Depth Finder Issues

[Agent 99]

Get this!

We recently bought our first boat (a beautiful 2003 21' Odyssey Pontoon Boat with a 90 horsepower Johnson Motor) and before even making it to the boat ramp I got the trailer stuck in a ditch. The whole neighborhood came out to help and we finally got her out and in the water but in doing so the transducer was broken off its base. I was able to re-attach it to the base but now it only shows depth if she is standing still or moving very slowly. As I start to go faster it goes crazy and says it's 480' deep than shows 0 for depth.

My question is: Because the transducer is mounted on the outside of the pontoon is this a common problem and something I just have to live with or are there other transducers that will solve this problem?

Thanks for your help.

 

[EricJRW]

Re: Depth Finder Issues

I'm curious what you mean by "mounted in the outside"? Most transducers are mounted on the outside, at the back of the pontoon (or hull), so that the bottom of the transducer is level with the bottom of the pontoon (so anything that can scrape along the bottom does not scrape off the transducer).

If I was going to venture a guess on the problem, without seeing a picture (always very helpful in these forums) is that it is moving around too much while you are underway. If the transducer can move around it will produce erroneous readings.

So, either it is mounted too low and the water moving past is causing it to move, or your repair job is not stable enough (or a combination of both). I'm pretty new to boating, but I think this is a good bet.

The other possibility could be a damaged wire, but it does not sound like that.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Depth Finder Issues

That is a common problem with pontoons so it may have always been that way. If you are sure the transducer is secure and does not move while underway, then you should lower the unit maybe 1/2".

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Depth Finder Issues

I have the same issue with mine over about 10mph
Sort of live with it
If i'm going faster than that i'm not looking for fish

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Depth Finder Issues

There's a good possibility that you damaged the cable where it connects to the transducer. The cable inside now only connects intermittently, or water is getting in. Don't get down though, it's fixable. You can get a replacement at most fishing supply outlets, Bass Pro, Cabelas etc.. My toon had a Lowrence depthfinder. Found out that Eagle and most Lowrance models use the same transducer. Same goes for other manufacturers. Look for one with an appropriate length and the right connector.

 

[sfy]

Re: Depth Finder Issues

you dont mention the brand of your finder, but try these guys, their primary focus is transducers so they may be able to help

http://www.gemeco.com/

 

[Agent 99]

Re: Depth Finder Issues

Just getting time to check back in. Thanks for all the help. I'll try the website and see what I come up with. My depth finder is a Piranha which I beleive is a Humming Bird.