Depth Finder Replacement

[Alm0d0g]

A little new to fiddling with holes in the boat...hope this doesn't come off as too rookie of a question.

Just purchased a wooden sailboat that has an older fish finder but the old LCD screen is shot and while the unit appears to work properly, it is rather useless in its current state.

The only functionality I am interested in is depth (not finding fish): are the transducer cables fairly standard? Can I buy a depth finder and have any luck of simply plugging the old transducer cord into it? I am sure someone has had this dilemma before. I hate to think I have wait for a haul out or hire a diver just replace one working trnasducer with another.

[Ziggy]

If the old transducer is the same frequency as what the new depthfinder uses (probably 200 kHz), you might be able to keep it, but probably you will need a new connector. A new bronze transducer will add a bit more than $100. What brand was your old depth instrument?

[Charlie]

See this: New Depth Sounder With An Old Transducer Photo Gallery by Compass Marine at pbase.com

[beneteau-500]

Charlie what a great link you have provided I have 21 yr old pen lann Instruments of which i want to upgrade to the st60 but just wondering what is the Raymarine Rf base is that the connection from the existing transducer ?

[Alm0d0g]

Great resource. I have a little work cut out for me. Thx