Teleflex depth sounder trouble

[Raypex]

I recently purchased a 2002 Chaparral 265 SSI. The depth sounder seems to not act correctly. When I turn it on, it seems to work properly. Readings around 5' around the marina seem good. After a few minutes, the depth alarm will sound and rhe reading says 1.7'. If i turn it off and back on, it works again but only for a couple of minutes. It does not seem to matter if I am moving fast or slow. It will alarm after a few minutes of being turned on. I know I am in at least 12' of water because I am in a commercial shipping lane that is at least 12' deep. I need opinions! The transducer is thru-hull and mounted forward of the engine. I would hate to go through the expense of changing it as I'm sure it would be costly. Is there any way to confirm if the gauge is bad or the transducer? The reading on the trailer in the driveway is 1.7'. My research says this should read much more when out of the water. Is this correct?
Thanks

 

[alldodge]

I recently purchased a 2002 Chaparral 265 SSI. The depth sounder seems to not act correctly. When I turn it on, it seems to work properly. Readings around 5' around the marina seem good. After a few minutes, the depth alarm will sound and rhe reading says 1.7'. If i turn it off and back on, it works again but only for a couple of minutes. It does not seem to matter if I am moving fast or slow. It will alarm after a few minutes of being turned on. I know I am in at least 12' of water because I am in a commercial shipping lane that is at least 12' deep. I need opinions! The transducer is thru-hull and mounted forward of the engine. I would hate to go through the expense of changing it as I'm sure it would be costly. Is there any way to confirm if the gauge is bad or the transducer? The reading on the trailer in the driveway is 1.7'. My research says this should read much more when out of the water. Is this correct?
Thanks

On the trailer the gauge should read infinity or max reading. The transducer needs to be able to shoot thru the hull and there should be no voids. Most transducers are glued to the bottom of the hull, and over time cracks in the glue can form, You could try breaking it loose and re-gluing. I use a big blob of RTV to glue mine. You can also put the transducer directly over the side of the boat in the water and see if it reads correctly

 

[Raypex]

Alldodge,
The transducer is "thru-hull" There is a black part on the bottom of the boat. I don't think it is a attachment issue. If it were, it would be leaking.

 

[alldodge]

Alldodge,
The transducer is "thru-hull" There is a black part on the bottom of the boat. I don't think it is a attachment issue. If it were, it would be leaking.

OK, I was thinking you had a shoot thru hull. The in hull type do not have the same issue unless you have one where the transducer is placed in a cavity in the hull. Think of a plastic cup glued in the hull. The transducer is placed in the cup and the cup is filled with a liquid like antifreeze. Then a cap is placed on top to seal it. In most cases these are not used to often. Yours being an in hull I would say your transducer is bad. they are fairly simple items and they either do or do not work

 

[Raypex]

So, it appears that I need a new transducer. Next question is to replace with another thru-hull or can I buy a transom mounted external transducer that will work with my original gauge? Thoughts and opinions on this are appreciated!

 

[alldodge]

So, it appears that I need a new transducer. Next question is to replace with another thru-hull or can I buy a transom mounted external transducer that will work with my original gauge? Thoughts and opinions on this are appreciated!

My guess is no, I have the same issue but mine is a shoot thru transducer. Mine gave up but the only transducers they sell are for the in hull or transom mounts are they will not connect with my old head unit. Same issue usually happens with all manufactures, things keep changing. I did some searching and could not find a lot but here is what I did
http://gfretwell.com/electrical/teleflex senders.pdf

Need to find you model number and see what accessories are available/ I also think Teleflex got out of the depth sounder business, all I find is old stuff

 

[Raypex]

Thank you for taking the time! It is appreciated. I think I can replace the gauge and transducer (with an external) for less than the labor to replace the thru-hull.