Transducer Self-Sealing??

[Loren B.]

I plan to put new instruments in our 34 sailboat next year. Is Raymarine going to have self-sealing transducers (like Standard Horizon) for the KM transducers? Or, are they offering a non-paddlewheel transducer? This will influence what brand of instrument I choose.Thanks,L

 

[Bill Boudreau]

Since 1993

We have been using self sealing transducers since 1993. They have a small plastic flapper valve that will stop/slow the flow of water into the boat. You will still want to use the bung/ blanking plug to fully seal the hole when removing the insert. Especially, if you plan on leaving the boat or stepping away for more than a few minutes.There is an ultrasonic (no paddle wheel) speed transducer we have been testing. This has not been released yet, and I would not suspect it to be released in the near future. This has been designed to retrofit into any of the current standard speed transducer 2" housings.I hope that this helps with your instrument choice. Raymarine has a complete line of transducer options.

 

[Daniel Jonas]

Speed Transducer

Bill,Nice to hear the Raymarine is looking at an alternative to the paddle wheel. We get fast and constant growth on our paddle wheel and have been disappointed in the amount of time it takes to get it workign everytime we sail. Lately, even cleaning the whell has not helped, we think something is blocking the flow. Diver comes soon.You say that Raymarine is not releasing this soon. Any idea how long? From our perspective, we encourage them to continue development, as we think the market might be big for retrofits.Dan Jonas (S/V Feije)

 

[Dick Carey]

For Bill Boudreau

Bill,What is involved in changing an existing 1990 ST50 KM to the self sealing type. Does it mean changing the Thru-Hull fitting? If so that sounds problematical.We foul the paddle wheel often. One holds an inverted dish basin over the sensor while the other pulls it and quickly puts in the 'dummy' plug. That's still messy. Thanks for any help.Dick CareyS/V Puffin