Autohelm ST50+ Depth problem - solved!

[rogerowen]

I posted previously that my depth sounder was not working and the fault code pointed directly to transducer problem. Not So. After buying and installing a new transducer, the fault persisted. Now, having luckily found a second hand head unit - the system is back up and running. Anyone looking for a used transducer?

 

[[2574]]

Well done, good job. I recently fitted a new in-hull transducer (avoiding lift out cost) and that (thankfully) worked for me. Phew!

 

[KevO]

Well done, good job. I recently fitted a new in-hull transducer (avoiding lift out cost) and that (thankfully) worked for me. Phew!

What did you fit? Darned if I could find an in-hull model that was compatible with the ST50+.

 

[rogerowen]

Well done, good job. I recently fitted a new in-hull transducer (avoiding lift out cost) and that (thankfully) worked for me. Phew!

It's been an expensive challenge I must say, but got there in the end. Annoying that I really didn't need to take out the old through hull transducer after all - now I've got 2 to try and re-sell, along with a brand new NASA Clipper Depth - panic buy, as I thought I'd never get the Autohelm one working again. Well done with the in-hull fitting, it crossed my mind several times - but my boat is a Robert Ives and the hull is about 3 foot thick at the base line (she's nicknamed 'Tubather') and anywhere up the hull would be at an extreme angle from straight down.

 

[[2574]]

What did you fit? Darned if I could find an in-hull model that was compatible with the ST50+.

Airmar P79 transducer with adapter cable to convert wiring from digital to analogue. Easy fit, worked first time. Echomaster Marine up near Aberdeen were very helpful in supplying the kit.

 

[rogerowen]

There's a place called The Service Centre that I think do a big range of all types.

 

[KevO]

Airmar P79 transducer with adapter cable to convert wiring from digital to analogue. Easy fit, worked first time. Echomaster Marine up near Aberdeen were very helpful in supplying the kit.

My oppo just reminded me why we didn't go with the P79... We have a Sadler 34 with double skin

 

[[2574]]

My oppo just reminded me why we didn't go with the P79... We have a Sadler 34 with double skin

Ah, no good then. We’re solid glass below the waterline so easy solution for us.

 

[rogerowen]

Forgive my ignorance - is 'double skin' where you have GRP each side of wood?

 

[[2574]]

Forgive my ignorance - is 'double skin' where you have GRP each side of wood?

Yes, typically balsa between the GRP skins.

The Airmar fitting instructions showed a method of fitting an in-hull transducer in a cored deck - though I can’t say I fancy it myself. They suggested cutting out the inner skin, removing the core material and bonding the transducer to the outer skin. I suppose if a proper job was done to remove the core and replace it with solid epoxy then it would be okay but it would need to be done well - otherwise one can imagine the problems down the line….

 

[rogerowen]

Thanks. In my case I think it might be 1/2" GRP, 3/4" Marine Ply, then another 1/2" GRP. No wonder she's so heavy!