Transducer Installation Picture

IN-HULL TRANSDUCER INSTALLATION

8000-01 TRANSDUCER

STEP 1: Choosing a Mounting Location

Since the hull absorbs acoustic energy, transmitting through the hull reduces the transducer's performance. Fiberglass hulls are often reinforced in places for added strength. These cored areas contain wood or structural foam which are poor sound conductors. To achieve optimal performance, find a location where the hull laminate is solid (not cored) and relatively flat.

STEP 2: Test the Selected Location

1. Anchor/Moor the the vessel in a body of water away from other boat traffic.

2. Plug the transducer cable into the back of the depth sounder display and turn the display ON. Once the display is turned ON, it will display the test sequence and then display the current depth. Make sure the Keel Offset feature is turned OFF.

3. Place the transducer close to your ear (do not press up against your ear). If the transducer is properly connected it will be emitting a ticking sound (similar to a wrist watch). If you do not hear this ticking sound, recheck your connections or visit our Customer Service Center for advanced troubleshooting.

4. Hold the transducer over the side of the vessel so that it is the same distance below the water surface as it would be at the in-hull mounting location. Note the depth that is being displayed on the Depth Sounder.

5. Remove the transducer from the water. Use one of the methods below to test the depth readings with the transducer at the desired in-hull location selected in Step 1.

If the hull surface is not smooth, sand it with 30 grit sandpaper until a smooth surface is obtained (see Step 3 "Gluing the Transducer In Place for sanding instructions). Partially fill a thin plastic bag with water, place the transducer inside and close it tightly with a tie wrap. Wet the surface of the hull and press the transducer face against the hull through the bag. Proceed to # 6

If the transducer will be located in an area in the hull that holds water, place the transducer against the hull and allow bilge water to cover the surface where the transducer touches the hull. Proceed to # 6.

If the hull surface is not smooth, sand it with 30 grit sandpaper until a smooth surface is obtained. Coat the face of the transducer with petroleum jelly and press it against the hull with a twisting motion. Use duct tape to hold it in place. Proceed to # 6.

6. If “---” readings appear or the readings are noticeably different from the depth displayed when the transducer was hung over the side of the boat, you will need to find another location. If the readings are similar, mark the spot in the hull and proceed to # 7.

7. Temporarily anchor the transducer on the marked spot using duct tape.

8. Remove the vessel from its mooring and operate it at idle speeds while getting to know the functions and performance of the depth sounder.

9. Gradually increase the boat speed and observe the depth readings (make sure you stay in water between 2.5 and 200 feet deep).

10. If “---” readings appear:

• Put the vessel in a slow turn. If “---” disappears when turning, the transducer’s position probably needs adjustment because it is in aerated water.

• If “---” does not disappear while turning, relocate the transducer using any one of the methods in # 5 and repeat #5 thru #10.

• If following 5-B, make sure that your “---” readings are not caused by the bilge water flowing away from the transducer face while turning, accelerating, or decelerating.

11. DO NOT proceed to the next step until you are satisfied with the readings. If you have difficulties please visit our Customer Service Center on our website or call 888-667-2767 for technical assistance.

STEP 3: Gluing the Transducer In Place

IMPORTANT:

Please use extreme caution when selecting your adhesive as the overall performance and enjoyment of your depth sounder depends heavily on the type of adhesive you use. USE ONLY A 2-PART, SLOW CURE EPOXY

To Glue The Transducer in Place:

1. All surfaces to be bonded must be smooth, clean and dry. If the hull surface is not smooth (as per the picture below), sand it with 30 grit sandpaper.

The area where you are going to glue in the transducer, must have a smooth surface area that is a little larger in diameter than the base of the transducer.

Review the picture below:

Any areas that have rough sections (pictured as white blotches in the red circle below), must be sanded to be 100% free from these imperfections.
The location MUST look like the area inside the green circle on the right.

2. Clean and dry both the selected glue in area and the face of the transducer with a weak solvent to remove any dust, grease or oil.

3. Thoroughly mix the epoxy (DO NOT mix the epoxy on the transducer).

4. Apply a generous amount of adhesive to the entire face of the transducer (side opposite from the cable) and the inside of the hull.

5. Press the transducer face onto the hull with a twisting motion to expel all air bubbles.

6. If the hull is slanted, temporarily secure the transducer in place with tape. Allow the adhesive to cure as per the manufacturer’s instructions.