Transducer Removal

[mikeblas]

There's plenty of trancuer threads here, but I don't see my question answered in any of them: how do I remove a shoot-through-hull transducer?

I've purchased an older Cobalt boat, and it has a built-in Lowrance 3200 depth finder. I'd like to replace it with a newer model. Should I expect the newer model to work with my 10-year old transducer? Or will I need to replace the old one?

Will it be easiest simply to mount the new one, leaving the old transducer in place and unused?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Transducer Removal

Why would you want to use old technology with new technology. I don't know if the two transducers are interchangeable, but I would certainly use the transducer built for the head unit. Why not use both locators - one fore and one aft.

 

[mikeblas]

Re: Transducer Removal

Hi, Silvertip. You're answering a question with more questions even if you didn't use question marks!

I'll use old technology with new technology when it's dificult or impossible to upgrade everything at the same time. Even if I install a new transducer, I'm using a brand new depth finder with an old boat!

I don't want to run two becasue the old head unit is very large and doesn't fit my dash, or the upgrades I have planned for my dash. As I'm sure you know, mounting space is often limited in boats. The newest Lowrance finders can show more information in less space; right in a 2-1/8-inch gauge pod! My old one is about five inches wide.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Transducer Removal

You can call Lowrance and ask but I bet I know the answer.

I would predict that it would not be compatible.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Transducer Removal

I.ve never removed a "shoot-through-the-hull" transducer, but i have to think if it was installed properly, you're best off leaving the old one in and cutting the wire. Any solvent used to soften the epoxy will also potentially damage the fiberglass.

Maybe someone else has a better suggestion.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Transducer Removal

You could always leave the transducer where it is and get a transom mount transducer for your new one...You may be able to dremel it out if your careful...

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Transducer Removal

Yes -- I do often answer questions with more questions. Sometimes it isn't clear (at least in my mind) what the poster is actually trying to accomplish. Nothing wrong with adding new stuff to an old boat -- as long as it continues to float. Electronics manufacturers have a tendency to play games with electrical connectors which means older transducers don't generally plug into newer head units. If an adapter is available - go for it. But I, like Bruce, feel there are compatibility issues.

 

[mikeblas]

Re: Transducer Removal

You could always leave the transducer where it is and get a transom mount transducer for your new one...

Sure; I wonder aloud about this in my original post. However, even easier would be to use the new head with the old transducer. That way, I don't have to install a new one.