*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: The fisherman not plagued by suggestions is fishing alone.
FYI TeamRuby. Raymarine,Furono,Lowrance and Garmin give you the ability to turn on or off your transducer right from the display for just that reason. I do it all the time. When you put your unit in demo mode also it automatically turns off the transducer also. I just read the installation manual for the DSM 300 and it states to turn off the transducer while operating the unit out of the water or damage can occur to the transducer. If it was a "wives tale" why would they make such a statement in the installation instructions?
Last edited by The Hat Island Pirate; 11-11-2009 at 02:05 PM.
According to info from Airmar that if you have a thru hull or transom mount transducer you should never run your unit with the transducer turned on when the boats is out of the water or you could cause damage to the transducer. They did not say anything about a shoot thru hull type though (I did not ask) as I would assume that its due to being already installed in liquid.
I would think that if the trasducer could be damaged by running it when out of the water, the manual would have several warnings in large type. Also, there would be a warning on the plotter or fish finder.
After all, they would be replacing them under warranty.
I would think that if the trasducer could be damaged by running it when out of the water, the manual would have several warnings in large type. Also, there would be a warning on the plotter or fish finder.
After all, they would be replacing them under warranty.
I didn't see it in the installation manuals for my Garmin 5208, GSD22, or P79 transducer. Of course that's the oil filled transducer. And I have a hard time getting my boat out of the water.
But I would expect a sticker next to the unit or there would be failed transducers right and left.
Pete, as I said in my origainal statement Airmar did not include the shoot thru hull models such as yours. Only the transom mount and thru hull mount and my Raymarine Manual backs that statement up in writing.
Speaking of Manuals, the only disappointment with Garmin is their installaion and operating manuals. If you get a chance go to Furuno or Raymarine and download their manuals and you will see what I mean. They are very detailed and informative.
A transducer, will NOT work out of the water, period. Forget it. Don't pay any attention to it or what it says when out of the water. Don't try it, don't talk about it. It won't work, it won't be stable, and it won't do you any good.
And lastly, you won't remember this thread after reading this!! [insert a bright FLASH of light here!]
Pete,
Here is my take on the situation. By no means an expert but have been fooling around with Garmin Marine Network since first introduced and have had lots of growing pains with the GSD21 & GSD22 and have had a thru hull replaced under warranty.
I suspect what is happening is that the main unit has not had a chance to “sync itself” after the update. You have flashed the firmware and rebooted the machine. The main unit probably needs to discover and pole all the sensors in marine network. The GSD22 may be reporting back data from the transducer that is out of the expected parameters for a base install or expected configuration so it just shows “-------“
I get the same thing on my network when tolling the edge of the ocean. The bottom profile goes from 65’ to 95’ on average to 1200 to 3000 in a matter of yards. This “freaks out” the sounder and it flashes “-------“ for a minute or so until it settles down and acquires the bottom again.
I suspect something similar is happening since the upgrade. Why did it “work” before, well it may have been fully booted and happy with original firmware. So when it encountered a sounding that was out of the normal parameters it still tried to display something. My suspicion is that it will display work. If your sounder has a temp function are you getting a reading?
You may be able to get a reading by placing a plastic garbage can full of water with a running garden hose in it, under the hull, against the transducer to “wet” it.
I too think you should get a reading on land. This is different from work on land. I am not saying it will “work” normally and all sounder functions will be available.
I think the reason that the manufactures recommend that the units not be used on land is that they will not work normally (unnecessary call to support) and the transducers may be water cooled. Extensive use may cause them to overheat.
Hope this helps
Andrew
I took my boat out on Monday with the new 5.4 update and was very pleased with the improved results. The clutter was significantly reduced and the bait and fish showed wonderfully. It may need more tuning but this was a big improvement over 5.3.
__________________ 2009 Everglades 230cc
Garmin 4208 Chart Plotter / Garmin GMI 10 Instrument Display / Garmin GMR HD 18 High-Definition Radar / Garmin GSD 22 Digital Remote Sonar/ 1KW Airmar Transducer / Standard Horizon GX5500 Bluetooth VHF / TACO Outrigger Mounts and 18' riggers / Custom Curtains
Pirate, can you give me the page where it says not to operate the transducer out of water? I looked through the online manual and could not find your reference in either the owner's manual or the installation manual. have to wonder why a Raymarine tech that worked with me for almost a year would make a comment contrary to your finding.
