hole for transducer cable

[uptimejeff]

I really don't like putting holes in the hull.. but I'm getting used to it

That said... I'm looking for advice on the best spot to drill a 3/4" hole for the transducer cable.
Should I drill just under the swim platform (where indicated) or find a way to go higher?

 

[garryowen]

jeff; when i did my 230 i kept the hole above the water line.

hard to say not knowing your boat but on both ours, the spot you have marked would be at or under the water line.

on the 230 i came out above the swim platform and made a hole just big enough for the cable and end in the platform to rout down to sender.

 

[uptimejeff]

Glad I didn't drill that hole yet !

I could go higher if I drill through the platform in addition to the hull.

Anyone with a 185 Sport with factory platform have a transom transducer??

 

[chuck1]

Not sure on the 185, but that is where mine is on my 240SD. It is above the waterline on mine.

 

[ZZ13]

I have two transducers - both have the cable hole on the same level just below the rub rail on the 175 sport. Looks like its about at the same level as the bolt that's just above your marked spot. Right about at the top of the drive. Both were installed at dealer shops. They even put some cable holding screws definitely below the water line. I get no leaks of any kind from this.

 

[uptimejeff]

I have two transducers - both have the cable hole on the same level just below the rub rail on the 175 sport. Looks like its about at the same level as the bolt that's just above your marked spot. Right about at the top of the drive. Both were installed at dealer shops. They even put some cable holding screws definitely below the water line. I get no leaks of any kind from this.

If I drill just under the swim platform lip, it's would be 5-6" below the rub rail.
Drilling through the platform doesn't seem right (would not have direct access to hull surface).

 

[quailrunner]

If you drill where your original post shows, it will be at/above the waterline most of the time (from my observations in the water of a 185 both anchored and underway).

I have a through-hull transducer w. the hole drilled just forward of the bildge pump float switch. It has leaked in the past - I don't recommend it.

 

[gregp553]

Unless I'm way off here, the original location you showed in the first photo should be well above the water line. In my photo of my '06 185 Sport you can see how high above the water my swim platform sits at rest. Even while I'm sitting on the platform it would be above the water line. I vote for your original location.

 

[uptimejeff]

agreed... I finally had a chance to look at the location when the boat was in the water...
There is about 2" of clearance between water and bottom lip of swim platform. Should be just enough space for hole/clamshell.

Plan then is to:
- drill
- 5200
- clamshell

Thanks for input... I needed that boost of confidence !

 

[mrdell4150]

I've had the same question, just bought our boat in the beginning of the season and previous owner didn't want to drill the hole so he ran the cable up through the platform and under the hatches and up to the front. It's not the best looking solution by far but at least he wired it correctly. Anyways, my plan was to do the same thing you just suggested. Make sure you coat those stainless screws for the clamshell in 5200 and backfill from the inside. You will probably do yours before I get to mine so let me know how it goes. Thanks and good luck!

 

[Nehalennia]

Don't drill through your platform. You never know if the platform will need to be serviced, repaired, etc.
I used a forstner bit (3/4") on mine and it cuts a very, very clean hole. I recommend it.

I installed mine about 3" away from the trim tab actuator. This allows you to wire tie it up nicely to the wire loom usually above there and back to the helm.

Tape off the inside of the hole after you put the wire through but before you fill with 3M 5200. It will prevent the goop from looking sloppy like I did.

 

[midway]

I used 4200 on mine, my transducer plug will pass thru a 5/8 hole, I filled the hole with 4200, filled the screw holes with 4200, put 4200 on the screw threads, also put 4200 on the cover and have never had a leak, I recently changed transducers and had to remove all the sealer, it was fairly easy to get out, pulled out with needle nose pliers.

 

[Nehalennia]

Keep in mind most transom mounted transducers require a 3/4" hole.
Hummingbird is the only one I can think of with a 5/8". If you have any future plans to upgrade. Both Garmin and Lowrance, I believe, use a 3/4" hole. It's easier to drill the larger hole and fill it with sealant than have to make it bigger later.

 

[We'll Sea]

My old Lowrance X-51 took a 1" hole.

Put a new Garmin Fishfinder in this spring, did pretty much exactly what Midway described, hole was about in the same location. Never had a leak, the inside of the hull by the hole was still dusty from when I originally drilled it in 2002.

 

[ilya111]

Mine was mounted by the dealer and it is even lower than you show in your picture. If I had a choice I would drill where you are showing, as the whole is submerged when we are hanging out on the platform.

 

[Knotty Buoy]

Hi
Seams kimd of brutal cutting a hole that size. I generally cut the transducer cable so as the hole only needs to be the size of the cable. Re-terminate both ends just inside the transom, slide heat shrink over the connectors and tape up just for good measure. Big issue obviously is making sure you don't drill through something on the inside of the transom. The long term risk if you drill bellow the waterline is leakage into the wood reinforcing (from the inside as well) and we all know Searay uses wood salvaged from old packing crates.

 

[dalefan264]

I am about to try to do the same exact thing, drill a hole for a transom mount transducer but my water line is right at the bottom of where the swim platform mounts on. If I put the whole right at the bottom of the swim platform it will be in and out of the water the entire time and completely below it when people are on the platform. Would that be ok, or should I just drill through the platform. I was thinking that may end up cracking the gel coat more and may be harder to seal. If it was up that high I know it would be out of the water the entire time. The boat is a 2007 sea ray 195. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[midway]

I am about to try to do the same exact thing, drill a hole for a transom mount transducer but my water line is right at the bottom of where the swim platform mounts on. If I put the whole right at the bottom of the swim platform it will be in and out of the water the entire time and completely below it when people are on the platform. Would that be ok, or should I just drill through the platform. I was thinking that may end up cracking the gel coat more and may be harder to seal. If it was up that high I know it would be out of the water the entire time. The boat is a 2007 sea ray 195. Any suggestions? Thanks

Look at post #12, mine is below the waterline when the boat is at rest, never had a problem, have now added another hole on the other side and sealed the same way, 4200 sealant as described in that post.

 

[dalefan264]

ok thanks, just had a bunch of the marine shops around here say that I should not drill all the way through anywhere that will be below the waterline. I guess as long as I seal it good I should not have a problem. Just wanted to hear it from someone that has done it before and did not have a problem. Thanks again.

 

[Gone Boating]

I hated drilling that hole. I packed mine with silicone once the cable was run.