Will cold weather ruin my depth finder?

chriscraft254

Commander
Joined
Jun 4, 2011
Messages
2,445
Re: Will cold weather ruin my depth finder?

Shouldn't matter but what kind of depth finder? Water intrusion is really the only weather related issue. Most Depth finders these days can be left out in the rain and it won't hurt it. The cold should not be a factor.
 

Fireman431

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 17, 2007
Messages
4,292
Re: Will cold weather ruin my depth finder?

I assume you're talking about the transducer on the transom? If so, no. Cold water will not hurt it. Ice however.....
 

bsanders83

Cadet
Joined
Feb 2, 2012
Messages
13
Re: Will cold weather ruin my depth finder?

Have the dash unit in the boat being stored outside in northern Illinois....can't think of how it could be bad for it but was told it was....it brand new $150....its under the windshield so its not wet
 

skyaggie

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 23, 2011
Messages
43
Re: Will cold weather ruin my depth finder?

Mine has been out all winter and I flipped it on today and it worked like a champ.

Don't worry about it,
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,862
Re: Will cold weather ruin my depth finder?

LCD screens can definitely be damaged by cold.

Usually it needs to get down well below zero.

Cameras, cell phones, laptops, gps units, lcd tv's, all carry the warning somewhere in the manual.

Mine are in my house.
 

UncleWillie

Captain
Joined
Oct 18, 2011
Messages
3,995
Re: Will cold weather ruin my depth finder?

+1 ^^^

LCD Screens can freeze an become damaged.
LCD = LIQUID Crystal Display.

If the Liquid part becomes solid, The result could be unwanted! :(
The good news is that you are probably safe as long as the temp stay above -20*F or so.

In Illinois, and this winter, (I think we had a winter!!?), you should be just fine! :D
 

5150abf

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 12, 2007
Messages
5,808
Re: Will cold weather ruin my depth finder?

Really cold or really hot is bad, I have a Garmin color gps/ plotter that is right behind me on a shelf nice and warm in the house, why risk it, it has been a pretty mild winter so you are probably fine but like I said why take the chance.
 

chriscraft254

Commander
Joined
Jun 4, 2011
Messages
2,445
Re: Will cold weather ruin my depth finder?

I thought you were talking while under use. If its brand new and you paid $150 bucks for it, my guess is its not a top teer unit. The cheaper units can be scimpy on the seals on the unit. If your storing the boat, store your unit at your house. Moisture can get into a unit by way of condensation. No need to leave the unit out in the elements when it is stored.
 
Top