Author Topic: XPTH Thru-Hull- Should I use epoxy? (Read 22214 times)

JudoJeff1234 · « **on:** April 19, 2012, 12:09:42 PM »

I've installed an XPTH thru-hull transducer on my boat, and used silicon between the hull, block, and transducer. Should I use epoxy instead? The directions from HB say to use a marine adhesive.

I used plumber's putty on the inside.

Jeff

sonar2000 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 19, 2012, 03:12:19 PM »

Probably not the right stuff.
There are postings on this forum dealing with putting shoot thru the hull transducers and can be searched using the tab at the top of the main menu. For drilled thru the hull I would use epoxy also.

Marine grade.

Remember to prepare the surface for receiving the epoxy.

Epoxy is the right way to install. but you have to be sure it is going in the optimal location.
Mixing epoxy is an art. For sonar to work you will need to ensure it is bubbless free.

Again there is info on "how to" by using the search..
Take your time and you will not have any problem
Chuck

Humminbird_Greg · « **Reply #2 on:** April 19, 2012, 03:16:25 PM »

Quote from: JudoJeff1234 on April 19, 2012, 12:09:42 PM

I've installed an XPTH thru-hull transducer on my boat, and used silicon between the hull, block, and transducer. Should I use epoxy instead? The directions from HB say to use a marine adhesive.

I used plumber's putty on the inside.

Jeff

Jeff,
I would think that a marine grade silicone would work okay for this. The idea is to form a removeable water seal and not make it a permanent attachment to the boat.

JudoJeff1234 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 19, 2012, 03:47:15 PM »

Thank you, Greg, you're the best! I suspect that if I had used epoxy, I'd never be able to remove it!

Chuck, years ago I installed a shoot-through the hull transducer and used epoxy to cement it against the hull. (for a 200DX) That's still sitting there, and I don't use it now.

This installation is one where the transducer is on the outside of the hull. So Greg provided the answer.

I appreciate the help!

sonar2000 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 19, 2012, 04:02:53 PM »

OK,
Thanks for clarifying the location. I had thought you were going inside the boat on the bottom.
Epoxy to the outside and or transom has been discussed with views towards using holes and/or screws.
I vote you to be the epoxy man now..

Chuck

JudoJeff1234 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 19, 2012, 04:15:26 PM »

If my photos were able to be posted:
First is the new installation, which is about 22 inches forward of the outboard.

Second is the stern, showing my transom mounted transducer.

Third is just a general picture of my boat.

Chuck, if only you know how much this is epoxied, bubble-gummed together!
I just gelcoated most area I could get at.

JudoJeff1234 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 19, 2012, 04:16:52 PM »

Try again: Here's the install that's new:

JudoJeff1234 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 19, 2012, 04:18:40 PM »

Here's second one, a stern view. New through hull is about 22 inches ahead of motor.

JudoJeff1234 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 19, 2012, 04:20:45 PM »

OK, just so you can laugh at my bloopers, last post is of me on the water...
yes Chuck, I do have pictures of me with fish, but I was afraid you'd notice it was a blowup photo, not real...

sonar2000 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 19, 2012, 04:30:25 PM »

lol, they say always hold the fish out in front of you. lol

or I could mention the fish really looked like bait.

Good pictures. You might consider putting them in the media under installations.. Folks do look at the media for ideas...

Yours is worth the posting of them.

Chuck

LocDown · « **Reply #10 on:** May 20, 2012, 08:45:57 PM »

Is it possible to 5200 the transducer to the inside hull and get good returns?

JudoJeff1234 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 20, 2012, 11:02:13 PM »

I assume 5200 refers to an epoxy...I still have a transducer epoxied to my fiberglass hull that I used for a HB200. It worked just as well as the one in the water on the transom.

When you miss the epoxy, you have to be careful not to create any air bubbles, that'll mess with the signal. I weighted the transducer down with a brick until the epoxy set.

