12 Meter Express -Dart datamarine depth finder

[tcollins2]

Yesterday, my depthfinder started acting up and now just shows - - - across the display. if I use the other functions like the alarm the display works fine. I took it out of the dash and all the connections were fine, no loose wires. Going to the other end I started looking for where the transducer was. I don't recall exactly where it was on the hull but it was starboard side about 24 inches out from the keel. I'm assuming that these were factory installed since I understand they didn't core the hull in the area where there would be a thru hull fitting. I opened up various hatches and looked around but I can't find it. I'm getting nervous that it might be under the holding tank. It's too cold to go swimming to get a good measurement. Anyone have any experience locating and changing out the transducer or installing a new one?

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[Liberdade]

On my 11 Meter Express, the transducer is near the mid bilge pump. As you said, it is about 24" starboard of center (from my memory). I had mine changed out when I upgraded the original depth finder.

[tcollins2]

Contacted www.dmimarine.com. They are extremely helpful. The unit I have is multifunction depth, speed, water temp, log but depth is one transducer and speed and water temp is another transducer--two holes. I just have the depth functionality transducer. Either way I need to find and probably cut a hole in the floor to get access to the transducer. Most likely the transducer is bad so I'm in for a few hundred. Or I go for a few more hundred and get a chartplotter with a multifunction transducer. Not a fan of making another hole in the hull for the added functionality of the Dart unit. Reuse the hole and fairing block if I go new.

There was another scenario where the "brain" under the dash may not be working either. All can be repaired but, do I want to sink money in to a 25+ year old device? The current large display takes up some real estate on my dash just for a depth reading. Decisions...

[RWS]

best not to throw good $$$ after bad.

The only issue will be changing out the 'ducer

When is your next haulout scheduled?

Otherwise, can you a new chartplotter where you can have a transom mounted transducer that can later (when you do your next haulout) be changed over to a through hull?

RWS

[tcollins2]

With the heat wave we had, no problem diving under the boat to find the transducer. No wonder I couldn't find it, it's under neath the starboard motor. The second transducer for speed and temperature is under the port motor. It has a pin in it and at one time I guess you can pull the unit out to service it. I have never had one of these transducers with a paddle wheel. I'm beginning to think spending anytime salvaging this system is a waste of time. The boat had gas motors in it originally, so when they switched to detroit diesels, servicing these transducers wasn't an issue. Any 12M owners have a good location for a new transducer?

[El L Sea]

Ours sit in the center bilge near the A/C and generator thru hulls. On the 1988 12m Sedan, that section of hull is solid glass.

[tcollins2]

Thanks! You read my mind. (is that one of the locations that is not cored?)

[El L Sea]

Thanks! You read my mind. (is that one of the locations that is not cored?)

That is correct.

[Doc Holiday]

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Tcollins2,

My Datamarine unit was showing its age and I could barely make out the numbers. Didn't need the speed log input so I replaced it with a Sandpiper model that just shows depth. One thing I noticed was that the RCA type jack that plugs into the unit has to be tight. Otherwise it displays " ------ "

[tcollins2]

Thanks, I'll check that out too.

[tcollins2]

Confirmed 100% fiberglass in that location. Phew.

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[prowlersfish]

It must be the photo but that looks like a cored section . With the reflection its hard to tell

[tcollins2]

Nope, 100% fiberglass. Here’s a close up of the cut, about 1-3/8 thick.

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[prowlersfish]

Much better , looks good

[RWS]

What new equipment have you chosen to go with?

RWS