Caution: Airmar P58 depth/speed/temperature transducer failures

[Cpt Pat]

I've replaced two Airmar P58 "tri-ducers", each after about 400 hours operation, because of the same failure mode. They are designed to auto-level by rocking on a horizontal pivot. The problem is: the continual pitching up and down in ocean swells causes the wire to flex at its entry into the case until it fails, admitting seawater into the case and wiring and destroying the unit. The manufacturer should have included a stress relief gland to increase the radius of bending at the entry point. I have fabricated one from epoxy putty on my (third) replacement unit.

See photos.

[arisatx]

Originally Posted by Cpt Pat

I've replaced two Airmar P58 "tri-ducers", each after about 400 hours operation, because of the same failure mode. They are designed to auto-level by rocking on a horizontal pivot. The problem is: the continual pitching up and down in ocean swells causes the wire to flex at its entry into the case until it fails, admitting seawater into the case and wiring and destroying the unit. The manufacturer should have included a stress relief gland to increase the radius of bending at the entry point. I have fabricated one from epoxy putty on my (third) replacement unit.

See photos.

Thanks for the heads up Cap. Have you let Airmar know about your failure? From what I can tell, they make quality products so would be interested in this feedback.

[Cpt Pat]

Originally Posted by arisatx

Thanks for the heads up Cap. Have you let Airmar know about your failure? From what I can tell, they make quality products so would be interested in this feedback.

I tried. I am unable to find an email address for Airmar Support, and their FAQ page points at a domain name that does not exist (http://faq.airmar.com/). I finally resorted to sending a report to their Sales address, which naturally, still works.