Echosounder transducer

[MrsFreya]

The Clipper echosounder in my wooden English Folkboat packed up a couple of weeks ago, just after she went back in the water. I tried splicing in a new coaxial cable (with Shakespeare connectors) as much of the old one looked rather manky, but no luck. I bought a new transducer and tried out an in-hull fitting, but couldn't get a signal no matter where I put it. When I hung it over the side in an old plastic bottle with some water in the bottom it worked fine, but the question is how to fix it in place.

Has anyone done this or something similar, please?

 

[johnlilley]

Probably an obvious possibility that I'm sure you have not overlooked, but is the inboard tube filled with oil to above the transducer to exclude all air between the transducer and hull skin....

 

[MrsFreya]

Thanks, John - yes, it was. I was warned that it probably wouldn't work because of her hull shape as well as being wood.

 

[DownWest]

I am fitting one to a ply boat, but the hull is flat at that point, so just a well sealed hole and a fairing block on the head outside. I never expected it to work through a wooden hull.
On a Trapper, GRP, it worked fine inside with an oil filled tube mastiked to the hull.

 

[MrsFreya]

Thanks, DownWest - the old through hull one used to work fine but replacing it will have to wait till she's next out of the water. In the meantime it's either rig something over the side or use a leadline!

 

[DownWest]

Thanks, DownWest - the old through hull one used to work fine but replacing it will have to wait till she's next out of the water. In the meantime it's either rig something over the side or use a leadline!

Can't you replace by drying out against a wall?
I used to be quite good with a leadline, before sounders became affordable (early '60s!) But tricky if solo.. Also, did touch the bottom a few times.. East coast mud, not western rock!

BTW, welcome to forum.

 

[MrsFreya]

Thanks! A wall is certainly a thought.