How to Mount a Transducer

A transducer is the part of a fish locating apparatus that is immersed in water. A fish finder is used by people who are fishing in boats. The transducer changes the signal from the control device, usually located in the boat's cabin, into a high-frequency acoustical signal. This signal is transmitted downward from the transducer toward the bottom of the lake or ocean floor. If the signal strikes an object, such as a fish, before striking the lake or ocean floor, the signal is echoed back to the transducer, which interprets the echo and sends the corresponding signal to the control unit.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drill
• Drill bits
• Punch
• Silicon Sealant
• Screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench

1. Locate the position to put your transducer on your boat. A popular choice is the transom mount. This mounting position allows for good signal transmission. Choose a position on the bow of the boat below the waterline, about 15 inches to either side of the center line. This is to reduce interference from the propeller. Your boat should be dry before beginning work.

2. Position the mounting plate or mounting plate template if supplied in the chosen position. Use a punch to mark the hole locations for the mounting plate. Use a drill to drill a hole with the diameter of the mounting bolts.

3. Fill the drilled holes with silicon sealant. With the sealant still wet, position the mounting plate over the holes and put the mounting bolts through the holes. Tighten the nuts with an adjustable wrench, but do not fully tighten until ensuring that the transducer is parallel with the boat's water line. Slightly adjust the plate to level the transducer and fully tighten the nuts.

4. Tighten the pivot bracket screws with a screwdriver if your model has a pivot bracket.

5. Drill a hole above the water line for the transducer cable. Fill the hole with silicon sealant. Feed the transducer cable through the hole and connect it to the control unit. Mount an escutcheon plate over the cable hole by using the mounting screws and a screwdriver.

6. Wait 24 hours for the silicon sealant to fully cure.

Tips & Warnings

• When drilling the mounting holes, start with a small bit, then work up to the larger one so as to prevent chipping.
• Flotation safety devices should always be worn when boating as accidents can happen unexpectedly.

References

• Transom Mount

Resources

• Boating Safety

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