Re: [Cal_Boats] suggestion for combo depth and GPS plotter
Bob,
Why drill anything when there is such a thing as Epoxy? The standard transducer is strong enough to shoot through fiberglass. As long as it is installed without voids it will be just as accurate as one that is extending through your precious hull. I have been using one for years on my Bristol 30 and just installed one on my Cal 40.
I have installed numerous Garmin GPS systems and plotters by using the standard transom mount transducers and applying them to the inner hull with epoxy. I consulted with Garmin rep to find that there is no difference with the power or accuracy between the transom mount and the thru hull transducers, but the price is much different!
The key is to put the transducer in a plastic bag of water and place it in a good location on the inner hull to see if it will work there. Test numerous locations to see what you can find. Once a suitable location has been found, (Easy access is a plus) just sand the inner hull, build a good "dam" using a disposable plastic bowl with the bottom cut out (or other suitable device). Seal the bowl to the hull using caulk or putty, making a good dam to catch the epoxy. Mix up enough epoxy to fill the bowl and cover the transducer, fill the bowl and place the transducer. It is important to make sure that there are no voids or bubbles in the epoxy, but it works great! I even use it for fish finders and water temp. This is something I have been doing for numerous years without failures.
No holes! No leaks! No serious implications!
Good luck,
Patrick
L'Esprit Libre, Cal 40 #137
From: Jonathan Deus <ny… [at] gmail.com>
To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, February 7, 2008 5:48:49 PM
Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] suggestion for combo depth and GPS plotter
I'd recommend drilling the hole larger and purchasing a Garmin 3205 for $699.00. Low batt drain, amazing ability and "they don't make 'em like they used to."
Email me off list if you're interested. I found them at the boat show and they still have a few left.
Jonathan
jd… [at] aol.com
On Feb 7, 2008, at 16:06 , Bob Connell wrote:
I should have asked here to begin with....
I am spending hours on the web going through various manufacturers and product combinations trying to find a combination depth sounder and GPS for my 1979 Cal 31.....that won't force me to drill a new thru-hull for the transducer. The cap on the plug for the original transducer is labeled 1 1/4 but when it is measured with calipers at the o-ring it is 1 and barely a sixteenth.
It looks like Garmin products require a "flush mount" thru-hull that requires a 2" hole. Humminbird has a inside hull but I could not find the specs at their website.
I want to spend no more than $800 (mfg list but less if I can find it on ebay).
PS....my current depth finder (big bulbous chrome gauge on the binnacle) acts intermittent when I am underway and flashes the dreaded 18 at the worst times.....
To drill or not to drill? Thanks for the help.
Bob Connell
Jollygood Cal 31 #59
Olympia, WA
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