I've got transducers, but no instruments

[piper]

OK, I've got thru hull transducers for speedometer and depth finder--I don't know the brand--no names. All instruments were broken/removed by PO. Before I buy an instrument to see if it might work, has anyone successfully used existing transducers with possibly different make--and age--instruments?

Pulling the boat to refit new transducers is not possible without considerable cost (i.e. more than I'm going to pay). I'm working under the premise that the instruments had gone bad, not the transducers. Anyway to confirm this?

Hopefully this all makes sense. Ah, old boat--or to borrow from SAILING magazine--ghost boat ownership.

It's an '84 Pearson Triton (or US Yacht) '27. These fittings maybe after purchase.

Thanks for any and all help.

Chris

 

[wonkodsane]

My opinion from the money versus headache side of the house is get new instruments, probably not worth the effort to match.

The transducers aren't the ridiculously expensive part for instruments, it is the head unit itself that costs the big money in my experience.

 

[alexco38]

try a fish finder

All depth sounder uses ultra sound. i.e. similar if not identical fequency. I used a Lawrance transducer with a Corthiant head and they work.

 

[kenn]

Try to borrow some instruments and use them to test the transducers. A good place that sells & repairs marine electronics should have a 'loaner' or two.

 

[piper]

That's great information! Thanks!

 

[Chuckbear]

Piper, Airmar pretty much makes all transducers for about every equipment manufacturer. If you know what the PO took out, you can contact Airmar and they will tell you what the transducers are compatible with. But the next issue will be connecting them up. More than likely the plugs will not work and you will need to do some splicing, which in itself can cause issues with the equipment working. BTW, Not all transducers are compatible with certain equipment. Good luck

 

[piper]

Thanks Chuckbear! good to know!

 

[sailaway78]

You can get

One of the small digital readout depth finders pretty cheap. There are several brands out there that appear to be identical, and can be had on ebay for around 100 bucks, maybe a little less. Just install the transducer to shoot through the hull, no hole needed. Would probably be cheaper than buying new heads for what you got.

 

[sailaway78]

You can get

One of the small digital readout depth finders can be had pretty cheap. There are several brands out there that appear to be identical, and can be had on ebay for around 100 bucks, maybe a little less. The brand I am familiar with is Hawkeye, but I think Horizon and a couple others sell the exact same thing. I had on on previous boat for three years, and was dead reliable. Just install the transducer to shoot through the hull, no hole needed. Would probably be cheaper than buying new heads for what you got.