Seafarer

[Cameron]

I bought my yacht with no dept sounder although an old transducer from a previous seafarer sounder was still in place. Because the boat is not wired up (only 23') I went out and found an old seafarer unit- they seem to be the only option with an internal battery.

I can only get a return on the 6X (fathoms) setting. On the 1x (feet) setting the light shines at 0' but as you pick up the gain no second reading shows. Can anyone suggest if this is likely a transducer problem or a problem with the unit?

Failing that can anyone suggest a cost effective alternative with an internal battery?

Many thanks
Cameron

 

[Guest]

Why not get a newer head - a Seafarer transducer will run a Nasa, Echopilot and most of the budget brands ...

Power can be supplied via a 12v Alarm box battery - the gel-cell jobs sold in Maplins etc. Doesn't have to be a big one at all ... and can sit away in a bilge locker somewhere - take it home at end of play and stick it on a slow charger ready for next play.

The other question of course .... is the depth on fathoms correct ? Some machines don't show anything if transducer is aerated in the tube. Suggest putting loads of kitchen around the tube and withdraw the tranducer head - if its in-hull. See if the castor oil is still ok ... colour is no problem - but if its emulsified or crapp - then suck it out with sponge and kitchen roll .... refill with fresh castor oil from Chemist shop.
When putting transducer back in .... push steady but slow - so that oil can pass the head allowing it to sit as close to hull as possible - but with only oil and not bubbly aerated stuff. You may have to leave it for a bit to settle ...