Depth Sounder

[Scott]

I recently bought a 1989 Catalina 36 with a wing keel. We are having trouble with the Depth Finder and need to install a new transducer. When I looked for the current one, I was quite surprised to find it below the galley sink on the port side. This seems to me to be a poor location since it is right above the edge of the wing. Is this typical and, if so, have others gotten good results with it in this location? My second question is, how do you get the plug for the new tranducer cord up through the tube at the wheel and into the instrument pod? I am thinking that there must be a connector somewhere under the wheel pedistal, but have not found it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.Scott

 

[J Smmonds]

Here is what I did.

I am really surprised at the location of the transducer, most anything I have ever read indicates that it should be forward of the keel as flow over the keel could be enough to disturb it and there is no sense knowing what the water depth is after your keel has hit the bottom. I replaced mine two years ago on a C30, it is located under the berths in the forward cabin about 18 inches below the waterline on the port side. That was the easy part. I had to run the line back to the stern of the boat, up through a locker and then up through the stainless steel guard on which my instruments are mounted. What this requires is loosening the gaurd at the floor of the cockpit and feed the wire up through it with a feeder line. It is not especially difficult, just time consuming but in the end you will end up with a neat, clean job. When you reset the base of the guard, make sure you reseal the area so you don't have any water penetration into the laminate. I have been told to not waste my time with Silicone, as the bond with fibreglass breaks down quickly, a good marine sealant like Sikaflex will do the trick. Good luck! JS