New FF - Lowrance Hook2 5 SplitShot HDI - need transducer advice

Hey.  I splurged many months ago and got the Lowrance Hook2 5 SplitShot HDI for $325 or something.  Local purchase up here.

Anyway, I have always embedded my transducers in "Goop", being careful not to leave a bubble under the 'ducer.  I've only ever had basic (non-GPS/mapping) fishfinders, and the Goop-embedded transducers have always worked great.  I also like that there's nothing on the bottom of my hull to scrape off on rocks - I'm too rough for that type.

My question:  Does anyone know whether my new unit's transducer should NOT be installed in that way?

TIA.

Abking

That's how I installed the transducer for my Hook2 5, and it has been working fine (I used Lexel instead of Goop, but same idea).

Hi Eric

I had my Lowrance Elite Ti and Hook transducers mounted with duct seal but not been happy with FF finder performance on my Hobie Oasis kayaks.  Lately, I remounted using a plastic container and pouring water method.  I cut the bottom of the container and glued it to the hull using silicon.  Added additional duct seal to make sure the water will not leak.  Before launch, I need to filler the container with water.  However, I have not had any chance to test them yet. 

Please see the following video for comparison:

Paul

Than you!

Paul, please update when you've tested it, that's so smart.

I used Lexel to mount my Double Shot transducer. Worked great but the stuff dries very slow. The Triple Shot, or any other side scan cannot be glued in hull from what I’ve read.

Paul, please update when you've tested it, that's so smart.

It is not my idea, I copied other ideas with slight modification.
I will update after several uses.
Hopefully soon.

Paul

I used a water bath for a while and it worked great. However, filling it with water before every launch was annoying, and in my opinion kayak fishing in the ocean already involves too many logistical chores.

Resistance is futile Eric, the dark side awaits with the built in lowrance slot☺️☺️

I have this FF. I hate it. The loading for the map takes for days and when I was fishing for squid last month I did t see anything while everyone else saw lines. It's better to get the older hook or elite series!

Resistance is futile Eric, the dark side awaits with the built in lowrance slot[emoji3526][emoji3526]

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I used  pure silicone. Never any bubbles for me. The key is to use a sponge cutoit template which is siliconed down ahead of time before transducer placement

Mine has the transducer “gooped” to the bottom, not inside the hull. It is very secure. I have a new FF to install and thinking I may goop the new one to the under side again as well. I have Hit it on stuff pretty hard and it hasn’t budged so it seems to work. I have not had very good results with through hull transducers, however they were on aluminum boats.

Hi Eric

I had my Lowrance Elite Ti and Hook transducers mounted with duct seal but not been happy with FF finder performance on my Hobie Oasis kayaks.  Lately, I remounted using a plastic container and pouring water method.  I cut the bottom of the container and glued it to the hull using silicon.  Added additional duct seal to make sure the water will not leak.  Before launch, I need to filler the container with water.  However, I have not had any chance to test them yet. 

Please see the following video for comparison:

Paul

I’ve used this method before and like the water bath. For the Tupperware container, thick gauge latch top is the way to go since you will mount the ducer to the lid.  Be careful with your Spacing and try to have a super thin layer of water between the hull and the transducer bottom for best results. I used a hot knife to make a clean curved cut on the Tupperware, since I chose to permanently glue the Tupperware bottom to the inside of my kayak hull ( before I went to the dark side and got an outback that was lowrance ready). Cut your Tupperware container to shape, then glue it down to the bottom of your hull. If you get a good cut and seal, no need to coat the bottom with silicon.

Then mount the ducer to the bottom of the Tupperware lid being careful to measure for spacing between tea ducer bottom and hull, as well as to ensure the transducer is relatively level. The whole unit (Tupperware and transducer) remains in the hull full time, and you just need to fill/drain with each use.

I included a crappy illustration of it helps

I also think embedding the ducer in silicon/lexal is a good way to go and a bit less labor/material.

I imagine a foam cutout/ductseal should work too?