Through the hull depth gauge

[butlp]

Do through the hull style of depth transducers require a small amount of water in the bilge to work. Mine seems to work some of the time when the bilge dry and a more when there is a small amount of water, however it still does not work all of the time.<br />Any ideas!

 

[Baldguy]

Re: Through the hull depth gauge

I just installed a Humminbird depth finder in my boat. Mine doesn't require any water in the bilge to operate. <br /><br />The transducer operates thru the epoxy used to adhere it to the hull. The instructions said to use the slow cure epoxy that came with the finder as this would allow all the air bubbles to escape by the time it cured.<br /><br />In short, all the transducer has to have is a solid (dense) surface in which to "sound" through. Any space of air or less dense material I think would inhibit the effectiveness of the finder.<br /><br />You said that it works sometimes. I'd check all my electrical connections, then check to make sure that the transducer is installed properly (per the manufacturer's instructions, that there are no electrical components that the transducer wire runs past that may be interfering, and then make sure that the depth finder is programmed or setup properly.<br /><br />Hope this helps.

 

[butlp]

Re: Through the hull depth gauge

Baldguy,<br />Thanks for your comments.<br />Electrically it seems OK as the gague indication goes blank but the other displays like alarm are still on.<br />I will check to make sure there are no other electrical components that may be causing interference and failing that pull the transducer from the bilge. Its not easy to get at as they installed it right under the engine next to the bilge pump.

 

[cuzner]

Re: Through the hull depth gauge

I'm pretty sure it has to be mounted in an area that has constant contact with the water.That would be near the center as close to stern as possible.If your driving a bass buggie,or anything else that runs high you may be getting air between your hull and the water.just a thought....<br /><br /> Jim

 

[Boatist]

Re: Through the hull depth gauge

Lost<br />Each boat is different. If it is a hand layup fibergalss then must get below the fiberglass matt or any thing the contains air. Any air between it and the water will make it not work correctly.<br /><br />If the epoxy has come loose and you want to try in different locations you can build a little dam circle in the bottom put water in the area and drop in the transducer. <br /><br />My friends boat the epoxy came loose and operation was intemitent until he re epoxied back down.

 

[Trent]

Re: Through the hull depth gauge

To find different locations in your boat. Put the transducer in a baggie full of water and move it around the hull til you find the spot that works correctly.

 

[butlp]

Re: Through the hull depth gauge

Great ideas guys!<br />I'll crawl down in the bilge and rip the sucker out and see if I can find a better location.