The depth gauge on my Hunter usually reads correctly, but there are days when it reads 2.5 to 3.6 when I am in 50 feet of water. I have checked electrical connections on the rear of the instrument, and everything is okay. Thanks for any input with this problem. Mike
depth gauge goes haywire
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Common problem with those old instruments.
I know the feeling as there seems to be no pattern or rhyme to the ocurrence. It is most likely due to temporary voltage fluctuations in the wiring. Sometimes it helps to unplug and plug back in the transducer. Some report it only happens to them when motoring so perhaps the charging voltage from the alternator acts as a trigger for voltage variations on the old wiring. Just look at depth soundings in your chartplotter or chart to ascertain approximate depth along your course until the old bat corrects itself.
I know the feeling as there seems to be no pattern or rhyme to the ocurrence. It is most likely due to temporary voltage fluctuations in the wiring. Sometimes it helps to unplug and plug back in the transducer. Some report it only happens to them when motoring so perhaps the charging voltage from the alternator acts as a trigger for voltage variations on the old wiring. Just look at depth soundings in your chartplotter or chart to ascertain approximate depth along your course until the old bat corrects itself.
depth gauge
Our 82 has the same problem. We can sit at the dock and read 0-100 feet depending the the gizmo's mood. Our knotmeter plays the same game when sailing. sometimes it works on one tack but not the other. In light winds it often agrees with the GPS but if it is a bit rougher we often run at 8-10 knots. I know the hull speed is 6.2 but I think it is my superior ability that lets the boat trump science. One possibility for entertaining instruments that was suggested to me is spider webs in the case. I have yet to go to the trouble to investigate. Fortunately, shallow water is not much of a threat with the shoal draft. As to speed the GPS does the trick if I care to look. After 7 years I am getting reasonably good at estimating speed. Andy "Baroque"
Our 82 has the same problem. We can sit at the dock and read 0-100 feet depending the the gizmo's mood. Our knotmeter plays the same game when sailing. sometimes it works on one tack but not the other. In light winds it often agrees with the GPS but if it is a bit rougher we often run at 8-10 knots. I know the hull speed is 6.2 but I think it is my superior ability that lets the boat trump science. One possibility for entertaining instruments that was suggested to me is spider webs in the case. I have yet to go to the trouble to investigate. Fortunately, shallow water is not much of a threat with the shoal draft. As to speed the GPS does the trick if I care to look. After 7 years I am getting reasonably good at estimating speed. Andy "Baroque"
Andy, GPS Speed...
...should be more accurate than a speedo since it is easily affected by current. But it will rise if you are going against the current or sailing downwind with the current.
...should be more accurate than a speedo since it is easily affected by current. But it will rise if you are going against the current or sailing downwind with the current.
haywire depth gauge
Thanks for the responses to my posting. I sort of guessed that it just works that way. Live with it. I have learned to work with the chart plotter most of the time. When the depth gauge is reading correctly it is accurate. I have noticed that the wire from the transducer is oil coiled up and stashed out of the way in the locker. Apparently the excess wire allows that transducer to be used in larger boats. I know that having that much coiled wire can induce stray currents also.
Thanks for the responses to my posting. I sort of guessed that it just works that way. Live with it. I have learned to work with the chart plotter most of the time. When the depth gauge is reading correctly it is accurate. I have noticed that the wire from the transducer is oil coiled up and stashed out of the way in the locker. Apparently the excess wire allows that transducer to be used in larger boats. I know that having that much coiled wire can induce stray currents also.
Mine acts up also
But like Benny said, fluctuations in voltage seem to affect it. Starting or stopping my inboard makes it go crazy but tripping the breaker resets it. Other than that it works fine. Mine is an old Signet depth meter. Manny
But like Benny said, fluctuations in voltage seem to affect it. Starting or stopping my inboard makes it go crazy but tripping the breaker resets it. Other than that it works fine. Mine is an old Signet depth meter. Manny
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