InHull transducer; more problems?

[Jared1048]

Hello,

I'm currently faced with the challenge of getting new transducers in the boat for my Garmin 740s chartplotter and my factory depth gauge.

I was going to get the In-Hull transducers and actually bought some but I've talked to some friends that say they are more problems then they are worth. Specifically they leak the fluid inside of them and stop working. Should I scratch my current plans and get the "normal" thru-hull transducers?

Thanks so much!
-Jared

 

[sailmaster39]

transducers

My experience with in-hull transducer[depth] is positive. If they leak, it is because they were not installed properly.
They are trouble free if you install it correctly.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I think you should talk to your friends again after they've had a chance to sober up. Never heard of an in-hull leaking. What did it leak ?

Try a few tests first to ensure this is right transducer for your hull.

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=1085039&highlight=transducer

 

[HMT2]

Hello,

I'm currently faced with the challenge of getting new transducers in the boat for my Garmin 740s chartplotter and my factory depth gauge.

I was going to get the In-Hull transducers and actually bought some but I've talked to some friends that say they are more problems then they are worth. Specifically they leak the fluid inside of them and stop working. Should I scratch my current plans and get the "normal" thru-hull transducers?

Thanks so much!
-Jared

I have the "shoot through the hull" transducer for my Garmin 541s. I have had it in place for about two years and have had to add fluid once. When it is low the depth reading flashes because it can't get a good read. I put some Vaseline on the lip that seals the transducer in when I refilled it and it has been fine. Be sure and do the baggie full of water trick in the directions to find a good place to put the transducer.

I am happy with it, and it is one less hole in my boat that water can come through!

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I have the "shoot through the hull" transducer for my Garmin 541s. I have had it in place for about two years and have had to add fluid once.

I don't get it here. The later depth transducers are a potted plastic puck that are just "glued" to the hull and transmit and receive right through the (ideally) solid, uncored hull. There is no need for an fluids. I know that some of the early in hull transducers were suspended in a bath of liquid, but I've still got to question if this was even necessary.

Anyone have any information on early in hull transducers ?

 

[HMT2]

I don't get it here. The later depth transducers are a potted plastic puck that are just "glued" to the hull and transmit and receive right through the (ideally) solid, uncored hull. There is no need for an fluids. I know that some of the early in hull transducers were suspended in a bath of liquid, but I've still got to question if this was even necessary.

Anyone have any information on early in hull transducers ?

No sir, my two year old transducer from Garmin has a small hollow puck that you glue to the solid part of your hull, you then fill it with a fluid, and twist on the transducer into the fluid filled puck. They recommend an antifreeze (see link below) it does not work with out it. When testing the best place to put your transducer you fill a ziploc with water, put your transducer in the ziploc and place against your hull in the areas you want to put it. No fluid, no reading. Here is a link to the fluid I use.

http://www.westmarine.com/seafit---50-f-marine-rv-antifreeze--P014823330

 

[peterix]

I replace mine (in hull) transducer and I use the old installation (kind of plastic cilinder with a cap glued to the hull and filled with oil) and work ok. I suspect the oil is old as the boat (20 years).