A really dumb question from a novice boater

NNN

New Member
May 11, 2010
5
florida
Boat Info
18 sea ray sport
Engines
Alpha 1
Having owned a 18foot I/O searay for about 6 months and ruining two props I was given a transom mount depth finder. Where exactly is the transom? Is the transom part of the I/O or is the transom located directly on the boat. Since I have to drill a few holes to mount the unit I have to know if I will be drilling directly into the bottom of the boat. Also, where is a good place to drill the hole for the cable. I know you pros out there are saying what a dumb a--. But better safe than sorry. Thaks for taking the time to read.
 
Because you seem to be very green to the boating world, I commend you for asking the questions. There are proper steps, prep and planning to install a depth finder(...and other equipment). I believe you should get this one professionally installed.

The transom is the stern, aft or back end of the boat.
 
Having owned a 18foot I/O searay for about 6 months and ruining two props I was given a transom mount depth finder. Where exactly is the transom? Is the transom part of the I/O or is the transom located directly on the boat. Since I have to drill a few holes to mount the unit I have to know if I will be drilling directly into the bottom of the boat. Also, where is a good place to drill the hole for the cable. I know you pros out there are saying what a dumb a--. But better safe than sorry. Thaks for taking the time to read.

Nothing is dumb about your question....you are learning and this is the right place to learn...

GOOD LUCK...:thumbsup:
 
Generally there are certain mfr recommended parameters as where to mount the sending unit in relation to the propeller. They should be in the installation manual. You also should use specific sealants to prevent water intrusion. You should run the wire up above the waterline before you drill through the transom. That being said, I would recommend that you consider a professional to do this as you seem quite uncertain of this installation and can do some significant damage to your vessel. Best of luck with the install.
 
Because you seem to be very green to the boating world, I commend you for asking the questions.

+1 You'll find hours & hours of good reading here about things you haven't even thought to ask about yet. Welcome!
 
If you hire someone to install it for you, be there while they do it. You'll learn a good deal watching them on this project. Prep before drilling, running wiring, connections, etc. You'll buy a lot more than an install of you're able to watch how they do it.

I made friends with our mechanic and got a great education having him do jobs I wasn't quite ready to tackle myself.
 
You have to be careful about where you mount a transom mounted transducer. The issue is to avoid the turbulance that comes from water passing beneath the boat that is full of bubbles. If you mount in the wrong spot, you will get false readings. Typically, these are mounted to the side, away from the outdrive.....but you still have to shoot the signal straight down to get a true reading.

Don
 
Generally there are certain mfr recommended parameters as where to mount the sending unit in relation to the propeller. They should be in the installation manual. You also should use specific sealants to prevent water intrusion. You should run the wire up above the waterline before you drill through the transom. That being said, I would recommend that you consider a professional to do this as you seem quite uncertain of this installation and can do some significant damage to your vessel. Best of luck with the install.

I have installed depth finders as well and this is right. Every model has its own positioning needs for them to read properly. If you don't have the manual, you can probably download it from the manufacturers’ web site.

Welcome, MM
 

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