Transducer location for Tomcat255

That argument for the ST40 has much merit to recommend it.

I only have experience with the E-80 and the DSM300/Airmar -- sorry!

I don't believe anyone else has ever posted about the ST40, because I believe that unit is more commonly installed on sailboats. You might ask around on a sailing forum -- several sailors here who could point you in a good direction if you are interested.

Warren
 
I'm about to install my shoot thru hull transducer. I read the following earlier in the thread:

>>

The spot is approx 12”by 12” in the starboard sponson against the transom. There is an indent where we have not cored the hull. It will be pretty obvious to whoever is doing the work. Your boat looks beautiful! Congratulations and thank you for your business.

Jeff Messmer <<

There is no obvious indented area in my starboard sponson. I looked at the picture from another member - i.e. stick your arm straight down the aft battery hatch to the left in the corner junction of the battery cases (facing rearward - into the starboard sponson) - but that area is not indented on my Tomcat. What about the very bottom of the sponson behind/around the bilge pump?

Thanks for the help. I suspect I will have to do tests while underway but I would sure prefer to do at least a temp install before I splash if I can find the right spot.
 
As near as I can remember now (it's been over a year since my transducer was installed) the spot is on the INSIDE, rear corner side of the Starboard hull, where the bilge pump is installed.

I had ordered and the shop had recieved the thru hull transducer, but something about my setup... yes the bait well... obliterated that intended installation spot from outside access, so I had to go with the transom mounted transducer.

My bait well was initially deeper than the waterline, so it would not drain. It was subsequently fixed with a shallower bottom, but I have not checked out if there is access now.

So, if you have a transom livewell, or dual Starboard batteries, you may not have access to the recessed area.

John
 
My memory is that it is flat with the bottom of the hull in that area, but the entire boat rides a bit 'bow up' so maybe not totally flat fore and aft.

John
 
Thanks for the replies. After several trials with a level I discovered the angle to be about 14 degrees. My particular transducer (Airmar 600w) had instructions that read the angle setting had to be within 5 degrees. The real test will be when she splashes of course.
 
The instructions called for GE Silicone II. We had some in the house from some bathroom work so I applied the bead around the bottom of the housing. 20 hours later and the stuff has not cured at all (temps yesterday were high 60's and sunny). For some reason the stuff I have is no good. I will need to clean it up and use the tried and true 4200. I need a watertight seal to hold the antifreeze.
 
Matt,
where are you putting this? In my boat this area is appears to be flat--14 degrees is a lot! Are you putting this in one of the bubbles? I susually make boxes, epoxy in place, and use mineral oil as the media.


I don't like silicone for an area which may be wet--and the bilge will be wet.

I must be missing what you are doing.

From Van Horn, Tx,

On the road,

Bob
 
Hi Bob,
Based on all the information I have received (also note Warren's photo above) the non-cored area is on the angled portion of the starboard sponson at the rear. Upon closer inspection yesterday, after about 6" forward of the transom I can see an indentation running forward about another 12". I'm mounting my transducer right in the middle of that area.

My particular instructions said the transducer needs to be within 5 degrees of level with a perpendicular plane to the very bottom of the boat. As near as I can determine, the angle of the sponson up from the very bottom is about 14 degrees.

The stuff I used (GE Silicone II) was recommended the instructions. (http://airmartechnology.com/uploads/Ins ... 217-01.pdf)
It has worked well in our shower so I figured it would work well on the boat. Ah well....I assume it will not cure over the course of today (considering it was not solidified at all in 20 hours) and I will remove the housing and mop it up. Once cleaned I will reset the housing with 4200 and be done with it. I will fill the housing with non-toxic antifreeze (polypropylene glycol) as a suggested alternative to mineral oil. I splash tomorrow afternoon so I will find out soon if it all works.
 
The depth gauge worked like a champ! I have bottom lock at all speeds (though I was not looking when briefly at WOT today). I cruised over a dive site I know very well and the depth was accurate - 109'.

So far I'm pleased with the 600W Airmar transducer on a Raymarine St-40 Depth Gauge.

Thanks for the help!
 
congratulations, Matt, on a successful installation. 'Looks like you checked out all the alternatives and finally arrived at a workable solution for you.

Have fun,

John
 
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