2005 270 OUTRAGE: SONAR Transducer Installation

[Gtk207]

On my 2005 270 OUTRAGE with an AIRMAR SONAR through-hull transducer model B744vl I found a leak, occurring mostly through anti-rotation bolt hole. I removed the transducer, expecting to find that it was installed at the location of a putty box in the hull. Instead, I was disappointed at the very poor installation [apparently not using a putty box to surround the large hole through the laminates and foam].

Fig. 1. No caption has been provided to explain what is being illustrated.

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I am planning to install a pair of RV220 SONAR transducers used with [a device identified as an] AXIOM [apparently a model name for a SONAR]; this will eliminate RAYMARINE-brand transom-mounted transducers.

After seeing [the lack of a putty box provided in the Unibond hull], I am now not sure where to go from here.

[Two options for how to proceed are presented;}

1. fill transducer hole eliminating the B744vl and worry about [the next step] over the winter months
2. re-install B744vl properly and later remove and fill-in the hole

Give me comments and perhaps guidance on y best course of action.

ASIDE: There's definitely some waterlogged foam. I am of the opinoin that the only Boston Whaler boats with dry foam are Boston Whaler boats in a dealer showroom.

[Phil T]

From reviewing the factory drawings there does not appear to be a factory supplied putty box for your model.

If you don't have the specific drawings for your boat model , you can download them for no charge at Whaler.com.

Select Year, family, model and doc type here:
https://www.bostonwhaler.com/resources-and-maintenance.html

It goes without saying that you should vet the vendor or person hired to ensure they are properly trained and skilled.

It is wise to remove as much water and moisture as practical while you make a proper putty box.

Do not bother with more than using shop vac and running warm air for a few days. Get the surface of the foam dry enough to cure when you apply the epoxy.

It is wise to obtain the transducers prior to fabricating the putty box to ensure the puty box is the correct size and depth.

Once the repair and install is complete, drill for the twin transducers.

[Gtk207]

I found a drawing of approximate putty box locations

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I do believe [the 2005 270 OUTRAGE boat will] have [a putty box], but the problem will be [the putty boxes] will not be in suitable locations for the RV220 SONAR transducers.

[Phil T]

That is good to know.

You are the fifth person I have talked to who has installed or wanted to install a SONAR transducer in the stern bilge or sump area.

The factory locations on the Outrage-Revenge-Conquest models is typically amidships. Far from ideal. Not sure what Boston Whaler designers were thinking.

[Phil T]

Are you runnning on Moose, Highland or Long Lake or somewhere special that requires some serious kit?

[Gtk207]

I keep [the 2005 270 OUTRAGE boat] down on the ocean.


I think filling in the transducer hole and re-configuring the livewell pickup and forward fish box pump out would be ideal, and in that I could get the two transducers in ideal locations with plenty of headroom.

Fig. 6. No caption provided.

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[Phil T]

Wow, a bit of a lot going on there [in Figure 6]. I see four through hulls. Yikes.