Share Your Innovations - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

dsafety · 02-05-2010, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WahooUSMA

I am concerned that after time, from checking the level of water and having to shimmy the cap off for inspection, the adapter seal may come loose from the hull.

I agree. Lets put the word out and try to find a source for clear 3 and 4" pipe. If we can find that material we get the best of both worlds. With a clear well we would be able to easily check the water level while retaining the ability to have the transducer removable and therefore portable.

Bob

justinwoods · 02-05-2010, 12:55 PM

Hello...first time post here. Was sent from another forum to check out this very post. Here is a great resource for all kinds of parts and I did find Clear pipe and fittings.

The PVC pipe is expensive but if you have enough people who wanted it maybe you could split it up... http://www.mcmaster.com/#plastic-pip...d-pipe/=5ouetf

Just click the picture of the pipe to see the sizes available...1/4 - 6"

Here is another one, but acrylic. This is cheaper...

http://www.mcmaster.com/#acrylic-pipe/=5oukom

WahooUSMA · 02-05-2010, 01:10 PM

Okay, I think I uploaded my pic's correctly for the 4in wet transducer. My only regret in the overall install was the fact that the adapter is as large the Javelin Anti-Armour round and would not fit under the useless rear hatch. I think that would be the perfect spot for P2050051.JPG P2050052.JPG P2050053.JPG P2050055.JPG the transducer.

dgax65 · 02-05-2010, 06:48 PM

Very nice. Now I see where I went wrong. The coupler I had was too long. If the MacGyver fish tank doesn't work I'll have a backup. Thanks

and......

Go Navy - Beat Army

WahooUSMA · 02-06-2010, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgax65

Very nice. Now I see where I went wrong. The coupler I had was too long. If the MacGyver fish tank doesn't work I'll have a backup. Thanks

and......

Go Navy - Beat Army

Im a little slow...ya know, LA Unified educated but just got it! There's always next year...we did at least beat you in sailing. Go figure!

WahooUSMA · 04-20-2010, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsafety

I agree. Lets put the word out and try to find a source for clear 3 and 4" pipe. If we can find that material we get the best of both worlds. With a clear well we would be able to easily check the water level while retaining the ability to have the transducer removable and therefore portable.

Bob

ffice

ffice" />>>

My fear of separation of the wet transducer, 4in PVC pipe and hull came true. I don’t know if it was from loading and unloading on the truck, the beach landing at LJ the other day, or the constant hull movement from my peddles, but regardless, when I went out on Sunday it was dry. When I added water it leaked immediately. While I think the wet transducer is a neat set up, I think I am going back to the thru-hull-goop method. I am not totally convinced the image quality of a wet mount is that much better than the 'shoot through' system. It’s definitely more of a hassle and you have to be cognizant of the damn pipe when loading up.>>
>>
I might try installing the transducer through the rear hatch vs. in the front hatch.....any thoughts???>>

dsafety · 04-20-2010, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WahooUSMA

ffice

ffice" />>>

My fear of separation of the wet transducer, 4in PVC pipe and hull came true. I don’t know if it was from loading and unloading on the truck, the beach landing at LJ the other day, or the constant hull movement from my peddles, but regardless, when I went out on Sunday it was dry. When I added water it leaked immediately. While I think the wet transducer is a neat set up, I think I am going back to the thru-hull-goop method. I am not totally convinced the image quality of a wet mount is that much better than the 'shoot through' system. It’s definitely more of a hassle and you have to be cognizant of the damn pipe when loading up.>>
>>
I might try installing the transducer through the rear hatch vs. in the front hatch.....any thoughts???>>

I had the same problem last week after a particularly brutal launch attempt. I removed my well and reinstalled it, this time putting a 3/4" wide thin coat of goop installed like caulk on the outside of the well. I doubt there will be any future leaks.

Bob

deepdvr · 04-20-2010, 12:58 PM

I also tried the wet install using a rectangular walmart brand drybox. Worked great the first time but on the second trip the rough launch knocked around some items in my front hatch and the goop failed. No water = no finder that day.

