duct seal question...

When mounting a FF transducer in-hull, is it best to push the transducer into a thing layer of duct seal (like 1/4 inch) and then stick it to the bottom of the hull? Or is it better to put the transducer directly in contact with the hull (no thin layer of duct seal) and then surround it with duct seal?

I've search the site for this answer but couldn't find it anywhere.

Thanks.

Hey there,

There's a YouTube video that shows exactly what to do if you do a little search. The only thing you want between the transducer and the hull of your yak is a thin layer of water. The duct seal basically makes a little pool for it. Think "Donut". Put the transducer in, pinch the duct seal so it doesn't move. Pour the water in so it goes up to the midpoint of the transducer. (1/8 inch). Go fishing.

I stopped with the duct seal and went with a closed cell foam for the water bath because it stained the yellow plastic of my yak. Not that I want my boat to be all pretty or anything...

The duct seal basically makes a little pool for it. Think "Donut". Put the transducer in, pinch the duct seal so it doesn't move. Pour the water in so it goes up to the midpoint of the transducer. (1/8 inch). Go fishing.

What Justin said above.

I have been using the water bath method for over a year now with duct seal. For the most part it has been great!  I've even been able to change out to another fishfinder with a different transducer just before launching!  As far as using a thin layer to just adhere the transducer to the hull, not many people I know have tried it.  If you do a search on the web for something like 'fishfinder duct seal' you will find other forums that have users that gave some mixed reviews on it.  The real key here is to make sure there is no air, bubbles, etc that can interfere with the signal from the transducer.  I do know someone that has been testing this method, yet I haven't yet heard back.  Maybe he will chime in 

Like Al, I also prefer the water bath with duct seal method.  I've tried other ways since Al first turned me on it, but shooting thru water is the most foolproof.

Slimply make a duct seal donut with the hole just slightly larger than the transducer.  Push the donut down where you want it and make sure it's watertight, pour in a little water, drop the transducer into the pool, and slightly squeeze to re-shape the donut just enough to hold the transducer in place..... and your done.

Just did a water bath today.  Hope to dunk the ai tomorrow in Monterey and test it out.

Bill

A nice addition to the duct seal donut is to use something like Saran Wrap on it.
Once I had the donut in place I laid a sheet of Saran Wrap over the duct seal, pressed it all around, then cut out the center of the Saran Wrap.
The wrap sticks to the duct seal, or maybe visa versa, so there is a nice smooth feel to the top of the seal. This way it won't stick to the transducer or anything else it comes in contact with yet can still be worked around the transducer to keep it in place.

Tote.... GREAT IDEA using Saran wrap!!!
I'll try that.  Keeping the putty clean of sand and mold was always a problem for me.  This should solve it.

This is my set up for 2 kayaks and it works great. Cheap and easy to set up. I use a piece of foam and cut out middle area for my Lowrance Transducer to sit in.  Gooped the foam inside the hull, to make sure there's no water leaks I put electric putty around the foam.  Pour some water into the foam before each trip and your good to go.  I will never goop my transducer inside the hull again.  The readings are so much better. 

I like the foam block method you mentioned.  I did that on a rental kayak for someone & it seemed to work out well.  Because my Lowrance Elite 7 transducer is sooooo large, it took 1-1/2 blocks of duct seal to damn it in place & I don't have a "visual" that there is water in there.  I will say this, it DID work great this past weekend for the trial run.  Got great soundings on both the standard fishfinder & the DSI.  Still sounded bottom at over 140 fow (DSI mode).  Picked up schools of baitfish too near the Red Can in Monterey so the signs of life moving in close are starting to show.

~Bill