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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Depth Sounder Installation

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David MacMillan
Deckhand

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USA
1 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/17/2007 : 19:05:43

I want to add a depth sounder to my 250 WB. The well under the V berth seems like a good place. My question is, can I transmit through the hull or do I have to drill for the transducer mounting? All comments welcome.

Daisy

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 12/17/2007 : 20:28:16

I just bought a cheap Humminbird Piranha 215 fish finder and yes it will transmit through the hull as long as it's mounted to the outer hull and it's not cored (other brands should also work). If you have an inner liner you will have to find a spot where you can get to the outer hull. I just did this about a month ago on my '89 C25.

Before doing so I hung the transducer over the side of the boat and took a reading. I then mounted the transducer using the following procedure and took another reading. They were the same.

Get a wax toilet bowl ring at Home Depot or Lowes (in the plumbing dept). Take a big wad of it, stick it to the hull on the inside and flatten it out some. Push the transducer into the wax and wiggle it down as far as you can but not all the way through the wax. You want to get all of the air bubbles out from under the transducer. I'd leave approximately 1/4" of wax under the transducer. The wax will hold the transducer in place and if for some reason you don't get a good reading you can simply pull the transducer out of the wax and start over. Mine worked on the first try. Spent maybe 3 minutes mounting the transducer.

GaryB
'89 SR/WK #5862
Kemah,TX

Edited by - GaryB on 12/17/2007 21:22:00

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 12/18/2007 : 07:30:38

David, Plenty of archives on this subject for the C 250. I installed a Garmin 140 fish finder/ depth sounder in that cavity two years ago with the toilet bowl goup. Works the nuts. Retrieved a custom installation from the forum of the screen etc that swings in and out of the companionway on a swing able mount. Running the wiring was the tough part.

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divecon813
Deckhand

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USA
9 Posts

Response Posted - 01/13/2008 : 04:19:14

Gary, is the new wires for this type of transducer a plug and play type of arrangement or is there crimping and/or soldering envolved?

Thanx, Chief cook and bottle washer
Gary

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3466 Posts

Response Posted - 01/13/2008 : 07:30:29

I also went the toilet bowl wax route. The benefit of this method over just about any other method is that if you do not get a signal, then you can easily try another location. I have it this way for two years and has worked great with no concerns or maintenance.

The details of my installation of a fishfinder which included covering up the original depth finder hole in my companionway bulkhead with a starboard circle is on my website along with photos. Some have made swing-out mounts for the fishfinder and have had satisfaction with making it along with excellent functionality. I chose to mount a RAM Swing-arm mount. This company (RAM) specializes in making mounts for various purposes and so this is also another way to go. While West Marine may carry some RAM models in their catalog or store, you can search the web and find other sources that sell more RAM Swing Arm models and perhaps at lower cost.

My Humminbird fishfinder was as you call it a "plug and play" model where you insert the end of the transducer wire into a socket on the fishfinder. (At least that it the way I remember it. It has been awhile since I installed the unit. It definitely was not a soldering job...at least was not for me.)

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 01/13/2008 : 11:12:10

My experience with sounders is that they are plug-and-play. The directions tell you NOT to mess with the cable in any way.

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 01/13/2008 : 14:46:38

Gary,

My Humminbird fishfinder is plug and play. I had to buy an extension cable for mine so it would reach the cockpit from the bow area. It was minimal cost and is also plug and play.

GaryB
'89 SR/WK
Kemah,TX

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.