Depth Sounder

[John Young]

I've got a Standard Horizon DS-1 depth finder that sometimes gives correct readings but most of the time is erratic - sailing or motoring in any depth water or standing still. I just got the boat so don't know the history. I've felt the transducer underwater and it's not covered with slime but might have bottom paint on it. Would that cause the problem or should I look somewhere else?

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners]

Transducer

Is the transducer ticking? Try to listen; you'll hear a faint ticking. If not, or if it's not consistent, that could be the culprit. You could go get a new transducer (specific to your model)

 

[Jim Cook]

Check, then CLEAN all connections anyway

The electrical connections are notorious for causing faulty signals. Check the transducer 1st, like LaDonna said, then clean all connections, even if they look OK.If you think you will need to replace the transducer or specially the head, consider other options. It was cheaper for me to buy a new fishfinder and transducer, than to replace my Data Marine head unit. Now I have a digital depth meter that also shows the contour of the bottom."Dream Chaser"

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners]

Fishfinder

Looks like I'll be going the fishfinder route too. Not only are they usually less expensive but you gotta love that contour!LaDonna