can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and some patience, it can be done. Be sure to consult with a professional before purchasing your new fish finder to ensure that you purchase the correct type of transducer for your boat. Once you have determined how and where you want to install your transducer, follow these simple steps to get started.
Happy Boating!
