Attaching a Transducer

[Canuck]

I have a Lund S-18 and want to attach the transducer for my new Eagle 480. Shouldn't be a problem BUT when I had a closer look to where I was going to attach the plate to screw the tranducer into there is a metal compartment on the inside that is filled with floatation. The area beside the drain hole is tooooooo close to the motor for the tranducer. The only solution I see is using bolts about 10" and go completely through the compartment to the transum.

Has anybody ever attached a tranducer to a S-18,16 etc or even an Alaskan as they are all the same????

[Wave Runner]

The 10" bolts through the compartment is not a good idea. I think it would leak eventually.

Get one of the plastic transom mounting boards (available in any marine department). They come in several different sizes and should be able to find one that will give you a "normal" install (often times bolts are above the water line) on the hull. The transducer is then mounted to the plastic board and it's screws do not go through the hull.

[Walleye Guy]

Use the custom mounting bracket or buy some pan head sheet metal screws. Pre drill the holes correctly (this depends on ths size of the screw), coat the screws with 100% silicon caulk and srew them into the boat. This combination will not leak.

[bucketmouth64]

I agree about mounting it on a plastic board. I need to reposition my transducer because I lose the signal at high speeds. The marine serviceman said to put it on a mounting board. Just remember to use silicone to plug up old holes and attaching the board. He also said by using a mounting board I can attach other transducers if I get other equipment in the future. Better to drill into plastic than your boat.

[Surface Tension]

The mounting board is a good way to go.
As far as the foam behind the transom it shouldn't be any concern. Your not bolting the transducer bracket you use stainless or aluminum sheet metal or self taping screws so theres no need to access anything inside the boat.