Depth Sounder Tranducer

[chuckg]

I am replacing a faulty Depth sounder transducer on a Signet Marine 172 Depth sounder on my C&C 25. Or at least attempting to do so.. The previous installer has bonded the transducer through the hull and also through a 1/2" wood backing plate with 3M 5200 and it has resisted all attempts from hammers, chisels, and other inplements of destruction to even budge. I am not worried about damaging the old transducer as I have a new one to replace it however, I am worried that I might damage the hull either by using heat or by whacking it too hard with a hammer and delaminating the glass. Any suggestions?
Chuck Gilchrest

[pirateofcapeann]

I understand that gasoline will soften up 5200. I''m not up to speed on the particulars but you might want to give it a shot. If the transducer is of no value you can cut it off on the outside with a SawsAll and a long blade and knock it back through.

Pi

[joub]

I''ve read that using a heat gun on the blade of a putty knife and working it between the object and the fiberglass will soften the 5200. Eventually it should allow you to free the transducer from the hull.

Fairwinds,
Jim

[wbgent]

Some transducers will read right thru your fibergalss hull... no thruhull required. If your new transducer will do so, just leave the old one in place. Make sure the new one isn''t near any metal and that all paint is cleaned off the fiberglass at that point.

Will

[PinkVoldo]

Seems like people have had good luck using epoxy or silicone products to affix the transducers to the inner hull.

[CaptainForce]

I've never had any difficulties with my transducer, that reads through the hull, being disrupted by bottom paint. Before using epoxy to affix such a transducer to the hull, test it's function by laying it on a zip lock bag of water resting at location. 'take care and joy, Aythya crew

[seadover]

Chuck;

Removing items bonded with 5200 today is super simple. Debond is available at most marine supplies and it will break down 5200. You will have to exercise some patience and persistance because it won't dissolve immediately and may require some working but it WILL work. Keep it confined to the target area.

Have used it myself as a professional marine oufitter/rigger/tech since it's appearance and with this product on the market I use 5200 fast cure in most instances where I would not have in the past. The days of pulling gelcoat off with the hardware item like a leaky hatch is history with proper application and procedures.

[nickmerc]

If you are not worried about destroying the transducer, maybe try cutting it off flush to the inside of the hull then drilling it out with a large drill bit. Or you coulld use a rotozip or dremel to remove it. Just be sure to not remove part of the hull.
________
xLIttleWetPussy cam

[roline]

Simple, leave it where it is. Cut the wire if you wish. I've used transducers mounted on the inside of the hull (solid not cored) by epoxing it in place. Just check that it can couple through the hull, easy method is as posted below, in a ziploc bag with water to couple to the inside of the hull.
Next time you haul, remove the old if you are still inclined.

[PinkVoldo]

On a Newport 27, I epoxied a Humminbird Transom Mount-style transducer right to the hull. I chose to glue it just inside the low-set cabinet. Seems to work well, with easy installation.