IMPORTANT!!!  If you cannot obtain accurate depth readings while testing the In-Hull Location as per the steps below, then your hull is not glue-in compatible and you will need to transom mount your transducer or exchange it for a Thru-Hull.  

Click Here to Download the Glue-In Instruction and Illustration Manual

Watch Our Video Tutorial On How To Glue In A Transducer

Since the hull absorbs acoustic energy, transmitting through the hull reduces the transducer's performance. Fiberglass hulls are often reinforced in places for added strength. These cored areas contain wood or structural foam which are poor sound conductors. To achieve optimal performance, find a location where the hull laminate is solid (not cored) and relatively flat.

IMPORTANT!!!  Establish a Depth Reading Baseline 

1. Anchor/Moor the vessel in a body of water away from other boat traffic.

2. Plug the transducer cable into the back of the depth sounder display and turn the display ON. Once the display is turned ON, it will display the test sequence and then display the current depth. Make sure the Keel Offset feature is turned OFF.

3. Place the transducer close to your ear (do not press up against your ear). If the transducer is properly connected it will be emitting a ticking sound (similar to a wristwatch). If you do not hear this ticking sound, recheck your connections or visit our Customer Service Center for advanced troubleshooting.

4. Hold the transducer over the side of the vessel so that it is the same distance below the water surface as it would be at the in-hull mounting location. Note the depth that is being displayed on the Depth Sounder.

5. Remove the transducer from the water. Use one of the methods below to test the depth readings with the transducer at the desired in-hull location. 

IMPORTANT!!!  Choose a Location 

• Where the fiberglass is SOLID (no air bubbles are trapped in the fiberglass resin) and where no coring, flotation material, or dead air space is sandwiched between the inside skin and outer
  skin of the hull.
• Where the hull below the transducer will be in contact with the water at all times.
• Where the water flowing under the hull is smoothest with a minimum of bubbles and turbulence (especially at high speeds). Do not mount the transducer in line with or near water intake or discharge openings; or behind strakes, fittings, or hull irregularities that will disturb the water flow.
• Where the transducer beam will not be blocked by the keel or propeller shaft(s).
• Away from interference caused by power and radiation sources such as: the propeller(s) and shaft(s), other machinery, other echosounders, and other cables. The lower the noise level, the higher the echosounder gain setting that can be used.
• Where the deadrise angle of the hull does not exceed 22°.
• Where there is space inside the vessel for the size of the base and installing the transducer.

CRITICAL!!!  Test the In-Hull Location Before Gluing the Transducer In-Hull 

6. If “---” readings appear or the readings are noticeably different from the depth displayed when the transducer was hung over the side of the boat, you will need to find another location. If the readings are similar, mark the spot in the hull and proceed to # 7.   

   If you cannot obtain accurate depth readings while testing the installation as per the first steps below, then your hull is not glue-in compatible and you will need to transom mount your transducer or exchange it for a Thru-Hull.  

7. Temporarily anchor the transducer on the marked spot using duct tape.

8. Remove the vessel from its mooring and operate it at idle speeds while getting to know the functions and performance of the depth sounder.

9. Gradually increase the boat speed and observe the depth readings (make sure you stay in water between 2.5 and 200 feet deep).

10. If “---” readings appear:  A) Put the vessel in a slow turn. If “---” disappears when turning, the transducer’s position probably needs adjustment because it is in aerated water.  B) If “---” does not disappear while turning, relocate the transducer using any one of the methods in # 5 and repeat #5 thru #10.  C) If following 5-B, make sure that your “---” readings are not caused by the bilge water flowing away from the transducer face while turning, accelerating, or decelerating.

11. DO NOT proceed to the next step until you are satisfied with the readings. If you have difficulties please repeat steps 1 thru 10 above until you find a location that produces optimal results

IMPORTANT:  Please use thoughtful consideration when selecting your adhesive as the overall performance and enjoyment of your depth sounder depends heavily on the type of adhesive you use. USE A 2-PART, SLOW CURE EPOXY ONLY  Click Here

Glue The Transducer in Place:

1. All surfaces to be bonded must be smooth, clean and dry. If the hull surface is not smooth (as per the picture below), sand it with 30 grit sandpaper.

IMPORTANT: The area where you are going to glue in the transducer must have a smooth surface area that is a little larger in diameter than the base of the transducer. 

Review the picture below: 

• Any areas that have rough sections (pictured as white blotches in the red circle below), must be sanded to be 100% free from these imperfections. 

• The location MUST look like the area inside the green circle on the right.

2. Clean and dry both the selected glue in area and the face of the transducer with a weak solvent to remove any dust, grease or oil.

3. Thoroughly mix the epoxy  (DO NOT mix the epoxy on the transducer).

4. Apply a generous amount of adhesive to the entire face of the transducer (side opposite from the cable) and the inside of the hull.

5. Press the transducer face onto the hull with a twisting motion to expel all air bubbles.

6. If the hull is slanted, temporarily secure the transducer in place with tape. Allow the adhesive to cure as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

NOTE:  If after completing the steps above, and you've allowed ample time for the epoxy to fully cure, the depth finder does not show accurate readings, Click Here