Hey, Topcat, sorry for the lack of info in my post. We just spent 3 days at the lake, got back late last night, and I posted up without giving it much thought.
I installed it last week while I was in a rush to get everything ready, so I don't have much doubt that it's an installation error.
Didn't work: Reads 0.0 ft. for about 5 seconds, then displays dashes. Manual states it isn't reading properly.
Depth sounder; It's a Norcross Hawkeye D10D, as seen here:
http://www.amazon.com/Norcross-Hawkeye-D10D-Depth-Sounder/dp/B000JEOEE0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405951278&sr=8-1&keywords=hawkeye+depth+finder
I had purchased it for my previous boat, and installed it on the 26 when the unit it came with proved to not function.
Yes, I used a large blob of putty.
I believe I kneaded the air out of it. Perhaps I used too thin of a layer under the transducer? How thick should that layer be? I installed it on the rough fiberglass mat under the V-berth.
I'm pretty sure the putty is tight around the transducer, but I will be extra sure when I re-install.
I mashed it in firmly, and rocked/pushed forward/backward and side to side as I pressed. As I mentioned earlier, maybe the putty isn't thick enough underneath.
I oriented the transponder per the instructions.
I did not test the transducer, but will do so this week.
Wiring is all new, plug is seated firmly, and everything appears to be perfect.
I hope to have time to really work on it later this week. Thanks for the ideas!