Hope this helps.

LocDown · « **Reply #12 on:** May 20, 2012, 11:03:26 PM »

5200 is 3M marine sealant.

JudoJeff1234 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 21, 2012, 07:26:32 AM »

Then I can't say "YES" for sure. With epoxies, you just have to get rid of any air bubbles.

Did you try dry mounting it and seeing what kind of a return you get? Moving it around in the hull makes a difference, because you don't know where the air bubbles are trapped when the boat was built. Once you find a sweet spot, go out and pick up some epoxy adhesive.

Hope this helps.

Humminbird_Greg · « **Reply #14 on:** May 21, 2012, 01:57:54 PM »

Humminbird does not recommend using the 3M 5200 sealant to install an inside-the-hull transducer.

LocDown · « **Reply #15 on:** May 21, 2012, 06:48:45 PM »

just looking for ideas on what to use until I find the prime spot to epoxy.

Roddy · « **Reply #16 on:** May 21, 2012, 10:16:01 PM »

For transducer in hull mounting, Transducer setting compound is the only way to go!

Roddy

JudoJeff1234 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 22, 2012, 12:53:08 PM »

Roddy,
Tell me more about transducer setting compound, I've never heard of it.
Jeff

Humminbird_Greg · « **Reply #18 on:** May 22, 2012, 02:59:12 PM »

Humminbird recommends the use of a marine grade two-part slow cure epoxy. I have had good experience using the 30 minute cure Devcon brand epoxy.

Roddy · « **Reply #19 on:** May 22, 2012, 10:39:33 PM »

JJ, Transducer setting compound is used to set in hull transducer to the hull without the trapping air bubbles and having air voids. the compound can be perched at marine stores and boat yards.

Some boat manufacturers have built a spot in the hull for a in hull or through hull transducer installation. Call the manufacturer for more info.

Better transducer manufacturers will void a warranty if epoxy is used to install there product.

Roddy

LocDown · « **Reply #20 on:** May 22, 2012, 10:47:03 PM »

I can't seem to get a return on "transducer setting compound." What is the actual name of this product?

Roddy · « **Reply #21 on:** May 22, 2012, 11:28:46 PM »

check out the AIRMAR transducer home page FAQ search under "transducer installation glue" It shows a number of products that can be used. epoxy nor silicone are recommended, 3M 5200 is recommended.

Roddy

ITGEEK · « **Reply #22 on:** May 23, 2012, 07:48:17 AM »

You can use 5200 to seal anything on your boat, and it lasts forever.
It will get dirty, so I recommend painting over it.
It's especially great for below the waterline applications.
It's also an adhesive, so it will hold strong to whatever it's applied to.
Removal of it is a bitch, but it can be done successfully.

I recommend white over black.
I don't know why, but there is a different texture between the two colors.

It's the only thing I've used to plug up the many holes I've
drilled in my boat for the past 11 years.

If you're doing thru the hull, then there is absolutely nothing better than 5200.

Humminbird_Greg · « **Reply #23 on:** May 23, 2012, 12:11:05 PM »

Quote from: Roddy on May 22, 2012, 11:28:46 PM

check out the AIRMAR transducer home page FAQ search under "transducer installation glue" It shows a number of products that can be used. epoxy nor silicone are recommended, 3M 5200 is recommended.

Roddy

Roddy, I tried searching on Airmar’s web page for “transducer installation guide” but nothing came up. Can you post or send me a link to this please?

Humminbird_Greg · « **Reply #24 on:** May 23, 2012, 12:11:54 PM »

LocDown,
Are we talking about an inside-the-hull transducer here or a Thru-Hull (XPTH) as the thread subject states? You had asked “Is it possible to 5200 the transducer to the inside hull and get good returns?”, so I assumed you meant an inside-the-hull installation.

LocDown · « **Reply #25 on:** May 23, 2012, 12:28:14 PM »

Inside, shoot thru

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