Transducers - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Fiskadoro · 02-22-2010, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoffkoop

Can you guys post pics (or link to a thread) of transducers mounted directly in the water....

I started with the over the side but went to a in the hull set up.

No added drag, no rigging hassle, no leaks, and superior performance.

I didn't bother to shorten the transducer cable but tied it off.

I just connect the finder to the connection above and it's on.

it's just a standard transom mount transducer with depth and temp with an dual operating frequency of 200 and 50 kHz, since I never fsh over 300 feet I keep it set with a beam width of 15 degrees at 200 kHz, but even at that setting I can read fish at 500 feet.

Not for the faint of heart but it works for me.

Jim

SteveK · 02-23-2010, 05:19 AM

Jim, Very Cool, one of the best I've seen.

Hunters Pa · 02-23-2010, 07:39 AM

I did mine Jim Day style and, yes it is NOT for the faint of heart but I can watch my swimbait all the way down in 90 ft

Geoffkoop · 02-23-2010, 09:07 AM

Pretty cool guys! I am in the process of creating the wet mount. Seems like it should work better than the goop method. I'll let you know how it works.

Fiskadoro · 02-23-2010, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hunters Pa

I did mine Jim Day style and, yes it is NOT for the faint of heart but I can watch my swimbait all the way down in 90 ft

Have you had an issues at all?

I've had none.

One guy emailed me that he did it and had a few drops of water leak in but that was it. I can't imagine how that would happen. If it's done right (I saw your post and you did a great job, nicer then mine..LOL) I can't see how it could leak.

I tried goop and a wet mount inside the hull and I was always having to mess with it and the results were sub par in my opinion. Then again I have higher expectations because I'm used to installing them on boats.

The thing I like about it is it's trouble and hassle free and I never have to do anything or think about it. It works just as well as the transducer on my skiff, and requires no maintenance. One less thing I have to worry about...LOL

Jim

Hunters Pa · 02-23-2010, 02:46 PM

I have not had a drop! I think what was key was predrilling & not skimping on the 5200.

& thx for the compliment!

Geoffkoop · 02-23-2010, 02:58 PM

That cutout looks like the best idea but im way to scared to start chopping up the Hobie.

Nic D · 02-23-2010, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoffkoop

That cutout looks like the best idea but im way to scared to start chopping up the Hobie.

come on Geof, its only money

Hunters Pa · 02-24-2010, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoffkoop

That cutout looks like the best idea but im way to scared to start chopping up the Hobie.

I'll be teh first to admit that it was a HUGE leap of faith. After I cut the hole it was a major WTF have I done?!?!?!

BUT the difference between the way it was gooped in before and how it is now, there is no comparison. I had to turn down the sensitivity some. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to convince you. But the rationale behind it being safe convinced me.

With the aluminum plate tightened down against the neoprene you have a compression seal. Then you have the 5200, which after doing this I am convinced is nasty to work with but in-freaking-credible stuff! When my daughter (age 4) grows up & starts dating

I just may have to use this on the boy's britches to make sure they stay on

. That and the nail gun

But I digress. After the initial run and seeing how dry it is inside, and considering the double seal involved I would absolutely take this approach again.

steveooo · 02-23-2010, 03:18 PM

Here's mine. Through hull, ala Bing!
Had it in a year now. Not a single drop of water. No drag. No maintenance. I can read bottom in over 500 ft, track small jigs all the way down, and have an accurate surface temp. Went a little heavy on the 5200, but it offers me a good peace of mind.

Sorry for the bad photo's

Jason · 02-23-2010, 04:37 PM

I also did the thru hull and don't have any leaks either. I used just enough 5200 to bond it to the kayak and make it waterproof. If done correctly, it's not going to just come apart and sink your kayak.

I trimmed off the excess 5200 once it was fully cured. (after this photo was taken)

I am not trying to encourage anyone to do this. I just wanted to verify, from my own experience, that this can be done without compromising safety.

Jason

herbo · 02-25-2010, 09:41 PM

BTW Re: wet mount I was at Camping World recently and in their sewer hook up parts they had clear plastic fittings. they might be large enough for transducers.....H

Scotto · 02-26-2010, 01:41 PM

Nice install Jim. Thru hull is the way to go just be sure to use the fast cure 5200 (which you can also get in white). The regular stuff can take a month to cure. My only question is why you did not use SS counter sunk bolts with SS fender washers and nylock nuts on top instead of screws? Not that I think you would have any issues with screws but curious what went into that decision. I have built and rigged many skiffs and was just wondering. My yak is old school with no FF since I don't use it very often.

Good 5200 story, I had to torch and sledge hammer out my last bronze transducer which I used 5200 to install (it failed) in my boat. I have drilled 7 thru holes in my boat and none leak. I once had to use a forklift to get an engine bracket off a boat that was adhered only with 5200 (bolts removed)!

02-25-2010, 09:41 PM	#12
herbo Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Canyon Country, Ca. Posts: 116	BTW Re: wet mount I was at Camping World recently and in their sewer hook up parts they had clear plastic fittings. they might be large enough for transducers.....H __________________ mellow yellow malibu eXtreme

02-23-2010, 05:19 AM	#2
SteveK Junior Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 22	Jim, Very Cool, one of the best I've seen.

02-23-2010, 07:39 AM	#3
Hunters Pa Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Fullerton Posts: 1,361	I did mine Jim Day style and, yes it is NOT for the faint of heart but I can watch my swimbait all the way down in 90 ft

02-23-2010, 09:07 AM	#4
Geoffkoop Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: So. Orange County Posts: 302	Pretty cool guys! I am in the process of creating the wet mount. Seems like it should work better than the goop method. I'll let you know how it works.

02-23-2010, 02:46 PM	#6
Hunters Pa Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Fullerton Posts: 1,361	I have not had a drop! I think what was key was predrilling & not skimping on the 5200. & thx for the compliment!

02-23-2010, 02:58 PM	#7
Geoffkoop Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: So. Orange County Posts: 302	That cutout looks like the best idea but im way to scared to start chopping up the Hobie.

02-23-2010, 03:18 PM	#10
steveooo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,922	Here's mine. Through hull, ala Bing! Had it in a year now. Not a single drop of water. No drag. No maintenance. I can read bottom in over 500 ft, track small jigs all the way down, and have an accurate surface temp. Went a little heavy on the 5200, but it offers me a good peace of mind. Sorry for the bad photo's

02-23-2010, 04:37 PM	#11
Jason Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Carlsbad Posts: 80	I also did the thru hull and don't have any leaks either. I used just enough 5200 to bond it to the kayak and make it waterproof. If done correctly, it's not going to just come apart and sink your kayak. I trimmed off the excess 5200 once it was fully cured. (after this photo was taken) I am not trying to encourage anyone to do this. I just wanted to verify, from my own experience, that this can be done without compromising safety. Jason

02-26-2010, 01:41 PM	#13
Scotto Junior Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bay Ho Posts: 5	Nice install Jim. Thru hull is the way to go just be sure to use the fast cure 5200 (which you can also get in white). The regular stuff can take a month to cure. My only question is why you did not use SS counter sunk bolts with SS fender washers and nylock nuts on top instead of screws? Not that I think you would have any issues with screws but curious what went into that decision. I have built and rigged many skiffs and was just wondering. My yak is old school with no FF since I don't use it very often. Good 5200 story, I had to torch and sledge hammer out my last bronze transducer which I used 5200 to install (it failed) in my boat. I have drilled 7 thru holes in my boat and none leak. I once had to use a forklift to get an engine bracket off a boat that was adhered only with 5200 (bolts removed)!