Fixing Factory Tansducer on OMC

[thomasjpierce21]

I have a 1989 Donzi Ragazza 190 that came with a Uniden TR200HA angle shoot 22 degree glue-in hockey puck style transducer. I know where the correct location is in the blige because the original epoxy is already there. Over time, I guess it weakened and the transducer wiggled free.

Can I just squirt some 3M 5200 in the same location and make sure all the bubbles are out before placing in the same spot?

I know that the sonar cant travel through air which is why I think I never got a reading by just placing it back in the same spot with no medium between the surface face and the hull.

Can someone help? I ran aground once already!

Thanks!!!!!

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Fixing Factory Tansducer on OMC

Tho 5200 is a great adhesive, but...... I would be afraid that because of its 'pliability' it MAY alter the accuracy if the signal more than a 'glass resin' like the epoxy.

Clean both surfaces with acetone (Cutex Fingernail Polish Remover) and allow to air dry, open any hatches, run the blower to remove flamable fumes. A little bit on a rag, a couple of times over does a lot better and safer than pouring the bottle onto the spot. Don't over do it, the acetone may try to desolve the surfaces, you just want to be sure that they are free from any traces of dust oil, and water.

Mix any of the Quik setting epoxy following their directions and stick the transducer back where it came from. A THIN coating over the original surface is enough, little more than a coating of paint on both, push the piece down to bed it well and squeeze out any possible air bubbles.

Done.

Give it an hour to cure and drive on.

 

[thomasjpierce21]

Re: Fixing Factory Tansducer on OMC

Thanks Charlie! I really appreciate the help. I'll stop by Westmarine and pick up some epoxy this afternoon and let you know how it turns out.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Fixing Factory Tansducer on OMC

Do not use quick setting epoxy. It is much better to use very solw cure epoxy. The reason is it allows the air bubbles to get out before it sets. Also when you mix, mix slow and try not to induce any air bubbles. Any air and the unit will not work as well.

Also if your want to verify the transducer will work at the location before glueing there are many ways to test.

I think one easy way is to get a piece of PVC pipe that the transducer will fit inside of. You can also use a plastic butter tube or anything you can cut the bottom out of. Clean the test location with dish washer soap a rinse well.
Take a short piece of the PVC pipe and Hold it straight up and then try and cut off the bottom to match the angle of the hull. it does not have to be exact. Now take some silicone glue and put on the bottom of the pvc you cut. Use enough to make a water tight seal between the PVC and the hull.
Let it dry then put the transducer inside the PVC pipe down against the hull.
Now take a zip lock bag and put some sand in it and put it down on top of the transducer to hold it down. Fill the bag with water and seal it up. Now put enough water in the PVC pipe to cover the transducer and take it out and test it. If it does not work well then it is very easy to move to a different location with a little silicone and try again. You do not want silicone under the transducer. The silicone is just to make a water tight seal on the pcv pipe. When installing the transducer try and get it to point straight down and held in place with your bag of sand and water.

This will work as good as if it was hard glued to the hull but very easy to try different locations.