depthfinder cable

[dotnmarty]

Well, I went for a nice little cruise today and found my depth finder isn't working. Visual inspection showed that the cable was ripped (or cut) off where it enters the transducer. About 3 inches of cable is missing, from the TD up to the first 'wire holder' screwed into the transom. I have a combo unit, gps and depthfinder. It is a Lowrance, model LMS337C DF. I guess I have to replace the transducer and cable. Any suggestions for a good source for this part? Thanks.

 

[thataway]

If Lowrance cannot supply the transducer, consider the Airmar P 66. Airmar makes the majority of the transducers for depth sounders.

 

[dotnmarty]

Thanks Dr. Bob.

 

[SENSEI]

hey Marty
do you keep your boat in the water or on a trailer????
if in the water you may have been the victim of a Muskrat.
they will have a tendency to chew wires down in the water.

 

[Steve Grover]

Cabelas sells that part but so does Lowrance. 1-800-324-0045

 

[dotnmarty]

Roger- I'll bet you're right ! There is a big ole otter that hangs around there.
I am in a temporary sublet on Lake Washington. Well, as Steve says, Lowrance has the part for about $130. I will buy the part, but won't replace it until I bring the boat home on May 1. Thanks guys.

 

[Steve Grover]

Don't pull that old wire until you use it to pull the new one through. Save your self some hassel running the new wire. You knew that :wink:

 

[dotnmarty]

Thanks for the reminder Steve. I'm also going to put a shield over the wire. At $130 a pop I can't afford to feed these varmints.

 

[dotnmarty]

Well, as they say, every answer brings a whole new set of questions.


1. There are two Lowrance cables that fit my combo unit. One is a single frequency transponder, for about $60, and the other is a dual frequency, for about $130. Since I do most of my boating in less than 250 feet of water, and I don't do much fishing from my boat (I usually bum a ride with someone who knows how to fish), would the single frequency be adequate for a depth finder?

2. Since my underwater cable runs outside the transom where it has been eaten away by an animal, I'm considering running it thru apiece of PVC pipe. Any better ideas for shielding it? Thanks again.

 

[Doryman]

You might be more of a fisherman after a few years of going out with others -- $60 is not a big difference to invest in that possibility. Also, splitting your depthsounder display into 50 and 200 KHz (I think it is KHz) gives you two different, useful views of what's under your boat.

Warren

 

[thataway]

I rarely run 50 Khz--since I run most in less than 100 feet of water in Fl the 200 Khz is sufficient. But for only a few dollars more, plus I believe that you will run more power in the combon unit--it is worth having. With any protection you will have to pass the NMEA connector thru the tube--so that you may have to go with 3/4" ID tubing. I have found that squirrels will eat thru aluminum, and plastic, if they really want something...

You might also consider splitting copper tubing and slip it over the wire, and bend it all of the way down to cover the cable where it joins the transducer--but there is a slight risk of not allowing it to pop up.

Another possibility is to get SS braid or loom and thread it over the tubing.

 

[dotnmarty]

I'll present the alternatives you suggest to my son and we'll decide which one we'll use. As usual, you are most helpful. Thanks.

 

[chromer]

(I usually bum a ride with someone who knows how to fish), would the single frequency be adequate for a depth finder?

What's this Marty?