hummingbird fish finder problems?

[hondakillrsx]

so I just bought a boat and it has a hummingbird fish finder on it. I have never owned or operated a fish finder so I don't know much about them. We took the boat out yesterday for the first time and it seemed the finder might have a problem... Every time we were moving the depth reading were why off, they would jump from .8 or so all the way to like 50 or 60 feet and vice versa. Also, after we would stop it seemed to be off as well, some times it would read 2 feet and we would stick our fishing pools down and not be able to touch the ground. The previous owner said it was almost brand new and the reader that is mounted on the back of the boat seems to be in the right spot. Has anyone else had this problem? Thanks!!!!

 

[wire2]

Re: hummingbird fish finder problems?

Take a close look at the cable exiting the transom down to the transducer. If there's any cuts or damage, it will have an adverse effect on function. Some water critters like to chew on the plastic covering.

 

[hondakillrsx]

Re: hummingbird fish finder problems?

am I correct in saying that it should read right even if I'm moving at 30 mph?

 

[Beefer]

Re: hummingbird fish finder problems?

am I correct in saying that it should read right even if I'm moving at 30 mph?

Some will, most won't. That's due to your transducer (the 'reader' on the back (transom)). Transom-mounted transducer typically can't read properly because of the wash/bubbles produced by the hull. Thru-hull transducers are the only types that I know of that consistently read when running.

If you're hoping to be able to avoid bottoming out by using the DF, it probably wouldn't help - the DF reads what you've just passed, not what's ahead of you.

 

[fishndirk]

Re: hummingbird fish finder problems?

It all depends on your transdycers exact position and angle, the shape of your hull, your speed, ect... Any boat should be able to troll at a slow forward speed and still get an accurate depth reading, if not than its not mounted properly or it has a problem. My boat can do about 20mph before it starts showing im at 753ft when im really at 20ft.

 

[hondakillrsx]

Re: hummingbird fish finder problems?

Thanks for all your help guys. I'll read the manual and see if I can readjust the reader.

 

[ajgraz]

Re: hummingbird fish finder problems?

Agreed with propwash, "hullwash," etc. can cause problems with what the transducer reads while underway. Best way to combat that is ensure the transducer is well away from the prop (at least 15" IIRC) and NOT directly behind a strake or chine.

As to issues reading while drifting around, could be that the sensitivity is set too high, and it's reading weeds or even a thermocline as your depth.

 

[gozierdt]

Re: hummingbird fish finder problems?

If you continue to have problems, I'd recommend you join the Yahoo Groups "Sideimaging" group. It's specifically for Humminbird owners, and there is a factory guy who is there all the time.