Stern Pad Standard Size - Black

Introduction

The Stern Pad is an innovative screwless mounting solution designed for marine transducers and other accessories. It utilizes industrial-grade 3M VHB adhesive to provide a secure and durable bond to your boat's hull without the need for drilling. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for proper installation and care to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your Stern Pad.

Safety Information

• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during installation, such as gloves and eye protection.
• Ensure the work area is well-ventilated when using cleaning agents.
• Keep all components and cleaning agents out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not ingest any part of the product or cleaning agents.

Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in your Stern Pad kit:

• (1) Standard Size Black Stern Pad
• (3) Screwless Cable Clips
• (1) Scotch-Brite Pad
• (1) Alcohol Wipe (or similar surface preparation wipe)
• (1) Push Pin

Image: The Stern Pad and the three screwless cable clips included in the kit.

Image: Components of the installation kit, including the Scotch-Brite pad, alcohol wipe, and push pin.

Installation Guide

CAREFULLY READ ALL DIRECTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION. THE STERN PAD MAY NOT BOND TO THE HULL PROPERLY IF THE DIRECTIONS ARE NOT FOLLOWED.

• The hull temperature during installation must be between 50°F and 110°F.
• The pad is approved for use on gel-coat, aluminum, and epoxy paint (NOT ANTI-FOULING PAINT).
• The hull surface must be completely flat and clean so that the entire adhesive surface can be bonded.
• The Stern Pad is not intended for boats that exceed 55 mph.
• The attached device should not extend more than ½" below the boat hull or weigh more than 2 lbs.

A properly mounted transducer should be in line with the bottom of the hull and skim the water when the boat is on plane. This minimizes drag and turbulence. See our website for guidance on transducer mounting.

Image: Diagram illustrating the correct alignment of a transducer with the boat hull to minimize drag and turbulence.

Image: Visual guidance on transducer alignment and the necessity of removing anti-fouling paint before installation.

Installation Steps:

1. If necessary, remove all anti-fouling paint in the general area where the Stern Pad is to be mounted.
2. Thoroughly clean the area of the hull where the Stern Pad is to be mounted.
3. Leave the adhesive backing on the Stern Pad and place the Stern Pad in the desired location. Inspect the Stern Pad's edges and make sure the 3M VHB adhesive will make full contact with the hull.
4. Trace the Stern Pad with a pencil.
5. Using the supplied Scotch-Brite pad, rub the hull inside the traced lines.
6. Using a wet paper towel, remove all residue from the previous step and allow the surface to dry.
7. Using the supplied alcohol wipe, wipe down the surface. ALLOW THE SURFACE TO DRY.
8. Using the supplied push pin, carefully separate the adhesive backing from the adhesive pad. DO NOT TOUCH THE ADHESIVE AS IT WILL WEAKEN ITS BONDING ABILITY.
9. Carefully place the Stern Pad in the marked position. Do not change the position of the Stern Pad once the adhesive has contacted the hull.
10. USING AS MUCH FORCE AS POSSIBLE, push the middle of the Stern Pad against the hull for at least 15 seconds. Then, push the pad's edges against the hull with as much force as possible.
11. WAIT 24 HOURS FOR ADHESIVE TO ACTIVATE/CURE.
12. Your device can now be installed. Select pointed stainless steel screws that will penetrate at least 5/8" into the Stern Pad but not into the boat hull. Do not drill pilot holes.
13. Moderately pull on the mounted device to ensure it is secure. Contact us if any issues arise.
14. If desired, use the supplied cable clips to secure the wires of the mounted device. Use the same application method as explained above.

Image: The Stern Pad showing the red 3M VHB adhesive backing before installation.

Image: A Stern Pad with a transducer securely mounted to its surface.

Image: The Stern Pad installed on a boat hull, providing a stable mounting point for a transducer.

Image: An example of the Stern Pad being used to mount a marine fuel filter, demonstrating its versatility for various accessories.

Product Use & Limitations

The Stern Pad is designed for mounting transducers, LED lights, live-well pumps, battery switches, fuel separators, and similar marine accessories. It provides a strong, semi-permanent bond that can be removed from gel-coat surfaces if needed, preserving the integrity of your boat's hull.

WARNING:

The Stern Pad should never be used as a mounting block for a cleat, eye-bolt, tie-down ring or other device intended for use with rope or strapping (e.g., trailer strap, water-skiing rope, etc.).

This Standard Size Stern Pad is suitable for standard transducers. For larger 3D scanning transducers, please use the Stern Pad Jumbo size.

Image: A visual comparison between the Standard Size Stern Pad (4.5" x 3.5" x .75") for standard transducers and the Jumbo Size (6.5" x 4.75" x 1") for larger 3D scan transducers.

Care & Maintenance

The Stern Pad is designed to be durable and low-maintenance. It can be bottom painted if desired. Regularly inspect the bond area for any signs of wear or detachment, especially after prolonged use or exposure to harsh marine conditions. Clean the pad and surrounding hull area with mild soap and water as part of your regular boat maintenance routine.

Troubleshooting

Pad Not Adhering Properly:

• Issue: Pad does not stick or detaches easily.
  Solution: Ensure the hull surface was thoroughly cleaned and dry before application. Verify that the hull temperature was within the recommended 50°F to 110°F range during installation. Avoid touching the adhesive backing during removal. Ensure sufficient pressure was applied for at least 15 seconds during installation. Allow the full 24-hour cure time before exposing to water or stress.
• Issue: Pad is lifting at edges.
  Solution: Re-apply pressure to the edges, ensuring firm contact. If the issue persists, the surface may not have been perfectly flat or clean.

Device Not Secure on Pad:

• Issue: Transducer or accessory feels loose.
  Solution: Ensure the screws used to attach the device to the Stern Pad are appropriate (pointed stainless steel) and penetrate at least 5/8" into the pad. Do not overtighten, but ensure a snug fit.

Specifications

Warranty & Support

For specific warranty information and customer support, please refer to the official SEAWORTHY INNOVATIONS website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt for any warranty claims.

Manufacturer: Seaworthy Innovations
Country of Origin: USA