Depth Finder

[hagel]

I have a 2011 Sea Ray 250SLX, with the Merc Cruiser "Smart Gauges". The boat came with a thru-hull transducer. It's worked great up until this year. I recently launched the boat, and now all I'm getting is a reading of 8.5 then --- and occasionally my depth alarm begins to sound (when I know it shouldn't). I've tried resetting the gauges and checking the fuses... Any thoughts?

 

[blaster]

If you are keeping it in the water, make sure the transducer is clean. I had problems with the through hull xducer in my 205. Turned out to be 0° in a 20° hull so it was shooting off at an angle. It worked on soft bottom but in hard bottom or deeper water it wouldn't work at all. I installed an MFD with a tilted element b60 airmar transducer. Holds bottom everywhere I go so far, though I haven't been deeper than 600' with it.

But start with making sure it's clean.

 

[Skybolt]

Sounds like your transducer took a shock and needs to be replaced. But to be sure try cleaning the connection where the xducer plugins in to the unit. you can use a little CRC electrical cleaner and a tooth brush. Then apply some dielectric grease to keep it clean and moisture free.

Good Luck!

 

[hagel]

Thanks! I'll give all the connections a good cleaning before looking into swapping it. I'm thinking that's what the end result may be, but I'd rather trouble shoot a little more then just buy a new one.

 

[h_gerry]

In addition to the other comments, if anyone could have changed the GAIN settings, that may cause the problems that you have. Make sure the gain is set to auto or increase it a little to see if you start reading the bottom again.

 

[hagel]

In addition to the other comments, if anyone could have changed the GAIN settings, that may cause the problems that you have. Make sure the gain is set to auto or increase it a little to see if you start reading the bottom again.

I do I adjust the settings via the Smart Craft gauges?

 

[h_gerry]

I do I adjust the settings via the Smart Craft gauges?

Since I don't have one, I have no idea so I will need to leave that part up to someone else.