Plastic Transducer

[king5899]

I replaced my older plastic transducer this past weekend with a new brass B60 for my new GPS/Sonar. I wanted to use the same hole as the existing factory installed unit so I didn't have to expose the core material anywhere and minimize underwater holes.

However I was quite suprised when I removed the old one. It was plastic with a screw on top to a tube that goes through the hull. The actual transducer piece slid into the tube and was held in place by the screw top. If the plastic screw top cracked it could easily sink a boat. If anyone has one of these, you might want to check it out.

BTW - Boatfix got my transducer delivered on time for the weekend install, Thank you guys!

MJK

 

[b_arrington]

That's why I don't particularly like plastic through-hull transducers. It's probably not a huge risk with a fiberglass boat, though, because it doesn't expand an contract very much. NEVER install a plastic through-hull on a wooden boat; the natural expansion of the wood could crush the plastic.

That B60 unit is nice - I installed one a couple years ago and it's performed very nicely.

 

[Ironworks]

Plastic through hulls are a danger on any boat no matter what it is made of. Think impact from an underwater object such as a log. Once the plastic is cracked it will start to fail. When it falls away you are left with a large hole to find and plug before you sink. Don't think your 1500 gph pump will save you if the hole is 2 in. it won't. The quick fix is to stuff the hole if you can find it. That isn't easy at night in rough water. No more plastic for me.

 

[king5899]

I used a hammer and flathead to remove the old one as the nut just broke when I tried to unscrew it, and it didn't take much to break it up and remove it. I feel better knowing my only thru hulls are no longer plastic.

MJK