A fish finder is a must-have piece of gear on any fishing kayak. Proper placement of fish finder transducers can very effectively transmit sound waves underwater. But can you mount a transducer inside a kayak?
Yes, you can mount a transducer inside a kayak because the transducer’s sound wave can pass through the plastic. In this case, you must ensure there are no air bubbles between the transducer and the plastic. Clean the replacement area of the transducer with alcohol and use waterproof silicone to prevent air bubbles.
In this guide, we will explain the best way to install a transducer inside the kayak, consider things to consider when mounting a transducer and provide some pro tips to make your transducer mounting easier.
The best way to transducer installing inside the kayak
There are multiple ways to mount a transducer inside a kayak. Here, we discuss the best kayak transducer mount to shoot through the hull. Remove the mounting plate before placing the transducer. Remember that you cannot remove the transducer once glued on.
Step 1:
First, arrange the necessary materials: cleaner or alcohol, paper towels, and a sponge. You will also need a waterproof silicone magic marker.
Step 2:
Choose a perfect spot for mounting the transducer. Remember that the transducer placement should detract from your feet and other fishing gear. Also, ensure that the transducer cable correctly reaches the mounting place.
Step 3:
Now clean the mounting area so that the adhesive will work well. You can use isopropyl alcohol or the same quality cleaner. Then, use the magic marker to mark the exact place of the transducer mounting.
Step 4:
Apply 1/4″ waterproof silicone to prevent air bubbles from entering the plastic basement and transducer. Air bubbles reduce the transducer’s efficiency.
Step 5:
Apply some smoother silicone under the transducer mounting place to ensure solid adhesion around it
Step 6:
Observe and make sure that there are no air bubbles between the transducer and the mounting place.
Step 7:
Make a hole in a sponge to fit the transducer, which will provide added support.
Pro tips to make your transducer mounting easier
As a beginner, I have done some things that could be improved when mounting the transducer for the first time. Today, I am sharing some pro tips from my experience. I hope these will work great.
- Ensure your purchased mounting kit is suitable for the fish finder transducer. You may face several hassles if the mounting base and transducer do not adjust.
- Check multiple times when you need to make holes on the kayak surface to mount a transducer.
- Choose a secure place to mount your fish finder transducer so it will not get damaged when loading and unloading.
- Ensure your transducer is not damaged by rocks, sharp objects, and stumps when fishing in shallow water.
- Ensure a dedicated and secure area to mount your transducer inside the kayak.
- Figure out if there are any restrictions in the way of the transducer when entering the kayak.
- Make sure that you can install a gear track on your kayak
Can a Transducer Read Through the Hull of a Kayak?
Mounting the transom transducer inside the hull is possible. The transducer can receive and send good signals if it directly interacts with water. It would help if you mounted the transducer in the right places and ways. Then, the transducer can pass the signal through the fiberglass and plastic hull. Remember to mount the transducer lower inside the hull so that it can be touched by water.
In the meantime, you must prevent bubbles from forming between the kayak surface and the transducer to get the best performance from the transducer.
Installation caution and maintenance tips for mounting a transducer
- Never trim the transducer wire to adjust it with your kayak. You can use additional wire to adjust the transducer with the distance. Cutting the wire short makes it difficult to send the signal.
- Clean the transducer bottom often to remove slime and barnacles from the surface.
- Use 240-grit sandpaper for light grinding or polishing your transducer mounting area.
- Avoid painting your transducer with bottom paint because it prevents the signal.
FAQs:
Does your transducer have to be in the water?
Your transducer must be submerged in the water to get the best direction. Also, note that a transducer will enter into start-up after detecting the transducer. The transducer will operate normally until you choose another option.
Where is the best place to mount a transducer?
The starboard (the right side of the kayak) is the best place to mount a transducer. Place the transducer at the downstroke of the propeller of any kayak. Placing the transducer at the right downstroke reduces turbulence and provides the best performance.
What happens if the transducer is mounted too low?
A lower-mounted transducer has not created any significance in kayaking. However, the water flows over the transducer placed below when the transducer is placed in a too low position. As a result, an air bubble and a rooster tail will be created at the bottom of the transducer.
What is the versatile mounting process for a transducer on a kayak?
You can choose a transducer mounting process according to your requirements and convenience. Here are some simple ways.
Yak Attack Switch Blade
Scotty Kayak Arm Mount
Scupper Whole Mount
Directly to the Bottom of the kayak
Magnetic Transducer Mounting Kit
Suction Cup Transducer Kit
Final Word:
So, can you mount a transducer inside a kayak? Yes, you can. It would help if you were careful of a few things to get the maximum advantages from your fish finder transducer. Place the transducer in the correct position, preventing bubble formation and protecting it. Do you have any questions about this topic? Then let us know to update this guide for your convenience.
Source URL:
https://www.fishermanstips.com/can-you-mount-a-transducer-in-a-kayak-hull/
https://tiltfishing.com/how-to-mount-a-transducer-to-a-kayak-6-simple-ways/
https://kayakfishingguide.com/mount-transducer-inside-kayak/
Hello. My name is Tony K. Henderson. I love kayaking whenever I get the time, and I am very fond of fishing, too. The techniques and knowledge of being a paddler are amusing. I have shared all my knowledge about kayaking and fishing on my website. Feel free to read them and learn more important things and facts about kayaking and fishing.