Depth transducer location on mac 26X

[7 seas]

I want to install a depth sounder on my Mac 26 X

Where would be the optimum location to install the transducer ?

[RobertB]

Two choices: on the stern or thru hull. Recommend searching the forum where there is a bunch of information.

[March]

You have several options:
a) on the starboard side, back of the boat. This is what I did: I epoxied a piece of plastic, with another one to which I have attached the transducer. The two pieces interlock by way of two "ears" (can't remember the name of the piece of hardware, but you can find them for a couple of bucks in the hardware store. When at anchor or during transportation, I remove the piece that holds the transducer and keep it in the engine well. The reason is, I already lost a transducer that was attached permanently to the hull, when the boat turned around at anchor and the rode snagged the transducer. It has worked well for 10 seasons. I added a thin, securing wire which keeps the transducer within reach, even if it gets detached. I can still fish it out of the water.
b) a circular collar around the exit water valve. That sounds like a good idea and I plan to add a new transducer there.
c) You can even put it in the bilge, as long as you devise a contraption that you will fill with liquid (people have been using oil, but I suspect that even glycol or cooling fluid will work). You need to make sure that the transducer is submerged in liquid; it will read through the fiberglass hull, as long as you don't put it above the ballast tank
Sorry, no pics. You can do a search, however. The issue has been discussed

[Retcoastie]

Mine is glued to the flat on the bottom of the ballast gate valve.

[Russ]

Doug mounted his on the gate valve. If I were doing it again this is what I would do.

[paul I]

Doug mounted his on the gate valve. If I were doing it again this is what I would do.

I did the same kind of thing except I made it a bit more permanent. I used a rectangular plate of black starboard with a large hole in the center to go over the valve and four small holes to line up with the mounting bolts. Just remove the 4 original bolts, line up the plate, and use 4 new bolts that are longer by the thickness of the starboard. Worked great. Its a nice place for the transducer as well.

[Cougar]

I considered using the transom valve to mount the transducer, but it's too vulnerable if you're drying out or beaching in tidal areas. I therefore decided to mount my transducer to the boarding ladder, giving just enough clearance to not crush the transducer. And I can flip up the ladder if the boat sinks into the mud too deep.

[133bhp]

I have a speed/depth on the transom which flips up if hits the bottom. but I've just installed a similar Lowrance transponder purely for seeing the bottom when drying out. couldn't be easier, I stuck it with silicon, just under the head/seat area, inborn of the ballast.

[gabid]

FYI, an older thread on the same topic: http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... transducer