Topic: Need Adhesive for Temporary Transducer Mounting (Painted Aluminum Hull)

[snooktarpon]

I need to mount my transducer for my 598ci HD. I have an aluminum stepped hull (painted) and have some limitations on where to mount it. I have another thread discussing this at http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/index.php?topic=5522.msg34581;topicseen#new. As a result, I don't want to screw holes in the hull for the transducer bracket only to find out that I need to move it for better performance.

So I would like to mount the transducer with a "silicone" type adhesive so I have the ability to remove the transducer and relocate it, but I need it to last for few good fishing trips. Then when I find a good transducer location, I have no problems of drilling holes in the hull to permanently mount it.

So will just plain silicone sealant work for this application? I read about 3M 4200 and 5200 (http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?66666UuZjcFSLXTtMXfXnXfXEVuQEcuZgVs6EVs6E666666--) but these seem to "permanent" for this.

[Humminbird_Greg]

I have never heard of someone using sealant only to mount a transducer for any sort of use other than for low speed testing.

My recommendation would be to use a 3M VHB type double-sided tape or better yet: mount a transducer board on your boat and install the transducer on it.

[snooktarpon]

I have never heard of someone using sealant only to mount a transducer for any sort of use other than for low speed testing.

I'm sorry if I wasn't clear on my intent but that is what I want to do. I'm concerned of permanently mounting the transducer only to find out that I'm not getting good readings due to turbulence from the stepped hull. So I may have to test several locations until I find one that works.

[Humminbird_Greg]

Well than you will have to make sure that the sealant you are going to use will not react with the plastic (PPE+PS and PBT) used in the hardware for the CSi transducer of the 598ci HD Si unit.

[Bob B]

The temporary mount is a good idea to be able to test your location.  Make sure you attach some sort of safety cable to the transducer to keep it out of the motor in case it comes off.

I would try mounting a poly board with the tape Greg is recommending and then move the transducer around on that.  That way the entire board could be moved if necessary to test a completely different location.

[Ken L]

Duct seal, aka electrical putty is the only way to do this. Get a golf ball size of this stuff, about $3.00 for a lifetime supply at HD, and stick the transducer to the hull with it. Mash it down as hard as you can. Go fishing. You will not be able to pull it straight off. You will have to pry it up from one end which takes some effort but not much. I have done this with kayaks for years. 

[snooktarpon]

Duct seal sounds perfect. Thanks!!!