Deth finder failing intermittently

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cptnmcluvin

Seaman
Joined
Jul 29, 2010
Messages
72
My 2011 Glastron GT205 mercruiser is equipped with a Lowrance LST-3800 depth gauge. The gauge works but it appears the tranducer is only reading intermittently. Sometimes it works and sometimes not. The problem just started a week ago. It seems to fail in water deeper than 40 feet and shallower than 8 feet.

BTW, where would the in hull transducer be and what does it look like? Pictures?

How would I trouble shoot the transducer?

How ironic the boat warranty just ran out this spring :-(

Any information is greatly appreciated.
 
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cretus

Seaman
Joined
Jun 17, 2010
Messages
60
Re: Deth finder failing intermittently

If its in the hull it sounds like it may have come loose. I cant be sure though.
 
blackhawk180

blackhawk180

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 14, 2012
Messages
367
Re: Deth finder failing intermittently

I don't have the model Lowrance but checked the online manual and it appears it ships with an external transducer which would be mounded on the stern just slightly lower than the hull. If that got bumped or is misaligned, it can cause incorrect readings. I'd start there.
 
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crabby captain john

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 6, 2011
Messages
1,823
Re: Deth finder failing intermittently

Sounds like you bumped the transducer out of line when putting her on the trailer- or hit something in the water.
 
C

cptnmcluvin

Seaman
Joined
Jul 29, 2010
Messages
72
Re: Deth finder failing intermittently

I looked again. It appears the transducer is mounted inside the boat and below the engine block in the bilge.

It's hard to reach.

Cretus, your explanation sounds reasonable.

If it's loose, should I glue it back down? How? What type of glue?

Thanks a bunch
 
JASinIL2006

JASinIL2006

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 10, 2012
Messages
5,545
Re: Deth finder failing intermittently

You need to use a slow-curing, two part epoxy. Lowrance might even recommend a particular kind. The key is to get it to bed without any bubbles between the hull and the 'ducer. Slow-curing epoxy makes this easier.
 
spoilsofwar

spoilsofwar

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jun 29, 2011
Messages
1,124
Re: Deth finder failing intermittently

If its loose, remove it. Test it over the side and see if it works properly, stationary obviously, but it in multiple spots and depths. If the transducer appears to be functional, remount it using the info JAS posted above me. You may have to pick another spot in the hull if the old epoxy cant be removed because of the limited access.
 
DBreskin

DBreskin

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 20, 2009
Messages
799
Re: Deth finder failing intermittently

Don't be too quick to assume a loose transducer.
I have the same problem; in water less than 8 feet mine will stop working and repeatedly flash the last good reading. I know it's not a loose transducer because mine is not a through-hull. I actually have a hole in the hull the transducer pokes through. It was built that way at the factory.
I haven't figured out why I lose signal. There doesn't seem to be any common factor. I've suspected mud on the bottom of the hull, sediment in the water, rough conditions, etc but nothing seems to be consistent.
 
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cptnmcluvin

Seaman
Joined
Jul 29, 2010
Messages
72
Re: Deth finder failing intermittently

Thank you for the information. I've sent an email to Lowrance tech support. I'll post their response.
 
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Silverbullet555

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 13, 2011
Messages
621
Re: Deth finder failing intermittently

Some of the transducers sit in a socket and the cavity is filled with RV antifreeze or mineral oil. If some of that escapes over time, it could cause an air bubble and prevent it from reading.
 
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