Transducer install help

[FLboy3]

For the people that installed the cutting board on the bottom of the transom to attach the transducer to. What thickness of board were you able to find. So far we have only been able to find 3/8 thick cutting board which would require very short screws. Has anyone found thicker stuff and if so where. Was thinking of glueing two pieces of 3/8 together to make 3/4. If you found something that works good, would like your ideas. Thanks, oh yeah, How did you attach it to your boat? Thanks again.

[SEARAY215]

I posted an idea for you on the other CS website if you want to look at it.

[Familymanof5]

Flboy3 what ever kind of plastic board that you need I have some. Come on down and you can have a piece.

TOM

EZ to get to where I live

[o2bfishn]

I used 1/2" star board. ;D

o2bfishn

[chumhead]

I purchased my cutting board from Lowes, and it measures 7/16" thick. This has been on the boat for almost 2 years now and shows no signs of aging, cracking or anything. I used course thread screws that were shorter than the thickness and have not had a single one come loose yet. I'm very pleased at how well this worked out, as I ended up changing the GPS/Sonar about 6 months after doing the strip, which saved drilling a bunch more holes for the new transducer. I also put a piece of the cutting board on the top of the console, which helped out there as well since the new head unit had a different hole pattern for the mount.

The strip is attached to the boat with 3 screws and sealed with 3M 5200. I am not aware of any adhesives that will bond to the poly cutting board material, so decided that since this strip was permanent, I would go ahead and drill the holes.

You could go ahead and double up two strips of the 3/8 and just screw them together into the transom (no adhesive) if you are concerned about having enough material to hold the transducer screws, but if you get the 7/16 or 1/2 inch thick poly, I have not had problems with the screws holding at speeds up to 42 mph, just be sure to use course thread screws.

chumhead

[flatoutsa]

bass pro shop has a mounting board for all acesseriores i recently burchased one for 11 dollars keeps from making extra holes in transom

[FLboy3]

Thanks for the help, I just bought a 498c and plan on setting up the transducer using Ram suction cups. I got the idea from someone on this forum. I don't remembe who it was right this minute but thanks to them also for the idea. Plan on using 2 suction cups and a rod or something that I can adjust the depth of the transducer in the water for better high speed pick up. I'm kicking around some different ideas and when I get it figured out I'll post some pics. The Ram suction cups work great for holding most anything to a smooth surface. No hole drilling in the boat.

[redneckredfishr]

I purchased my cutting board from Lowes, and it measures 7/16" thick. This has been on the boat for almost 2 years now and shows no signs of aging, cracking or anything. I used course thread screws that were shorter than the thickness and have not had a single one come loose yet. I'm very pleased at how well this worked out, as I ended up changing the GPS/Sonar about 6 months after doing the strip, which saved drilling a bunch more holes for the new transducer. I also put a piece of the cutting board on the top of the console, which helped out there as well since the new head unit had a different hole pattern for the mount.

The strip is attached to the boat with 3 screws and sealed with 3M 5200. I am not aware of any adhesives that will bond to the poly cutting board material, so decided that since this strip was permanent, I would go ahead and drill the holes.

You could go ahead and double up two strips of the 3/8 and just screw them together into the transom (no adhesive) if you are concerned about having enough material to hold the transducer screws, but if you get the 7/16 or 1/2 inch thick poly, I have not had problems with the screws holding at speeds up to 42 mph, just be sure to use course thread screws.

chumhead


Chumhead,

Do you, by any chance, have the item number for the poly board you bought from Lowes? I went by there to get some, and actually talked to the guy that does their purchasing, and he said he does not carry it; however, he did say if I got him a product or item number he'd order it for me.

Thanks,
Will

[brokebeach5011]

They sell a cutting board.Look in the appliance section.Should be a stand with different sizes.I have bought a couple.They are about 1/4 inch thick.

[o2bfishn]

redneck,

I PMed you, give me a call I'll give you a piece for your tranducer.

o2bfishn

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

Guys, why are you going crazy for a piece of plastic.Boaters world,West marine, home depot,lowe's, local hardware every body carry starboard or a kitchen cutting board. 004 004 004 004

[chumhead]

Mine was a pre-made cutting board from the Lowe's rack mentioned above (ours was next to the kitchen cabinet/oven section), complete with the cutout handle. I just purchased the largest one they had, which was a pretty thick 7/16" and cost about $7 at the time. It was enough to cover the top of the console and make the transducer strip.

Similar to this one:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=227300-39842-SCB78892LW&lpage=none

chumhead

[FLboy3]

West Marine had a piece the other day when I was there that was 3/4" thick. It was 49.00 for about a 20"x30" piece. Thats the only place I'v been able to find something that thick. My transducer is laying in the back of my boat right now as I try to decide if I want to use the suction cups or the poly board. Also want to let every one know how much fun I had pulling the transducer wire through the new tunnel on the 2008s. It pulled though pretty easy but the boot that is covering the hole under the console is a piece of crap. Its a straight boot covering cables coming out at an angle from under the floor. Not good. Hopefully CS will find some angled ones or have some made special for future boats. That was probaly a dealer installed item and not given much thought before hand. Not really a big deal, but needs some improvement.

[chumhead]

Yeah, they are awfully proud of the Star Board (as the price shows), which is why I went with the cutting board material. It hangs on the hoist 24/7 and in the sun every day. 2+ years and still just fine.

Check the link to Lowe's above, if all else fails, sandwhich 2 layers together for the thickness you need.

chumhead

[Dave]

If your have (and visit) a kitchen countertop shop in your area, you can usually get them to give you some scrap, 1/2" thick solid surface material (ie. Corian counter top material). I use the stuff often - it's perfect for boat applications and the price is right.

Dave