Depth-finder inaccuracy

[ellis@cedarwoodco.com]

I have an Eagle depth-finder/fish-finder that shows about 50 feet deeper then it should. I don't know if it's actually taking a reading from the bottom or not.

It hadn't worked for a while before. Last time I was out, I was messing around with it and got it to show depth. It was showing somewhere around 50 feet. I stuck an oar down just to check and hit bottom -- barely three feet deep! Not good.

Is there some kind of calibration I can do on it, or reset button, or something like that?

I don't know the exact model number, but it's a couple years old at least.

I'm basically looking for depth, not fish. What's a good, reliable, yet inexpensive depth-finder cost?

Thanks.

 

[I/O WALDO]

Re: Depth-finder inaccuracy

Is the transducer inside or outside the boat?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Depth-finder inaccuracy

If the transducer is a stern mounted style, make sure its not "kicked up" and therefore pinging at an angle rather than straight down. If this is the typical "Skimmer" transducer, the pointed end must face straight forward like the lower unit on an outboard.

 

[ellis@cedarwoodco.com]

Re: Depth-finder inaccuracy

The transducer is on the outside. I haven't even looked at it lately. It might well be dirty or pointed at a different angle. It that a normal cause of errant readings?

 

[ellis@cedarwoodco.com]

Re: Depth-finder inaccuracy

Update: I checked the transducer and it looks clean and pointed in the right direction. It is an Eagle MagnaView.

My question is, Is it worth trying to fix or not?

Thanks.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Depth-finder inaccuracy

Make sure it`s not in the simulation mode.

 

[gss036]

Re: Depth-finder inaccuracy

Last time I checked, Eagle was charging around $80.00 flat rate. You be the judge. I threw mine away and bought a Humminbird.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Depth-finder inaccuracy

You might want to reset the unit to factory defaults and give it another try. This will make sure you do not have some setting so far off the unit can not work correctly. After that if it not working try adjusting the sensitivity till you get a good strong bottom signal and not too much surface clutter.