Mounting Transducers

Question for some opinions. See the photo attached. There are several screws already in the transom from what, I’m not sure. They look to be sealed up with something.

I am potentially going to add another transducer and move the currently mounted one. I will be looking to add some PVC trim/mounting plate so I don’t have to continue to add holes to the transom.

Do you all use some sort of adhesive to attach the trim or do you screw it to the transom and seal it up?

Additionally, do you think I should remove all the screws as the new transom PVC mount would cover them up and try to seal the holes, then seal around the trim piece? Or leave the screws, and mount the PVC trim over the screws?

Attachments:

1. 

   boat-transom.jpg
   

I would pull the transducer off, re-insert the screws, hold the new plastic board against all the screw heads and rivets, and whack it with a hammer, to make impressions of all the locations.

You want to use a large drill or Dremel and create shallow recesses, so the board lays flat on the transom. Pick 3-4 locations, and use those existing screws to hold the new board in place. Pull all the screws out, re-seal with 3M 4200 or5200 sealant, re-insert the screws, and attach the new board.

HRG

Great idea. I was thinking along the same, but didn’t think of hitting with a hammer to get impressions to create the recesses. I’ll probably fill those recesses with 5200 as well when I mount the board and seal all the way around.

Has anyone else used the plastic PVC trim from menards as a mounting board before? Should hold up just fine, correct?

I thought about taking all the screws out as well to get a flush mount, but am afraid of having all those holes. Granted, if I seal them up well I should be alright, but the screw remaining in there should help?

I will be using 3M 5200/4200. Just gotta figure out if I want the permanent bond or one that could be removed in the future.

Not sure what was used previously, but doesn’t look the best. The transom isn’t rock solid, so I’m worried there might be some water damage already, hence why I want to try to get everything sealed up. Plus I want to add a ducer and have the capability of moving things around without putting a ton more holes in the boat…