Can't figure out what this is

[StPeteRob]

It's sunk into the floor next to the head.

Boat is a 1978 Catalina 25 with a swing keel.


The wire is throwing me off, it looks like a transducer or data cable of some sort.

I don't think it's a bilge pump, and there was nothing to attach it to in the cockpit or electrical area.


Ideas?

[Jaxxiam]

It looks like a sounding transducer. Can you see where the cable goes?

[TurninTurtle]

Looks similar to a fish finder transducer.

Sonar for depth warning system maybe

[StPeteRob]

Cable went to the galley, just laying on the floor... nothing to connect it to, and there's nothing that seems to be missing... no empty holes, no power lines, etc.

[Mr B]

My depth sounder looks like that,

[Rustic Charm]

Is there two wires coming out of it or just the one?

A depth will require two wires at least.

Is it in the hull or into a cavity of some sort? In to the keel?

[StPeteRob]

It's just one wire with approximately 8 pins in the connector.

It appears to be in a rough cut cavity in the floor against the hull, in front of the keel.

[Rustic Charm]

Is it possible a second wire was in it somewhere and broken off? Can't think of anything electronic working with just one wire.

I doubt the '8' pin connector is relevant.

[StPeteRob]

It's possible, except that I can't see where it would have been located. I'm going to attempt to take ot apart tonight and get better pictures.

[TurninTurtle]

8 pin connector with multiple conductors (probably 4) inside the "wire"? (if you split the outer insulation)

Probably 4 pins of the connector actually have contacts inside them?

That would by typical fish finder transducer wire/connector and probably similar for simple depth finder sonar.

[capt-couillon]

As the fitting appears to be removable, and with the vertical pins for fore/aft alignment, I am guessing knot log wheel...

[Boatyarddog]

Older boats used knot-meters that used red topped markings on the transducer body to match the knot meter head.
This looks like one of those transducer.
If you have a knot meter, it may be the paddle wheel type transducer.
If the alignment of the two plastic pin is fore and aft, then it most certainly is a paddle wheel.
These type of transducers use tiny magnets to generate the signal to the head meter, no battery power on these.
Look around for a plug, that will have the same look as this, it's use is to allow you to remove the unit and clean it, while in the water.


Sent from SV Cloud Duster

[Scrimshaw4]

Unless your on the hard I would not recommend that you remove it as you might not be able to re-seat it. If on the hard what's showing on the outside of the hull?

[TrentePieds]

Since you are in warm Florida waters, go for a swim and see what - if anything - is on the OUTSIDE of the hull in that location.

Whatever you do, if you are afloat, do NOT pull this thing from the inside unless you are absolutely, 100% positive that you won't wind up with a hole in the boat :-)


TrentePieds

[Cheechako]

I wonder if it's a sender for a forward looking sonar? Should be fairly bulky unit on the outside.