Hull prep for in-hull transducer

[SuperAirIan]

My 2001 SAN had a Humminbird in-hull transducer epoxy'd onto the bilge side of the hull directly below the shaft between the drive unit an the shaft hull exit. I ground, pounded, chipped and did about everything else to get the old transducer out of that tight spot. In so doing I managed to pretty well destroy what I think was the original grey gel-coat finish over the reddish glass underneath. This was all to no end as my new Faria/Airmar propylene glycol filled transducer assembly is too high to fit under the drive shaft anyway....doh.

I ended up choosing a site on the starboard side of the v-drive unit just between the drive mount and the back of the plastic fuel tank at 20.45 degree deadrise. I used a 4" sander and removed the grey "gelcoat" down to the red fiberglass. The reason I did this was due to the instructions (in two places) which stated "...The hull surface to be bonded must be smooth and free of paint or any other finish." It was the "or any other finish" that got to me.

Yesterday I filled the transducer base with the 71 ml of glycol called for and buttoned the whole area back up. All night I stewed about having the anti-freeze in direct contact with the "exposed" reddish fiberglass. I worry about eventual de-lamination.

My question is....am I ok with these two areas (old transducer and new) being exposed or should I open her back up, dry the two areas up and re-finish the exposed glass? If so, what would be the best/easiest material to use. I don't care about the look of the job because of the hidden bilge view.

Thanks for any advise.
Ian

[beach]

I'm pretty sure that's bilge paint, not gel coat.

[SuperAirIan]

Thanks, Beach. You have given me the confidence to no worry about these small areas and just get on with what the boat if for anyway....fun.

[beach]

I'd definitely seal it up somehow. You don't want gas or oil getting sitting on bare fiberglass. I would think that bilge paint would be the easiest way to seal up those small areas, and if you have a nearby west marine you should be able to go in and get a similar gray. You can paint on gel coat also, but you'd have to seal it up since it won't cure when exposed to air.