Dumb Transducer Question

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dwarren

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New (to me) Silverton 37 Convertible. I'm trying to figure out where the original transducer actually is. Anyone have a clue? I MUST be missing it because can't find the thru hull.

Second Question - Replacement of said transducer.....is there a way to not have to make a hole in the hull to install or is that just part and parcel to upgrading? I question my abilities to remove the old and install the new.
 
Transducer for what? Depth sounder? Shouldn't be hard to find. Look for a fitting inside the hull bottom with a cable exiting the transducer. Once you find it and identify the type, you should be able to determine if your new transducer will fit in the old hole or if you are going to have to start over. There should be a blank spacer to place in the hole once you take the transducer out.
 
There may be no thru-hull fitting.

It is often referred to as a "shoot-through transducer mount".

In simple terms, the transducer is mounted inside the bilge, located in such a way as to "shoot" through an un-cored section of the hull.

As to where? I can't help.

As to Q2, there are no holes in the hull with a shoot-through mount. But replacement could either be easy, or difficult depending on if the original used a "proper mount" or if they simply epoxied the transducer directly to the hull ( it works, but not a good plan )

Time to explore the bilge...

--edit--

to add:

Here is an installation guide for an "in hull transducer" from Airmar:

http://www.airmartechnology.com/uploads/InstallGuide/17-217-01.pdf
 
quote:
Originally posted by Radioactive

There may be no thru-hull fitting.

It is often referred to as a "shoot-through transducer mount".

In simple terms, the transducer is mounted inside the bilge, located in such a way as to "shoot" through an un-cored section of the hull.

As to where? I can't help.

As to Q2, there are no holes in the hull with a shoot-through mount. But replacement could either be easy, or difficult depending on if the original used a "proper mount" or if they simply epoxied the transducer directly to the hull ( it works, but not a good plan )

Time to explore the bilge...

--edit--

to add:

Here is an installation guide for an "in hull transducer" from Airmar:

http://www.airmartechnology.com/uploads/InstallGuide/17-217-01.pdf

Click to expand...


Yeah, again, new boat (but I'm not a new boater ;0)). Usually, I'd expect to see either the thru hull or atleast hull mount mid-ship but I'm seeing notHing. I thought maybe someone knew something about silverton that I didn't.
 
Sadly, it looks like time for "a bilge crawl". My only suggestion more or less matches with the PDF link: look from mid-ship to transom, starting at the center-line and working outward. Sometimes they get hidden beneath the engine, between the engine stringers.

( obvious caveat: This assumes you have reason to believe that a transducer ever existed. Not all boats have one. < I know; you knew that> )

The only upside is that a personal, up close inspection of the bilge of a "new-to-you" boat is always a good plan. It usually helps with future issues.
 
Can you clarify: Are you presently only looking down through hatches into bilge spaces, or is the boat winter-hauled and you cannot find a T/D on the outside, even on the transom?

As Gregory S asked, was the transducer you seek connected to a now-defunct or missing depth gauge ( or possibly speed/depth/temp)?
Just asking because you if do find an elusive old thru-hull T/D and...if.. you are thinking of a new T/D to connect to a say, a multi-function chartplotter/sonar, you could remove the old one and install a nice flush mount tilt-angle T/D in the same hole spot . Butthe hole would likely need to be enlarged to accommodate a larger dia. stem. -Not a big deal.

If you do end up removing an old one (on land! :D), you might care to hire a yard to do that, as it can involve judicious use of heat and/or Debond & micro-braid line as sealant cutter to loosen strong sealants, and wrenching in tight bilge spaces and outside with leverage.
 
Thanks Sandy, you read my mind. I found the through hull hidden stealthily under the gen set. It's old to say the least. I bought a decent GPS-Chart Plotter/Sounder with CHIRP. If I don't do xducer this year (rushing to get boat out of old boat yard), I'll survive with the old depth "system" which is the size of a small ox mounted on the helm :0) and pull the old one next year.

Much appreciated for all the input.
 
I have the thru hull one. They work okay sometimes but lose bottom alot.

It's nice that there isn't another hole in the hull.
It's also nice because it can be installed while boat is in the water.

I have thought about adding a second one but was told they may intefere with each other.
I think this technology is changing alot as I am now seeing thru hull ones that work with the ipad software apps.
I love my ipad chart plotter. If I had my way, I would rip my rayjunk out and put a ipad holder in its place!
 
Douglas - That's good you tracked that sucker down. When you get around to it, you might consider the Airmar B175H-W CHIRP flush mount as replacement. Medium price and I have very happy sonar results with it on my boat in place of an old unused T/H T/D with clunky high=speed fairing block.
 
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