Installing a new depth finder advice?

[AmandaRuth]

Questions about installing a new HawkEye DepthTrax 2B - Has anyone installed one of these before, and if so, where in the boat did you locate it?

https://hawkeyeelectronics.com/products ... pth-finder

[Russ]

I'm not sure where to mount the head unit for that model. I assume someplace in the pedestal. I have a chartplotter/depth finder that mounts on it's own stand.

I've never been a fan of putting holes in my boat, especially below the waterline. The transducer can be simply mashed into some putty INSIDE the hull. That's what I did. Works great and can be removed (which I did to relocate to a better location).

See more info here viewtopic.php?p=361081&hilit=transducer#p361081

[AmandaRuth]

Thanks Russ - I feel the same aversion to putting holes in the boat. The depth finder that I bought is designed for the to be placed inside the hull or on the transom. My plan is inside of the hull where it can accurately read while planing at fast speeds.

I will hire the someone to properly run the wires and attach the display to the pedestal, since I'm having other issues with the pedestal leaking and lack the equipment to put a hole in the pedestal. I put down doggy wee pads to capture the moisture until I get the entire pedestal addressed.

So, I'm looking to know where inside of the boat I may get the best reading, so I will peruse that transducer link you sent. I watched a video of how to temporarily install it so I can play around with the placement before it is officially installed in the spring.

[Russ]

Have you purchased the depth finder already?

I never owned a Chartplotter, however, my boat came with one and I'm addicted. Can't imagine not having one.
If it were me, I'd trade the depth finder for a chartplotter.

[AmandaRuth]

Thanks Russ. Where I sail right now, it is mostly 4’ deep so the depth finder is critical. I have a GPS plotter already. I’m hoping it dies so that I can upgrade it though.

[Spector]

I have this unit. Display is installed in bulkhead to the right of the companionway. Transducer used to be on the transom but it was unreliable and the bracket kept breaking. Finally glued it to the hull in the area aft of the head (26X). Very reliable now

[AmandaRuth]

Spector - thanks, this is exactly what I hoped to read! Wahoo!!!

If you have any pics, I'd welcome them. Aft of the head is helpful, and more details would help me out.

I like the idea of using putty or tape as a temporary adherence solution until I confirm it works at that location on my boat and attach it with a more permanent solution in the spring.

[Russ]

My transducer is mounted in putty and I consider it permanent. I can move it, however I don’t see a need. It’s stuck in putty in the aft storage compartment under the aft berth and has worked well. It works under full power and healing. I’ve gotten readings up to 200 feet deep.

My old chart plotter “broke”. Well it turned out to be just the power cable. But gave me an excuse to buy a new one.

[Be Free]

Russ,

She has an "X". Where is "aft storage compartment under the aft berth" (other than "under the aft berth" ). I'm not sure we have that one.

Bill

[AmandaRuth]

Bill - thank you! I thought I was going crazy--and was planning on investigating my boat tomorrow to see if we actually have extra storage that I didn't know about.

The closest I can get is 1. under the galley or 2. in the cabinet floor of the head. Under the galley would be far easier access/space-wise. My battery compartment could be another option, but it's a bit crowded in there with 2 batteries.

[Be Free]

Wherever you decide to put it just be sure that it is not on top of the ballast tank, particularly if you plan to drill a hole. I'd recommend putty or silicone over cutting holes in the bottom of the boat. The bottom of the boat is almost transparent to your depth finder as long as there are no air pockets between them. Two layers of ballast tank, particularly when empty, will make a difference.

The bigger effect is on the temperature sensor. Your water temperature numbers will lag reality by the time it takes the fiberglass to heat up or cool down in response to changes in the water temperature. Unless you are trying to find a good spot to fish based on water temperature that should not be a problem.

Next question: where are your batteries? The "stock" location was under the small seat just aft of the galley.

Weather permitting, I plan to raise my mast tomorrow. I'll try to remember to take some pictures if I'm not too far behind.

[AmandaRuth]

Bill - uh oh, I thought I was following but now I think I'm more confused. So does it have to go inside of the ballast tank? If so, how do you get it in there? Water temp isn't important to my needs - not a fisher. I was hoping I could just adhere it somewhere that was easy to access.

My batteries are in the small seat aft of the galley - but likely what I wrote previously was confusing...and now that I ponder it further, the second battery may be under the built in cooler area. It's been a while since I've fiddled with them thankfully.

[wakataka]

I mounted mine underneath the dinette table. As others have mentioned, it should be in an area outside of the ballast tank, although I've read that it can work shooting through the ballast tank if the tank is full. I put mine alongside the ballast tank in a blob of toilet ring wax. You can buy a wax toilet mounting ring for ~$2 at most any hardware store. The wax is stiff enough to hold the transducer, even in the hottest weather, but soft enough to easily pull it out if you need to. You just need to be sure there are no air bubbles in the wax before you smush the transducer down into it.

[AmandaRuth]

Wakataka - thanks for the details! Very helpful to also include what type of material you used.

I welcome any pics from y'all showing how you applied it.

[Russ]

Russ,

She has an "X". Where is "aft storage compartment under the aft berth" (other than "under the aft berth" ). I'm not sure we have that one.

Bill

Interesting. What is under your aft berth? Under those cushions?