Transducer location on Sundeck 240?

[JKuhlmann]

Depthfinder transducer location on Sundeck 240?

I bought a used 2005 SD240 from a friend this spring. All is well, absolutely love the boat, but my depth gauge is wonky. I am awful nervous with that expensive BIII in the water not knowing the depth. I mention that I bought it from a friend to emphasize I know it's stock and well taken care of.

It currently keeps flashing something like this: -0-

In case there are other types of gauges, my depth is reported digitally in a single gauge along with other boat statistics like outdrive angle, motor temps, GPH, etc. I am hoping that the transducer puck just became dislodged and I don't have to replace the whole gauge.

I am assuming it's shooting through the hull since I see no dangling appendages, but I cannot seem to locate it in the engine compartment. Is it located somewhere else?

While I have you, are there any tips to keeping the speedo functioning? I keep cleaning out the little hole in the outdrive, but it seems to go FUBAR again within a couple of hours. FWIW, I do not boat in a sandy or weedy area. I am tempted to yank the whole thing and put in an aftermarket GPS speedo unless you have any reliable tips/tricks.

Thanks all, my first post as a new SeaRay owner!

 

[dburne]

I bought a used 2005 SD240 from a friend this spring. All is well, absolutely love the boat, but my depth gauge is wonky. I am awful nervous with that expensive BIII in the water not knowing the depth. I mention that I bought it from a friend to emphasize I know it's stock and well taken care of.

It currently keeps flashing something like this: -0-

In case there are other types of gauges, my depth is reported digitally in a single gauge along with other boat statistics like outdrive angle, motor temps, GPH, etc. I am hoping that the transducer puck just became dislodged and I don't have to replace the whole gauge.

I am assuming it's shooting through the hull since I see no dangling appendages, but I cannot seem to locate it in the engine compartment. Is it located somewhere else?

While I have you, are there any tips to keeping the speedo functioning? I keep cleaning out the little hole in the outdrive, but it seems to go FUBAR again within a couple of hours. FWIW, I do not boat in a sandy or weedy area. I am tempted to yank the whole thing and put in an aftermarket GPS speedo unless you have any reliable tips/tricks.

Thanks all, my first post as a new SeaRay owner!

Just a fwiw, best thing I ever got was a GPS, our main lake we boat is a hazardous one with lots of shallow areas, if one does not know it real well it is a prop and outdrive eater. It does a great job for me showing the really shallow areas so I know where to stay away from, plus the speed seems to me to be more accurate than the analog speedo on my 190...

Mine ( Garmin 531S) came with a transducer also, but I did not hook that up, luckily my depth guage seems to work very well.

 

[Lazy Daze]

The transducer is located under the forward end of the engine. It's approx 3" in diameter. You might (should) see a "plug" attached to it. The plug is about the same diameter, but roughly 5" in length. The ducer is a thru-hull (sticks thru), but on the bottom of the boat you will only see a round, flat disc. FYI, check that disc for fouling. It needs to be clean. There might be a setting in Smartcraft - but Smartcraft isn't my thing so I'm not sure. Check the manual.

The only way the pitot will clog up is if there's debris in the water. It won't clog if nothing is there. No, there's really no way to prevent it. Happens to 'em all.

 

[blaster]

I use a drill bit to clean the pitot. The twist helps pull debris out rather than just poking them in the hole deeper. Usually mine only needs cleaning after hitting wood debris. If its weeds, sand, or other small or soft stuff, you can try backing hard reverse then power forward. That often clears it out.

The GPS speed is better anyway, plus you can get charts which will orient you such that you won't have to worry as much about depth. Depending on the quality of your maps you can get frequent and accurate soundings to keep you in the deep water.

 

[JKuhlmann]

The transducer is located under the forward end of the engine. It's approx 3" in diameter. You might (should) see a "plug" attached to it. The plug is about the same diameter, but roughly 5" in length. The ducer is a thru-hull (sticks thru), but on the bottom of the boat you will only see a round, flat disc. FYI, check that disc for fouling. It needs to be clean. There might be a setting in Smartcraft - but Smartcraft isn't my thing so I'm not sure. Check the manual.

Oh, geez, I've seen that -- it's right in plain sight. I thought it was a smaller, secondary bilge pump! Can it be removed to clean while the boat is in the water? The boat is slipped in a marina right now. I'll check the wiring and other obvious things first, however. Thank you!!

 

[kaz911]

Oh, geez, I've seen that -- it's right in plain sight. I thought it was a smaller, secondary bilge pump! Can it be removed to clean while the boat is in the water? The boat is slipped in a marina right now. I'll check the wiring and other obvious things first, however. Thank you!!

yes you should be able to pull it while in the water - but check you have the BLANKING PLUG to put in - else you get WET.... Blanking plug is usually tied to the transducer unless the PO removed it.

if you HAVE to replace it - then consider upgrading it to one in the P617v housing. Same size - but the housing has a valve so you do not get AS wet when you put the blanking plug in.

And for anti-fouling - please use special transducer compatible paint on the transducer... Else you end up blocking the signal...

 

[JKuhlmann]

yes you should be able to pull it while in the water - but check you have the BLANKING PLUG to put in - else you get WET.... Blanking plug is usually tied to the transducer unless the PO removed it.

I do remember seeing another circular object tied to the transducer (now that I know that's what it is). Does it just pull or twist out? And how much water is going to come in while I fumble about and try to get the plug in there?

Maybe I should just slide the trailer under it, it sounds like something I could do in a couple of minutes while still on the ramp?

 

[kaz911]

1. you take the blanking plug off the wire it is tied in with
2. you unscrew the top of the transducer (if you can) - that will pull the transducer slightly up inside the tube.
3. at that point you will get a little bit of water in
4. Take the blanking plug with one hand and wrestle the transducer out with the other
5. Put blanking plug in the hole and tighten

You can put some silicone grease on the o-rings on the blanking plug - and ditto on the transducer when you are ready to put it back in. But use some good silicone like the kind you use on GoPro waterproof seal or other under water camera's. Dont use anything that hardens...

But since it is first time - haul it on the trailer - takes 5 min. And then IF the PO painted over the transducer so it is very hard to pull out .... then you can maybe help loosen it from below as well. It takes the stress level down quite a bit.

I'm replacing my transducer next time I go on land with the P617v mounts. I had it on my sailboat and the valve solution is much better. Salt water in the engine room is not my favourite.....

 

[JKuhlmann]

1. you take the blanking plug off the wire it is tied in with
2. you unscrew the top of the transducer (if you can) - that will pull the transducer slightly up inside the tube.
3. at that point you will get a little bit of water in
4. Take the blanking plug with one hand and wrestle the transducer out with the other
5. Put blanking plug in the hole and tighten

THANK YOU!! Very, very helpful. Thanks for replying.