Depth finder flashes

tdschafer

tdschafer

Well-Known Member
Aug 24, 2009
6,154
Long island , NY
Boat Info
1997 330 sundancer
Engines
twin 454's, Carb, V-Drives
Hey guys,
This problem started a season or two ago and has now become very annoying. I have a Garmin 3006 plotter with GPS, radar & depth networked. I added another Garmin backup plotter with a 5" screen two years ago but don't recall the model number. The problem I am having is that when I'm under power, I lose my depth display! I'll be cruising along and all is well then "Poof", it just starts flashing the last depth it had read. This is also happening with the factory depth finder on the dash. Sometimes one works and the other doesn't & sometimes they both crap out. I generally try and run with only the Garmin powered as I was told the other may interfere with the signal. But, when the Garmin poops the bed, I go to the factory unit & then both are in because I'm still utilizing the GPS on the Garmin unit. Any idea where I should start my troubleshooting? Thanks in advance!


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Todd
 
Transom mount or thru-hull? If transom mount, be sure it's aligned properly. With either style, check for growth/dirtiness that can affect the signal.
 
My thru hull did that last year and it turned out to be low on anti freeze.
 
Sorry, I believe It's a thru hull As there is nothing on the transom. I should have mentioned that in my initial post. Now I don't think it's mounted "thru the hull" but maybe shoots thru the hull from inside if that makes sense. I don't have temperature on this which I believe I would if it actually penetrated the hull. How do I check the antifreeze & do all thru hulls have that? Sorry, I'm not very well versed in this stuff which is why I haven't tackled this issue sooner! Lol. Thanks for the quick responses.


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Todd
 
Last edited:
If, by OEM, you're referring to a stand-a-lone gauge on the dash (likely a Lowrance 3500), then that would be a true "thru-hull", not a shoot-thru. For the Garmin, it could be anything.
 
Yes Dennis,
I believe the OEM is a Lowrance. It is the ~ 2" gauge in the dash. If that is a true thru-hull & not shoot thru then idk what the problem is. The bottom never has growth when I pull the boat. There is usually just some stuff around the tabs & running gear.
I checked with the PO of my boat & he said he believes that the "shoot thru" on the Garmin is filled with mineral oil & I probably just need to fill it up. I'd really like both of these fully functional so I have some redundancy of the systems.


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Todd
 
Could be two different issues - oil in the Garmin and maybe just a failing Lowrance. Or, it could be something else! It's hard to just guess, you know? You could always check & clean the power connections - power and ground - maybe they're not getting clean power. I'd say it's a long shot, but at least it's easy enough to check.
 
Todd, give me a call. I've had this issue on my previous boat.
 
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