The Stern Saver

[Jluzader]

I am in the process of installing my Dragonfly 5 Pro and do not want to drill holes on my boat. What do you all think of this product the SternSaver? http://www.sternsaver.com/

What is the best route to run the transducer cable from the dash and out?

Cheers, this forum is really getting busy with the warm weather upon us. Going to be a good first summer with you all.....

 

[tdonoughue]

Never heard of or used the SternSaver.

But: wouldn't the space between the plates lead to more cavitation/air bubbles to interfere with the transducer while running?

 

[Jluzader]

Looking at some videos and pics I have not heard anything yet of that issue.

 

[tdonoughue]

Hmm... That is not what I thought it would be like when attached, looking at the pics on the website. If that is how it looks, installed, I would not have a concern.

Of course, I also would not be concerned about drilling below the water level and sealing it. If you think about it, they did that to install the jets, the transducer and all the other stuff on the boat.

 

[gthh]

My only concern would be locating a site that is large and flat enough to accommodate the mount. Also as mentioned if for some reason you want to mount it in another location removing the mount would probably be difficult if not impossible without damaging the gelcoat. You can easily fill and make disappear two screw holes with the standard mount.

 

[justason]

Hey @Jluzader I haven't looked into this task yet,....But can we not use the thru hole currently occupied by the OEM transducer ?

 

[jryan]

I am in the process of installing my Dragonfly 5 Pro and do not want to drill holes on my boat. What do you all think of this product the SternSaver? Stern Saver – Never drill holes below the waterline again!

What is the best route to run the transducer cable from the dash and out?

Cheers, this forum is really getting busy with the warm weather upon us. Going to be a good first summer with you all.....

Did you end up using this for your install? Considering the same thing, still have to figure out where to route transducer cable but this is 2 less holes I have to put in my boat.

 

[Jluzader]

Sorry I did not, I ended up never installing.

 

[jryan]

Sorry I did not, I ended up never installing.

No worries, I went ahead and installed mine. Worked well! https://jetboaters.net/threads/garmin-742xs-is-it-overkill.25449/#post-428608

 

[Julian]

Holes from screws used for these installs are really pretty simple to cover up. But my experience so far is:

1. I either use the holes for the replacement device I am installing or
2. I sell the boat before I replace the current device

So I'm really not bothered about drilling holes in the transom (or anywhere for that matter). I think at last count I'd drilled 6 or 7 large (greater than 1") holes in my boat for various accessories and speakers!

 

[jryan]

Holes from screws used for these installs are really pretty simple to cover up. But my experience so far is:

1. I either use the holes for the replacement device I am installing or
2. I sell the boat before I replace the current device

So I'm really not bothered about drilling holes in the transom (or anywhere for that matter). I think at last count I'd drilled 6 or 7 large (greater than 1") holes in my boat for various accessories and speakers!

After getting over drilling that first hole, I can certainly agree with the fact that it's not a big deal. I was nervous, new boat owner and didn't want to mess anything up. (which I did install in the wrong location first). This gave me some grace and a quick way to move/remount mine and hit the water in the same hour. That was probably the biggest benefit.

 

[Julian]

After getting over drilling that first hole, I can certainly agree with the fact that it's not a big deal. I was nervous, new boat owner and didn't want to mess anything up. (which I did install in the wrong location first). This gave me some grace and a quick way to move/remount mine and hit the water in the same hour. That was probably the biggest benefit.

Yeah....that first hole is a tough one! I eased into it on my 242X...first hole was a USB charger....then moved up to 6.5" speakers....not that is a serious pucker factor!!!!! Especially when you are putting them in a spot that the dealer says they won't fit!!!!

 

[tdonoughue]

Frankly, I think that fixing your own gelcoat seriously helps with this pucker factor (which I totally understand). I did my first drill about the same time as I was fixing my first deep scratch, which I think was a blessing. Once you understand really how this fiberglass stuff works, even if you mess up a hole, you understand how totally fixable it is. And how many times you don't even really need to fix it.

It's your baby. I get it. Drill a hole in it with the advice of your friends here. It will be fine.