I copied an idea from the darkhorse but mine uses the factory transom mount to attach the transducer to the sail mast on my revolution and all it does is sit flush to the hull. I add maybe a cup of water in the hull and voila. The zip ties are snug but not impossible to move and re-position. They can be swapped out in a second and it is difficult for anything to bang into it and cause it to shift. Worst case scenario, you slide forward and readjust. It picked up a signal instantaneously and never lost the bottom even through the 15 knot winds on Sunday PM. That area of the revo is a natural low spot and doesn't need much water to perform perfectly.

I really like that the transducer sits behind the mast and doesn't come into direct contact with other items in the front hatch.

I never had a good reading with two different goop installations.

I did not add the factory lock washers on the main bolt/cotter pin that holds the transducer to the transom mount so that gravity will naturally hold the transducer flush with the hull.

If you really want it permanent, buy a clamp that will fit on the other side of the sail mast and clamp it in position.

WahooUSMA · 04-20-2010, 01:05 PM

Thats cool. I will give it a shot. Maybe I can fabricate a clamp??

deepdvr · 04-20-2010, 01:17 PM

a rod clamp might work??? But seriously, I don't think you need anything more than the zip ties. Just check before launching and have a few spares with you.

WahooUSMA · 04-20-2010, 01:23 PM

I re-read your post....are you say you toss into the boat a cup of water? Why? doesn't the transducer below the waterline? Help me out here. I like the set up!

aftahour · 07-12-2010, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deepdvr

a rod clamp might work??? But seriously, I don't think you need anything more than the zip ties. Just check before launching and have a few spares with you.

try 3m double sided tape.. thats what i did.. tryed 5200 w/ no luck and local store didnt have goop..

RoeBoat · 04-20-2010, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deepdvr

I add maybe a cup of water in the hull and voila.

Only a cup of water? Doesn't the water end up under the seat? I always thought the bottom of the transducer had to be submerged in goop or water to allow the signals to pass thru the hull. If that isn't the case, why bother with the goop?

dsafety · 04-20-2010, 01:27 PM

Can you get a decent reading without having water in the bottom of the hull? If so, this might be a really good way to go.

As a practical matter, most kayaks usually have a little water splashing around, at least mine does. If the transducer is mounted in a space where it is in the lowest part of the hull you should always have some water surrounding the unit. If the transducer is secured tightly to the hull, I suspect that not much water would be needed to make the thing work.

If the lowest place in the boat is not by something you can attach to such as the mast in your example, there is another easy way to strap a transducer to the hull so you can position it just about anywhere. I did this to secure my battery case below the rear hatch in my Revo.

Just take two plastic eyelets, (OEX has them), and goop them to the hull on either side of whatever you want to strap down. After the glue has cured, run some webbing with a cinch buckle through the eyelets and strap down the unit. You could also use some bungee material.

Bob

deepdvr · 04-20-2010, 02:14 PM

Trust me it works. I doubt Josh P. would use this method with his high end finder if it didn't.

You need some water touching the transducer, but not alot. My boat, knock on wood, is pretty dry, so I add a cup or so once I'm ready to turn it on.

I can't speak for other yaks, but with the Hobie revolution the sail mast area is very low and the water never leaves that area even when the new seaforth is throwing up 4' wakes.

There were serious whitecaps and swell on the water at 5PM on sunday and my finder never faltered. After the wind subsided, I checked the hull to see if much if any water entered and it was about the same level.

The beauty of this system is you can start with very little water. If your reading comes and goes, just add more water.

02-05-2010, 01:10 PM	#3
WahooUSMA Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Rancho Cucamonga Posts: 753	Okay, I think I uploaded my pic's correctly for the 4in wet transducer. My only regret in the overall install was the fact that the adapter is as large the Javelin Anti-Armour round and would not fit under the useless rear hatch. I think that would be the perfect spot for P2050051.JPG P2050052.JPG P2050053.JPG P2050055.JPG the transducer. __________________ GO ARMY BEAT NAVY! Bad decisions make great stories! Last edited by WahooUSMA; 02-05-2010 at 01:11 PM. Reason: screwed it up

02-05-2010, 06:48 PM	#4
dgax65 Guerro Grande Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 629	Very nice. Now I see where I went wrong. The coupler I had was too long. If the MacGyver fish tank doesn't work I'll have a backup. Thanks and...... Go Navy - Beat Army __________________ Douglas Gaxiola Team No Fish- Amateur Staff

