Towards the end of last season the depth gauge on my H34 went goofy. When we pulled the boat out in November there were some barnacles on the sensor. I got these off with a razor blade although it was harder than I thought and there's still some residue. I tested it and it reads 3'6. The sensor is actually about 4'2 above the ground but the ground surface is irregular and there's grass and weeds and whatnot. I've had the boat for 9 years and this never happened before. How should I clean and protect the sensor? Can you scrape or wire brush it? I know you're not supposed to put bottom paint on them but I use a clear coat on my shaft and prop that helps some. I think it's made by Pettit. What do you think?
Depth gauge
- Thread starter mikefin
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Mikefin - I installed a new depth sounder as the retaining nut was broken and water was leaking in. I found out that it would not work unless it is in water. I tested it by holding it in a swimming pool to see if it was giving accurate reading. The one that I have can be pulled out for the purposes of cleaning - similar to the knot meter arrangement. You may consider replacing it with this type of transducer. I pull them out when not sailing. This keeps them clean.
It was out of the water. I know it may not work that way but I'm mostly interested in finding ways to clean and protect the sensor without damaging it before I put the boat back in the water.
Mike...
Check out the WM catalog in the bottom paint section and you'll find some clearcoat sprays (intended for outboards/outdrives) that you could use to try to keep the sender clear of barnacles--probably what you are already using on the shaft. The key is to not use anything containing any metallics (copper, etc.). Sand lightly to remove the residue and coat with several applications.
An alternative is to move up here to the Top of the Bay! We don't have no stinkin' barnacles up here! :dance:
Check out the WM catalog in the bottom paint section and you'll find some clearcoat sprays (intended for outboards/outdrives) that you could use to try to keep the sender clear of barnacles--probably what you are already using on the shaft. The key is to not use anything containing any metallics (copper, etc.). Sand lightly to remove the residue and coat with several applications.
An alternative is to move up here to the Top of the Bay! We don't have no stinkin' barnacles up here! :dance:
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