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 sound wave can pass through the plastic. In this case, you must ensure 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 transducer installing inside the kayak, consider things for transducer mounting, and provide some pro tips to make your transducer mounting easier.
The best way to transducer installing inside the kayak
There have multiple ways to mount a transducer inside a kayak. Here, we are saying about 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 of all, arrange the necessary materials. Cleaner or alcohol, paper towels, and sponge. You will need a waterproof silicone magic marker.
Step 2:
Choose a perfect spot for mounting the transducer. Remember that the transducer placement should be away 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 works well. You can use isopropyl alcohol or the same quality cleaner to clean the mounting area. 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 enter into the plastic basement and transducer. Keep in mind that air bubble reduces the efficiency of the transducer.
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 have not entered any air bubbles between the transducer and the mounting place.
Step 7:
Make a hole into a sponge to fit the transducer that 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 trying to mount 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. If the mounting base and transducer do not adjust, you may face several hassles.
- 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 have 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 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 fibreglass and plastic hull. Remember to mount the transducer lower inside the hull so that it can get touched with water.
In the meantime, you must prevent the bubble making 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?
Yes, your transducer has to be submerged in the water to get the best direction. Also, note that a transducer will enter into start-up after detecting the transducer. And the transducer will act in normal operation until you choose another option.
Where is the best place to mount a transducer?
The starboard (right side of the kayak) is considered the best place to mount a transducer. Place the transducer at the down stroke of the propeller of any kayak. Placing the transducer at the right downstroke reduces the 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. But the water flows over the transducer placed below when the transducer is placed too low position. As a result, there will create an air bubble and a rooster tail 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 as per your requirement and convenience. Here we mention 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 protect 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/
