Scupper Install of a Eagle Transducer on my P13!

Well after seeing the post by Great Bass 2 on mounting the eagle transducer in the scupper hole, I bit the bullet and went for it.

I have had a lot of trouble with my thru hull transducer installations.  I can get depth to around 80 ft and then it blanks out.  I never saw structure or fish like in my bass boat.  I have re-installed it many times with the same results.  The problem?  Bubbles!  This last time I tore it off, it had some huge bubbles under the transducer.  I think the Red Bluff summer heat is softening the Goop too much and allowing it to separate and form gaps.  I transport my kayak upside down, so it likely “droops” while driving around in the heat.

I though Great Bass’s fix would be the answer.  I am very pleased with the install.  It came out clean and really opened the hull of my kayak for rods or camping gear.

I cut the transducer attachment off and attached the ½” pvc.  The difference I made was using a threaded sprinkler extension.  With a starboard washer and PVC cap, I was able to screw the transducer tight to the hull.  The only difference from Great Bass’s install I ran into was the transducer sat flatter and deeper (completely inside) the recess with the flat face forward.  Not sure if it was the thicker pipe or angle, but it obviously doesn't really make a difference as long as it isn't shooting out at an angle.  I also used goop and zip ties through a hole drilled in the pvc and transducer, instead of screws.  Plastic and goop in the scupper hole seemed safer to me.  I did put a little fresh goop around the top of the transducer to help hold it in place on the hull after I tightened it down.





I ran the cable through the cap and plugged it off with a rubber grommet. A little Goop to waterproof the wire tube. Not necessary obviously, but it will help protect the cable from chafing against the PVC cap.

I got a plastic cable cover from West Marine.  With the P13 transducer in the back, I can’t access the hull; so a cable/wire seal won’t work.  I saw a guy using one of these on a Hobie install and it looked really clean.  I cut out a 1” hole with a hole saw (OUCH!).  I then put the gasket over the cable and ran it into the hull and down the side.  The cover was sealed with Goop and the entry hole filled with more Goop to make it water tight.  (I love Goop).







I then ran the transducer cable back through the front cup holder where I have my fish finder installed.  I Gooped the entry hole and bolted it all back down.  The backer plates are probably over kill, but they are solid.



I soldered the two prong water proof electrical hookup back together and zip tied the wires to the front scupper hole.  The mid section is nice and clean now, with the wires well out of the way.





I will have to be careful with my scuba gear in the tank well with the protruding cap, but it should be perfect for fishing and free diving.  I use the plano box for my tackle, so the tank well is just for the fish, my fins or my cart usually.

I am letting the goop setup for a few days before the test run.  I have a feeling this will work out a lot better.



Thanks for the idea Great Bass 2!

Matt

nice install

Very sleek setup!  Thanks for sharing...

That was great. Thanks Matt. You have inspired me to retro fit my Garmin 250 I have laying around to my P13. It's a great unit, but like you I have had terrible success with the in hull transducer. I ripped it off my old yak and it has just been sitting around. Cool.  .

 

  The scupper will still allow water to drain out right?  I'm thinking that if the scupper is can't vent, it'll trap air and even though the hull is on the water, that recess, if it can't vent will most likely trap a pocket of air and defeat the whole purpose.

Nice job Matt,
I have not had any issues with my thru hull install now 1 yr. old,
 but when or if I do I'll try that.

I like the DIY PVC approach 
Let us know how it works.

You have your yak ready now, lets go fish!!!

Tad
 

Very nice job!

Allen

Thanks guys. 

The scupper will still drain.  It has spaces along both sides of the transducer, and the washer holds the cap just above the deck to allow water to drain under it.

Tad, if the weather holds out I want to hit the lake next week!  Yes, PVC rocks.  Between Goop and PVC, there is nothing a kayaker can't make 

Matt

Looks sooooo clean!!!  Love the wire-seal too!!!  Thanks for sharing Matt!

Very nice setup Matt

Hope to see it close up at GS4
See ya then and get practiced up in making those whiskey flips dude

Stoggie

You are one brave dude for drilling all those hole but I think you pulled it off.  Nice Work