transducer sealant question

[pikergolf]

I want to permanently mount my transducer. This involves a couple of sheet metal screws thru my aluminum transom. What is the recommendation for a sealant, and do I just apply it to the screw and screw in? Thanks.

[dodgeboy1979]

i just pre drill the hole, then add some clear silicon or marine goop into the holes prior to putting the screws in. Then just whip off the excess silicon that comes out.

[Big Sky]

Some silicone behind something like this.

https://www.cabelas.ca/product/10099...mounting-plate

If you are frugal, you wouldn't be the first guy to use a piece of treated wood.

[honker_clonker]

I'd also recommend getting the mounting plate, and using a pile of marine silicone to seal it.

[oilngas]

I would suggest a dense plastic mounting bracket glued to transom with the proper adhesive / sealant. Any Industrial plastic / adhesive store should be able to supply both. If you are coming by SE Calgary I can give you a piece of plastic and the adhesive (assuming it is still pliable and I can find it!!!).

The big advantage is that if you change sounders, mount transducer in wrong spot, damage transducer, tear it off on beaching etc. you can make changes without any holes in transom.

[huntsfurfish]

3m 4200 Marine and a mounting plate if someday you may want to remove it.

3m 5200 Marine and a mounting plate if you do not ever intend to remove it.

Already been said if you mount a plate you can move or add transducers(good advice).

Can get 3m marine at Canadian Tire.

4200 has 1 in stock in Medicine Hat.
5200 has 6 in stock in Medicine Hat.

https://www.cabelas.ca/product/10099...mounting-plate

Shows in stock.

And you can also add a couple screws if you wish.

PS - I used a couple of screws plus the 4200 and it was still not easy to get off after I got the screws out.

[Habfan]

Originally Posted by pikergolf

I want to permanently mount my transducer. This involves a couple of sheet metal screws thru my aluminum transom. What is the recommendation for a sealant, and do I just apply it to the screw and screw in? Thanks.

Marine Goop is the best. A small blob over the hole before you put the screws in, assuming you are pre drilling. If not, around the screw head after.

[-JR-]

If you are storing this boat out side or just under cold storage.
The transducer may fail if the temp. drops below -40 c
I now remove my transducer ever year from my boat.

[dodgeboy1979]

Originally Posted by -JR-

If you are storing this boat out side or just under cold storage.
The transducer may fail if the temp. drops below -40 c
I now remove my transducer ever year from my boat.

Your transducer must of got bumped, cracking the plastic when cold.

[fish99]

i used a puck board same material as hockey rink boards glued it to the transom of the crestliner mount transducer with screws just in the puck board no need to drill holes in boat that will eventually leak . it has be a few years now and no problems

[-JR-]

Originally Posted by dodgeboy1979

Your transducer must of got bumped, cracking the plastic when cold.

I have lost two because of the cold and i know a few other guys also that got broken.
Its been a few years since it got below -40
Just not taking any more chances

[EZM]

Like others have said - I strongly recommend mounting a plastic/marine board to the transom area where you intend to mount your transducer.

The plate mounts with a couple small screws and some marine sealant/glue like 5200 3M.

I've used 5200 on numerous applications below the waterline on numerous boats and have never had so much as a single drop of water in there. It creates a permanent waterproof seal.

At some point you will either want to adjust your transducer location or height and likely change out and/or upgrade your transducer and securing into a board (and not drilling more holes into your boat) is the way to go.

Do it once - do it right. Don't poke any more holes in your transom than you need to.