what depth transducer do I have

[Finn.G]

Hi All,

I am starting installation of a Raymarine Tridata tansnducer. Because of the depth component it needs to point down but the intended through hull was the knot meter which points nearly straight out forward of the mast so i have to use the depth transducer. I can not tell if its through hull is a candidate for installing the tridata. Naturally I am trying to avoid a haul out.

Can anyone tell me what depth transducer I have? attached pic.
Thank you,
Greg

[Spot]

What brand of instruments (displays) were in place previously? Those may be the clue to the makes of the transducers.

[Bill O]

Originally Posted by Spot

What brand of instruments (displays) were in place previously? Those may be the clue to the makes of the transducers.

+1. With the make of the old instruments, look up Airmar and use their cross reference index to see if the new tridata transducer plug will fit.

Most likely you will need to change the thru hull and possibly block the transducer to make it work correctly.

[Finn.G]

They are Autohelm Instruments..

[Spot]

Finn, have you seen this?
Are Your Old Autohelm TriData Electronics Extinct? Think Again! Commuter Cruiser | Commuter Cruiser

[Finn.G]

Originally Posted by Spot

Finn, have you seen this?
Are Your Old Autohelm TriData Electronics Extinct? Think Again! Commuter Cruiser | Commuter Cruiser

i did see that and i thought it was the same transducer for a second but the part number doesnt bring up a transducer that looks the same.

[cottonsail]

We have 2 sounder transducers. One is a Raymarine I-40 and like most Raymarine products it works sporadically. The other one is a Garmin Panopix. The Garmin unit works perfectly.

[billgewater]

Problems with transducers? The issues being dealt with here could ALL be avoided. If.... during hull construction, a vertical rigid tube of about 100 mm ID is glassed into the hull structure rising inside to well above the LWL. The transducer is pushed down from the inside mounted on the flush outside end a tube that fits snugly inside the 100 mm tube. The transducer can be removed when not sailing or in need of cleaning/replacement and a blank can be used if needed to stop any marine growth in the tube. I understand that tubes with threads can be used etc. for stability/sealing, orientation of a speed log etc. The wiring comes up through the inner tube.

During the tube installation event, hull fairing could be added if required.

The point is that initial installation of such tubes may cost a few $'s but nothing compared to having the boat lifted for a hull transducer replacement later on.

One for the log, one for the depth sounder. You could even attach a camera or a light to the inner cylinder!

This concept should allow you to easily access and service any required transducer.

Has anyone seen anything like this?

[CarinaPDX]

If it is not pointing down then it is most likely a knotmeter. If it is working you could keep it or, at the next haulout, replace it with a "smart" knotmeter that would connect via NMEA 2000, or an older smart one that uses 0183. I would give up on the triducer in this case, and instead use a separate depth sounder shooting through the hull (facing downwards), which again would be "smart". Triducers seem like a great way to minimize the number of holes in the hull, but often there is no good location that works well for both the knotmeter and depth sounder. And by firing through the hull the knotmeter doesn't need a hole, and can be done without a haulout.

Greg

[Finn.G]

Greg,

I agree that what you are saying is the prevailing wisdom. Do you or anyone else have experience with a P79 Adjustable Angle In-Hull Dual Frequency Transducer or similar?

Greg

[CarinaPDX]

Originally Posted by Finn.G

Greg,

I agree that what you are saying is the prevailing wisdom. Do you or anyone else have experience with a P79 Adjustable Angle In-Hull Dual Frequency Transducer or similar?

Greg

I have one but am only using the top part, mounted on a smooth bed of polyester resin on the hull. I have no desire to fill the P79 with oil of any kind - seems messy to me. And of course water evaporates. Mounting against the hull with silicone sealant works well.

Greg