Need help mounting transducer - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

J3FFro · 04-02-2012, 03:21 PM

Hi all,

I recently purchased a Piranhamax from here and installed the ducer using the "in the hull" method with GOOP.

First installation was done without any foam cutout. It was cured for 2 days and then tested with only the temperature showing.

Second installation was done using the "in the hull" method but this time I used a foam with the ducer cutout. Mounted the foam first with GOOP, waited awhile, then apply GOOP inside the cutout and mounted the ducer with weight on top. I didnt have a chance to test it out yet but was concern if I'm installing it the right way.

Feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance BWE!

NEEFFF · 04-02-2012, 03:25 PM

I am having the same problem!!! any input on this issue would be alot of help! i did this twice and ended up w/ the same results.. = (

steveooo · 04-02-2012, 04:51 PM

If you are going to use Goop, first rough up the inside of the hull with some course grit sandpaper. Put a glob down, let it air out for a couple minutes (so some of the solvent can flash off) and install the transducer directly into the Goop. Use duct tape to hold it in place when it cures. You might get little tiny bubbles in the Goop, but they aren't really that big of a deal. I've always been able to track small leadheads down 100 feet with this method, even with inexpensive fishfinders. I'm not sure why you would only be getting temp readings. Might be a setting on the finder? Was the yak in the water when you were testing it?

Most people who use the foam cutout are doing a wet mount application, in which they Goop the foam cutout to the yak, put water into the foam cutout, and place the 'ducer directly into the water inside the hull. It gives good readings, but you need to make sure there is always water in the foam. I wouldn't recommend doing this method with the Goop in place of the water though. The Goop is a solvent based adhesive, and if you trap it in between the hull and the 'ducer with the foam, it might not ever cure.

The straight Goop method has stood the test of time, it's easy, and gives decent results. Unless you are stepping up to a very high end sounder, it would be my preferred method.

J3FFro · 04-02-2012, 05:06 PM

Stevoo,

The yak was in the water during the test. I'll see how it turns out this weekend.

fishingfiend · 04-02-2012, 05:45 PM

After reading all the horror stories about using Marine Goop to mount a transducer, I decided to try a Wet mount setup and 4 trips later, still rocking!

Started with a lock and lock air tight plastic container.

Mount the transducer to the lid with stainless steel parts.

Now that you know where the transducer sits, cut out the bottom of the container around the transducer.

From your local hardware store, rubberized weather strip will provide a flexible base layer to attached to a non-flat kayak hull and be generous with lots of Marine Goop to ensure it's sealed to the bottom. Wait a day and begin testing.

I fill up with the water from wherever I'm fishing to start the day with accurate water temps. I use a $4 multi-use pump from Harbor Freight to get water in and out.

Works like a champ!

NEEFFF · 04-03-2012, 08:46 AM

I may just have a defective unit.. I went ahead and test the ducer in my fish tank lol, it does not show fish at all and the dept was at 14ft. O_O

packeryakker · 08-04-2012, 10:18 AM

So I am having trouble with the 'goop' mount. I just dont feel like I am getting a good reading. I will be trying the container method, how has your held up?

04-02-2012, 03:21 PM	#1
J3FFro Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Cali Posts: 120	Need help mounting transducer Hi all, I recently purchased a Piranhamax from here and installed the ducer using the "in the hull" method with GOOP. First installation was done without any foam cutout. It was cured for 2 days and then tested with only the temperature showing. Second installation was done using the "in the hull" method but this time I used a foam with the ducer cutout. Mounted the foam first with GOOP, waited awhile, then apply GOOP inside the cutout and mounted the ducer with weight on top. I didnt have a chance to test it out yet but was concern if I'm installing it the right way. Feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance BWE!

04-02-2012, 03:25 PM	#2
NEEFFF Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: SoCaL Posts: 224	I am having the same problem!!! any input on this issue would be alot of help! i did this twice and ended up w/ the same results.. = ( __________________

04-03-2012, 08:46 AM	#6
NEEFFF Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: SoCaL Posts: 224	I may just have a defective unit.. I went ahead and test the ducer in my fish tank lol, it does not show fish at all and the dept was at 14ft. O_O __________________

04-02-2012, 04:51 PM	#3
steveooo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,921	If you are going to use Goop, first rough up the inside of the hull with some course grit sandpaper. Put a glob down, let it air out for a couple minutes (so some of the solvent can flash off) and install the transducer directly into the Goop. Use duct tape to hold it in place when it cures. You might get little tiny bubbles in the Goop, but they aren't really that big of a deal. I've always been able to track small leadheads down 100 feet with this method, even with inexpensive fishfinders. I'm not sure why you would only be getting temp readings. Might be a setting on the finder? Was the yak in the water when you were testing it? Most people who use the foam cutout are doing a wet mount application, in which they Goop the foam cutout to the yak, put water into the foam cutout, and place the 'ducer directly into the water inside the hull. It gives good readings, but you need to make sure there is always water in the foam. I wouldn't recommend doing this method with the Goop in place of the water though. The Goop is a solvent based adhesive, and if you trap it in between the hull and the 'ducer with the foam, it might not ever cure. The straight Goop method has stood the test of time, it's easy, and gives decent results. Unless you are stepping up to a very high end sounder, it would be my preferred method.

04-02-2012, 05:06 PM	#4
J3FFro Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Cali Posts: 120	Stevoo, The yak was in the water during the test. I'll see how it turns out this weekend.

04-02-2012, 05:45 PM	#5
fishingfiend Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: SoCal Posts: 196	After reading all the horror stories about using Marine Goop to mount a transducer, I decided to try a Wet mount setup and 4 trips later, still rocking! Started with a lock and lock air tight plastic container. Mount the transducer to the lid with stainless steel parts. Now that you know where the transducer sits, cut out the bottom of the container around the transducer. From your local hardware store, rubberized weather strip will provide a flexible base layer to attached to a non-flat kayak hull and be generous with lots of Marine Goop to ensure it's sealed to the bottom. Wait a day and begin testing. I fill up with the water from wherever I'm fishing to start the day with accurate water temps. I use a $4 multi-use pump from Harbor Freight to get water in and out. Works like a champ!

08-04-2012, 10:18 AM	#7
packeryakker Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Victorville Posts: 61	So I am having trouble with the 'goop' mount. I just dont feel like I am getting a good reading. I will be trying the container method, how has your held up?