Sealing small holes from depth finder....

[JSGOLD]

I removed the old depth finder that came with my boat and now that my rewire is almost done I am installing the new Humminbird fish finder on the boat. The problem is the optimum spot is pretty much where the old depth finder's transducer was installed. The brackets are different size, and no matter what I do I am going to wind up with 1-2 or possibly three holes to fill in. I could just use some marine silicone and the old screws but this would interfere with the new transducer too if I checked right. Apart from welding or alumiloy etc. would JB Weld do in this case? I will d/c in the morning and make sure the silicone/screws will or won't work first but am pretty sure that won't do.

 

[series60]

Re: Sealing small holes from depth finder....

I removed the old depth finder that came with my boat and now that my rewire is almost done I am installing the new Humminbird fish finder on the boat. The problem is the optimum spot is pretty much where the old depth finder's transducer was installed. The brackets are different size, and no matter what I do I am going to wind up with 1-2 or possibly three holes to fill in. I could just use some marine silicone and the old screws but this would interfere with the new transducer too if I checked right. Apart from welding or alumiloy etc. would JB Weld do in this case? I will d/c in the morning and make sure the silicone/screws will or won't work first but am pretty sure that won't do.

I have to assume you are talking about an aluminum hull because of this statement -"Apart from welding or alumiloy etc. would JB Weld do in this case?" I have used JB under a patch I had to make to repair a fairly large hole in my 14' tinny's transom. Been two years now and holding. Be sure to clean out the old holes and after applying JB put painters tape over the filled holes so the JB won't run out before it sets.

 

[hungupthespikes]

Re: Sealing small holes from depth finder....

You can always make a mounting plate for the new fish finder and use the old holes for mounting the plate to the boat.
The next time you upgrade you just change out the plate.

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: Sealing small holes from depth finder....

Yes, it is an aluminum hull, left that out for some reason.... As for an adapter plate I have considered that but sure what would work. Will take another look shortly....

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Sealing small holes from depth finder....

deleted

 

[OllieC]

Re: Sealing small holes from depth finder....

West Systems six-10. Stuff is awesome. It's an epoxy and you can re-drill it if need be. It self mixes in a tube. West Marine had it, as well as most marine outlets.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Sealing small holes from depth finder....

I've used JB Weld on small holes in an aluminum hull, and it worked very well. Really durable.

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Sealing small holes from depth finder....

I made an adaptor plate - i used silicon to attach it to the transom, but could just as easily have used the old transducer holes (I wanted a slightly different location and wanted to use one of the old holes for something else).

I got some 1/8" aluminum plate (5052), cut out a piece and mounted a couple of 10-32 flat head screws in countersunk holes with JB (roughed the holes and undersides of screw heads for good adhesion). Spaced the screws so they fit the new transducer bracket and mounted it to the transom with the screws facing out. Used a couple of nylock nuts to fasten the new bracket and I was in business.

Somewhere on here I've got a post with photos of the adaptor.

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: Sealing small holes from depth finder....

Thanks folks! I am still re-wiring the old boat and will install the transducer after some more thought....I am leaning towards picking up a bracket and filling the existing holes in with JB Weld.....I rigged up something using the old bracket but it looked like crap. The bracket might be my best bet as I would have to drill more holes in case this location for some reason does not work out.

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Sealing small holes from depth finder....

Just stumbled across the photos of the adaptor I made. Here they are. Keep in mind I attached this w/silicone. I could have drilled holes to match the ones already in my transom to mount it if I wanted the new one in the same location as the old one.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Sealing small holes from depth finder....

Get yourself a piece of half inch thick starboard, and screw or bolt it in place, sealing it to the hull with either 3m 4200 or 3m 5200.
This will seal the old holes, and provide you multiple mounting locations for the new transducer(s).

You can mount, remove, remount, all you want, because all the holes will only be in the starboard, and will not go thru the hull.

The sell these at larger sporting goods and marine stores.
Or you can buy starboard, or a thick cutting board, and make your own.

Pardon all the gravel road crud in the photo.