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RockyRaab
04-19-2012, 01:49 PM
I exchanged the stock transducer for a through-hull flush mount. I installed it today, in about an hour. Easy Pleasy! Here's the sequence:

Inside the Pro Angler, before starting work...

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c170/RockyRaab/Kayak/IMG_0002.jpg

I used the rubber washer to mark the location...

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c170/RockyRaab/Kayak/IMG_0006.jpg

Then, the irrevocable step with a hole saw! No turning back now!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c170/RockyRaab/Kayak/IMG_0012.jpg

A generous ring of Marine GOOP around the transducer body, on the hull and on the rubber washer inside the hull, and then finger tighten the plastic nut...

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c170/RockyRaab/Kayak/IMG_0019.jpg

Here's the outside of the transducer. It protrudes only 0.2" and is smooth. I'll clean up the little GOOP balls when it's dry. DONE!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c170/RockyRaab/Kayak/IMG_0020.jpg

I think this is the answer to transducer installation problems, with no drawbacks - once you get over the irrational fear of drilling that 2" hole!
NEEFFF
04-19-2012, 03:07 PM
nice job.. I wouldn't have the balls to drill the bottom of my hull..
mtnbykr2
04-19-2012, 03:36 PM
very nice...scary ....but nice, no muss no fuss
RockyRaab
04-19-2012, 04:10 PM
Nah. I flew 300 combat missions over Cambodia in a Cessna - alone. Believe me, I know scary. This wasn't.
Drake
04-19-2012, 05:13 PM
Nah. I flew 300 combat missions over Cambodia in a Cessna - alone. Believe me, I know scary. This wasn't.
I wish I could like this post as if it were facebook
RockyRaab
04-20-2012, 04:52 PM
Had it out today for 5+ hours: not a drop of leakage.

This was my first time afloat with the PA14. I am extremely impressed, to say the least.

My only disappointment with this 'ducer was that it does not report water temperature. I was led to believe that it does. That's not a major problem, and I might be able to buy a separate temp probe that I can dangle through the mirage hole. But the bottom contours were perfect, the 'ducer didn't scrape on my roof rack or the launch ramp - and not a sign of a leak.

Oh, and one last lesson for a senior: I didn't feel comfortable standing up in the PA even in a flat calm. BUT, I learned that you can kneel and pee right into the drive hole!