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Depthfinder Problem

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Seaduced

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Location
Waretown NJ
I just took delivery of a 2275 GCW.


I ordered the boat with the Garmin 54dv which has the depthfinder function.


The boat has a Garmin GT20 transducer.


The problem is that the transducer loses contact with the bottom when I exceed 10MPH.


If I slow down to wake speed or stop altogether, then the unit gives me bottom readings again.


As soon as I spin her up over 10MPH, I lose all depth info.


I have had this issue with other boats I have owned and it was usually resolved by re-positioning the transducer.


The dealer tells me it is something I have to live with since it happens on all pontoon boats.


Appreciate it if my fellow owners can confirm that claim.
 
You will have to adjust the transducer height on the bracket. Try bumping it down a little.
 
I agree with you and I will try.


Unfortunately I don't have a trailer and the dealer does.


The dealer says it is a waste of time (his).
 
Seaduced said:
I agree with you and I will try.


Unfortunately I don't have a trailer and the dealer does.


The dealer says it is a waste of time (his).
Click to expand...

Why do you need trailer? Most of the brackets have some adjustment height. Loosen the screws slightly and move the bracket down. It's something you should be able to do with it in the water if you are close to a shoreline that you can wade into the water.
 
Water might be a tad bit chilly until June. Any rental trailers in your area? I was able to lean off the back of mine but it was a PIA. I finally just waited until it was on a trailer.
 
Its not real easy to reach the transducer by just reaching down.  I usually grab one of the neighborhood kids, hold him by the ankles and dip them in
 
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Mine does this often.  Several times a season.  Usually, its after running over a stick or a dead fish floating just below the surface.  When I hit something, the transducer rotates back a couple notches and instead of pointing down, it points back a bit.  It works at slow speeds, but at higher speeds it loses the bottom.  This has happened to me at least a dozen times.  I could tighten it up, but I like it a bit loose.  I figure it's better that it gives a little on impact and rotates back vs snapping off since it's plastic. 


Just reach down, grab it firmly, and give it a good yank.
 
If that doesn't work, like Andy said, it could be mounted a bit high and is getting "dirty" (turbulent) water when you are up to speed.  In that case, lower it a bit.
 
Also remember, the transducer "level" is different at floating, than moving due to bow rise. You might need to adjust angle down a tad to get constant reading at higher speed but may lose it at slow speed. It's a trial & error thing. 
 
Based on the responses, I would say that most owners would say that getting depth info at speed is doable?


The dealer is saying that the way the boat operates now is " as good as it gets ".


The reason I ask is that I just took delivery on the boat and I want the dealer to readjust the transducer until it operates to my satisfaction. Its a big job to the dealer...he has to drive 20 miles to my house and bring a trailer.


Thanks for your help.


Jim
 
I had a problem with my transducer on my first boat, a deck boat.  Had to play with it all the time.  When I took it in for a small service at a marina on the lake [different dealer] I happened to mention it and he said it was mounted too high.  He lowered it about two inches and never had a problem again. 


My Garmin works at all speeds under 30mph.  Maybe would at speeds above 30 but I wouldn't know as that is as fast as I can go :wacko:
 
Link said:
Maybe would at speeds above 30 but I wouldn't know as that is as fast as I can go :wacko:
Click to expand...

Well la di da ....... 30 mph ????? I wish !!!  :D
 
Mine keeps bottom at just about all speeds.  I noticed it did lose the bottom momentarily when I was just out this past Wednesday.  But that was at speeds above 45.  Once I slowed down and after a minute or two it reacquired and displayed as usual.  
 
goldnrod24 said:
Have you considered that old trick of putting a 9.9 cowl on a 150?
Click to expand...

I thought they might figure it out when I'm doing 40 up the lake. You stand out like a sore thumb. Kind of like the skiers on our lake last year that didn't realize there's a 20 hp limit (even though the sign is right at the launch). The game warden made sure they knew afterwards ....  I talked to them and I'm sure they didn't know cause after we told them about it, they idled back to the marina. I think the game warden left them off with a warning which was fair. 
 
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