Transducer Installation

It is extremely important that at the most critical depths the transducer is as perpendicular to the bottom as possible. This is usually navigating through shallow bars, channels or reefs, and choosing a good anchorage. Sailboats will normally be moving slowly and not heeled under these circumstances. The "dead rise" of the hull will angle the transducer affecting the accuracy of the unit. Therefore a "fairing block" is installed between the transducer and the hull to achieve the desired angle. Racing boats, both power and sail will want to flush mount the transducer, another installation problem we won't cover here.

There are several things to keep in mind when installing a transducer with a fairing block:

• If you are using a wood (teak) block you can only use a bronze transducer. As the wood swells from immersion in water a plastic transducer housing will be overstressed and likely crack. If you must use a plastic transducer use plastic fairing blocks made from "starboard". It is not recommended to install plastic transducers in wood hulls for the same reasons.

• You will need to order a transducer with an extra long neck to accommodate the thickness of the wood fairing blocks.

• You will need an interior fairing block as well to accommodate the interior dead rise of the hull.

• Pick a spot to mount the transducer that is as far forward as possible without encountering turbulence when underway at normal cruising speeds. The location must also be easily accessible from the inside as well.

• Mount the exterior fairing block on the outside of the hull centered onto the small pilot hole you drilled to locate it's proper position. Small self taping screws can be used for this purpose. Don't forget the sealant between the fairing block and the hull. Now use your hole saw to drill the hole to fit the transducer. The fairing block will act as a drill guide keeping the hole at the proper angle.

• Slide the transducer and cable into the hole applying sealant (5200 caulk is good) for a good seal. Carefully place a stick (with a sponge on top) between the ground and the transducer to keep pressure on the transducer face keeping it firm in the hole. Be careful not to damage the transducer face.

• Inside the boat apply more sealant to the hull around the transducer and install the inside fairing block. Tighten the bronze ring nut as tight as you can until sealant starts to squish out from around the fairing block.. Do not wipe away extra sealant, leave a good bead around the hull to fairing block joint.