Depth finder switch while docked...

[Mnemonic]

Hey all, When i bought my boat, it came with a Hummingbird depth finder, old cracked screen... really crappy lookin.<br /><br />I dont have a trailer for this boat, and its a big boat.. <br /><br />I have a brand new lowrance X47 that looks 3000 times better and probably works a hell of alot better too. <br /><br />But how do i replace the transducer while the boat is in the water? I dont want to pay my marina 100/hr to do it, but i dunno how to go about doing this underwater...

 

[vipzach]

Re: Depth finder switch while docked...

Do you want it outside of the hull, you could probly just mount it inside

 

[Mnemonic]

Re: Depth finder switch while docked...

you can mount the tranceiver inside the boat???

 

[all thumbs]

Re: Depth finder switch while docked...

Do you know if there is a seperate piece of material mounted to the transom that your present transducer is mounted to.If not I dont think it wise to try to mount directly to transom. It's possible the metal bracket might fit your new transducer .

 

[AndyL]

Re: Depth finder switch while docked...

In your handbook that came with the Lowrance there is usually some guidance notes and diagrams on how to mount your transducer internally. Save an awful lot of messing about and worries over impact damage with floating debris. Get it in the right place and it will work perfectly.

 

[amirm]

Re: Depth finder switch while docked...

Putting the transducer inside only works if you have a solid bottom hull. You can test this by putting the tranducer in a bag of water and then putting it in various places in your bilge to see if it works. If it does, and you don't mind loosing some performance, you can then glue it down at that spot.<br /><br />Alternatively, you can put a unit on the transom. Just make sure it is not where there is a lot of turbulance (run the boat and look at the back for a calm spot).<br /><br />Amir

 

[Mnemonic]

Re: Depth finder switch while docked...

My bilge seems to be 4" below the deck of the boat... didnt get any reading at all... I guess i'll just wait till winter storage to get this replaced.

 

[vipzach]

Re: Depth finder switch while docked...

Did you do the test that amir suggested? The FF/depth gauge I bought works fine going through the hull. It is the lower end Eagle Cuda 128 ($79).

 

[Mnemonic]

Re: Depth finder switch while docked...

Yes, i tried putting it in a bag of water in the bilge, and it said i had 80' depth in my 4' deep slip.<br /><br />I moved it around and got the same reading...

 

[amirm]

Re: Depth finder switch while docked...

Sounds like you have a hollow core then. Many builders do this instead of using solid fiberglass. And sound waives do not travel well through air pockets there.<br /><br />Is the current transducer going through the hull? And did you look at the option of putting it on the transom?<br /><br />The problem with waiting to do in the winter is that if you put it in the hull, then you have to go and test it and see if it works. Not all locations produce satisfactory results. For most people, a stern mount unit makes more sense.<br /><br />Oh btw, you should check to see what kind of transducer you have. If it is for stern mount, you won't be able to put it through hull anyway.<br /><br />Amir