Sonar Transducer - One Size Fits All ?

[Mattyb]

Hi all

Just bought a new boat and am stumped with one thing ( at the moment ) The yacht has a sonar but at the moment the display doesn't work as the switch is a bit corroded.

The issue I have is that I don't have a depth sounder and being in an Archipelago I really need one.

So the question is can I use the sonar transducer and use it with a depth sounder such as tac tic etc? As you can see on the below picture it is a lot more than a small through hull ( the massive hunk sitting out of the hull on the left) it is actually pretty big and pic doesnt do it justice. Its at least 30cm long and 12-15cm wide.

The through hull on the inside is pretty blank and doesn't give away any detail of what it could be brand wise etc. I imagine I would need to cut it and just wire it if it is possible. I have not had to much around with instruments as yet.

Any advice appreciated.

[Mattyb]

this is on the inside. Crappy iphone pic

[bstreep]

As I understand it, most transponders are made by one company, but are specific to the manufacturer.

[David M]

Unfortunately, most transducers are not compatible with most sounders.

There are so many nice sounders out there now with a number of features that it is probably worth buying a new one and changing out the old transducer for a compatible one.

[Cotemar]

Airmar Triducer DST800 is used on almost every boat built today.
Its the same unit made for all systems and they just change the cable end connector.


DST800 —Thru-Hull, Smart™ Sensor - Airmar Marine Transducers

[Mattyb]

Thanks guys. Was just hoping not to have to haul out again as I just did it, and being in a remote location makes it a bit of a mission. Will buy a new one and look into putting a new thru hull in, she is a ferro so should be fun!

[The Blue Heron]

Originally Posted by David M

Unfortunately, most transducers are not compatible with most sounders.

There are so many nice sounders out there now with a number of features that it is probably worth buying a new one and changing out the old transducer for a compatible one.

this!

I had an old Hummingbird and an old Strek. When I upgraded to the Garmin 740s the Hummingbird transducer didnt work. additionally, they are set for certain frequencies. a larger freq transducer can work on certain lower frequency systems but not vice versa.

[Mattyb]

Well it turns out that it is an interphase forward facing sonar. I took it apart and there was one loose chip on the board. Plugged it back in and she works a treat. Pretty impressed actually!