165T-B54 on 19 feet RIB. Is it possible to mount it in-hull or on transom?

[danmaz74]

Hi. I bought a used TZT3 with DFF3D and a 165T-B54, which I need to install on my 19 feet RIB, which needs to be trailerable. For such a small boat I'm excluding using the fairing block, so I'm considering these options for the transducer:

• Mount it flush on the keel
• Mount it in-hull, building a reservoir with glycol-water mix
• Build a custom transom mount, and put it on the transom

By reading older posts I understood that mounting it flush on the keel will give the best results, but I'm afraid of the possibility of damaging the transducer when trailering the boat - I keep my boat in the water and don't have my own trailer, so when I need maintenance I use a friend's or the maintenance shop trailer. This means that I can't customize the trailer to ensure that it won't damage the transducer. I would also prefer not to cut a hole in the keel, if I can get good enough performance without having to do that.

For the in-hull mount I'm worried about attenuation because of the sound waves having to pass the fiberglass keel, at an angle for most of the beams. A local expert says that, as the fiberglass shouldn't be really thick in that point, this shouldn't be a problem; but he doesn't have direct experience with the B54 in that position. Is there anybody here who can tell their experience?

Last, mounting it on the transom. I've been told that there is a very high risk of water leaking through the hole where the two cables come out of the transducer, but I wonder if that can still happen if I use a good amount of sealant and wrap the end part of the bronze and the cables with a waterproof conduit.

Any insights would be highly appreciated! Thanks

Dan

 

[FishTech]

It would be best to return your 165T-B54 and get the proper transducer for what you want to do.
165T-CM54 would be the one to flush mount into the keel. This would give great results.
165T-TM54 is the transom mount version. Designed to be underwater. Give great results when proper installed in clean water.
Do not mount it inside the hull. It would be a complete waste of time and money.