04-20-2010, 12:58 PM	#8
deepdvr Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Carlsbad Posts: 591	A simple transducer solution I also tried the wet install using a rectangular walmart brand drybox. Worked great the first time but on the second trip the rough launch knocked around some items in my front hatch and the goop failed. No water = no finder that day. I copied an idea from the darkhorse but mine uses the factory transom mount to attach the transducer to the sail mast on my revolution and all it does is sit flush to the hull. I add maybe a cup of water in the hull and voila. The zip ties are snug but not impossible to move and re-position. They can be swapped out in a second and it is difficult for anything to bang into it and cause it to shift. Worst case scenario, you slide forward and readjust. It picked up a signal instantaneously and never lost the bottom even through the 15 knot winds on Sunday PM. That area of the revo is a natural low spot and doesn't need much water to perform perfectly. I really like that the transducer sits behind the mast and doesn't come into direct contact with other items in the front hatch. I never had a good reading with two different goop installations. I did not add the factory lock washers on the main bolt/cotter pin that holds the transducer to the transom mount so that gravity will naturally hold the transducer flush with the hull. If you really want it permanent, buy a clamp that will fit on the other side of the sail mast and clamp it in position.

04-20-2010, 01:05 PM	#9
WahooUSMA Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Rancho Cucamonga Posts: 753	Thats cool. I will give it a shot. Maybe I can fabricate a clamp?? __________________ GO ARMY BEAT NAVY! Bad decisions make great stories!

04-20-2010, 01:23 PM	#11
WahooUSMA Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Rancho Cucamonga Posts: 753	I re-read your post....are you say you toss into the boat a cup of water? Why? doesn't the transducer below the waterline? Help me out here. I like the set up! __________________ GO ARMY BEAT NAVY! Bad decisions make great stories!

02-05-2010, 12:55 PM	#2
justinwoods Junior Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 1	Hello...first time post here. Was sent from another forum to check out this very post. Here is a great resource for all kinds of parts and I did find Clear pipe and fittings. The PVC pipe is expensive but if you have enough people who wanted it maybe you could split it up... http://www.mcmaster.com/#plastic-pip...d-pipe/=5ouetf Just click the picture of the pipe to see the sizes available...1/4 - 6" Here is another one, but acrylic. This is cheaper... http://www.mcmaster.com/#acrylic-pipe/=5oukom

04-20-2010, 01:17 PM	#10
deepdvr Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Carlsbad Posts: 591	a rod clamp might work??? But seriously, I don't think you need anything more than the zip ties. Just check before launching and have a few spares with you.

04-20-2010, 01:27 PM	#14
dsafety Olivenhain Bob Join Date: May 2008 Location: Olivenhain, CA Posts: 1,121	Can you get a decent reading without having water in the bottom of the hull? If so, this might be a really good way to go. As a practical matter, most kayaks usually have a little water splashing around, at least mine does. If the transducer is mounted in a space where it is in the lowest part of the hull you should always have some water surrounding the unit. If the transducer is secured tightly to the hull, I suspect that not much water would be needed to make the thing work. If the lowest place in the boat is not by something you can attach to such as the mast in your example, there is another easy way to strap a transducer to the hull so you can position it just about anywhere. I did this to secure my battery case below the rear hatch in my Revo. Just take two plastic eyelets, (OEX has them), and goop them to the hull on either side of whatever you want to strap down. After the glue has cured, run some webbing with a cinch buckle through the eyelets and strap down the unit. You could also use some bungee material. Bob

04-20-2010, 02:14 PM	#15
deepdvr Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Carlsbad Posts: 591	Trust me it works. I doubt Josh P. would use this method with his high end finder if it didn't. You need some water touching the transducer, but not alot. My boat, knock on wood, is pretty dry, so I add a cup or so once I'm ready to turn it on. I can't speak for other yaks, but with the Hobie revolution the sail mast area is very low and the water never leaves that area even when the new seaforth is throwing up 4' wakes. There were serious whitecaps and swell on the water at 5PM on sunday and my finder never faltered. After the wind subsided, I checked the hull to see if much if any water entered and it was about the same level. The beauty of this system is you can start with very little water. If your reading comes and goes, just add more water.