Fish Finder Xducer - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

ElectroMike · 07-31-2008, 10:30 PM

Do I really need a through-hull xducer or will most transom mount types work through the kayak hull?

dgax65 · 07-31-2008, 11:40 PM

When kayak fishermen talk about 'thru-hull' they generally mean that the transducer is transmitting through the hull. I have never seen anybody use a real thru-hull transducer on a kayak. You wouldn't want the transducer hard-mounted on the underside of the hull, as it could be damaged when landing. The most common kayak mounting method is to use an adhesive to secure a transducer to the inside of the hull. This method protects the transducer and still provides acceptable sonar performance.

Kayak thru-hull transducer

Montesdad · 08-01-2008, 07:26 AM

I just installed a Humminbird unit on my Revo. Bought the exterior mount transom type transducer and am using it inside the yak. They sell pucks but they aren't necessary as long as you mount the transducer pointed in the right direction.

The external units mounted internally are what most everybody I know use.

I was told that if you get bubbles in your adhesive, it can adversely affect the performance of the transducer and give poor readings on your FF so I set up a water bath made from some closed cell foam and clamp the transducer to the mast post. I get great readings:

ElectroMike · 08-01-2008, 11:42 AM

Thanks for the help guys. I was able to thing the unit I wanted with the choice of xducer so I took the one that transmitts through hull. I'll let you know how it works out.

Dan W. · 08-02-2008, 05:16 PM

After years of re-glueing the transducer because of bubbles or poor signal I was pretty fed up with that method. I tried the water system as mentioned above and I think I may not have to fix it for a long time. I used a slice of wide pool noodle and carved out the shape of the puck, cutting a groove on each side for air and water to escape, and glued it down to the yak. Just pour in an ounce of water and put the puck in. It fits snug and tight and no bubbles because of the grooves. Crytal clear signal and maintenance free.

bajadog · 08-04-2008, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan W.

After years of re-glueing the transducer because of bubbles or poor signal I was pretty fed up with that method. I tried the water system as mentioned above and I think I may not have to fix it for a long time. I used a slice of wide pool noodle and carved out the shape of the puck, cutting a groove on each side for air and water to escape, and glued it down to the yak. Just pour in an ounce of water and put the puck in. It fits snug and tight and no bubbles because of the grooves. Crytal clear signal and maintenance free.

Thanks Dan.
Can you post a photo please?

deeberdave · 08-04-2008, 09:07 AM

I've been using the water/pool noodle setup for about six months, has
worked great for me also. Just add water and your in business!!!

Dan W. · 08-04-2008, 06:15 PM

bajadog · 08-05-2008, 05:23 AM

Thanks Dan.

Vikingj · 08-05-2008, 09:53 AM

Thanks all for the photo and details. I'm just in the process of hooking up a new ff and had never heard of the water pocket before.

Billy V · 08-05-2008, 10:59 AM

Just a quick question..........

What exactly does it look like if you were to get bubbles in the marine goop ??
or, is it more like you will miss fish signals ??

Dan W. · 08-05-2008, 06:44 PM

In my experiences, it can't find the bottom. It jumps back and forth from showing something ridiculously deep to really shallow. Complete malfunction.

07-31-2008, 10:30 PM	#1
ElectroMike Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 32	Fish Finder Xducer Do I really need a through-hull xducer or will most transom mount types work through the kayak hull?

07-31-2008, 11:40 PM	#2
dgax65 Guerro Grande Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 629	When kayak fishermen talk about 'thru-hull' they generally mean that the transducer is transmitting through the hull. I have never seen anybody use a real thru-hull transducer on a kayak. You wouldn't want the transducer hard-mounted on the underside of the hull, as it could be damaged when landing. The most common kayak mounting method is to use an adhesive to secure a transducer to the inside of the hull. This method protects the transducer and still provides acceptable sonar performance. Kayak thru-hull transducer __________________ Douglas Gaxiola Team No Fish- Amateur Staff

08-05-2008, 05:23 AM	#9
bajadog I eats what I kills Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 393	Thanks Dan. __________________ Please release bill-fish.

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08-01-2008, 07:26 AM	#3
Montesdad Grey Haired Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: So. Orange County Posts: 53	I just installed a Humminbird unit on my Revo. Bought the exterior mount transom type transducer and am using it inside the yak. They sell pucks but they aren't necessary as long as you mount the transducer pointed in the right direction. The external units mounted internally are what most everybody I know use. I was told that if you get bubbles in your adhesive, it can adversely affect the performance of the transducer and give poor readings on your FF so I set up a water bath made from some closed cell foam and clamp the transducer to the mast post. I get great readings:

08-01-2008, 11:42 AM	#4
ElectroMike Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 32	Thanks for the help guys. I was able to thing the unit I wanted with the choice of xducer so I took the one that transmitts through hull. I'll let you know how it works out.

08-02-2008, 05:16 PM	#5
Dan W. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: South Park, San Diego Posts: 49	After years of re-glueing the transducer because of bubbles or poor signal I was pretty fed up with that method. I tried the water system as mentioned above and I think I may not have to fix it for a long time. I used a slice of wide pool noodle and carved out the shape of the puck, cutting a groove on each side for air and water to escape, and glued it down to the yak. Just pour in an ounce of water and put the puck in. It fits snug and tight and no bubbles because of the grooves. Crytal clear signal and maintenance free.

08-04-2008, 09:07 AM	#7
deeberdave Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: CARLSBAD Posts: 34	I've been using the water/pool noodle setup for about six months, has worked great for me also. Just add water and your in business!!!

08-04-2008, 06:15 PM	#8
Dan W. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: South Park, San Diego Posts: 49

08-05-2008, 09:53 AM	#10
Vikingj Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Dana Point area Posts: 438	Thanks all for the photo and details. I'm just in the process of hooking up a new ff and had never heard of the water pocket before.

08-05-2008, 10:59 AM	#11
Billy V Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bay Ho Posts: 1,382	Just a quick question.......... What exactly does it look like if you were to get bubbles in the marine goop ?? or, is it more like you will miss fish signals ??

08-05-2008, 06:44 PM	#12
Dan W. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: South Park, San Diego Posts: 49	In my experiences, it can't find the bottom. It jumps back and forth from showing something ridiculously deep to really shallow. Complete malfunction.