Erratic Depthfinder Readings

[Madman]

I searched the forum and didn’t see where this had been discussed. My depth finder has been throwing out erratic readings since new and it doesn’t matter if I’m underway or floating. I’ve tried resetting the Connext screen multiple times by cycling the batteries off and on. It seems better, but it’s still not very reliable. For example, I can be floating in 6’ of water and the display will start scrolling between 111 - 168 ft. A short time later it might start scrolling between 2.5 ft - 8 ft. Other times, it’s better. I can understand that happening when I’m recovering because the water can be murky at times, but this happens almost every time we’re out. I never had an issue on my ‘10 242, but is this considered normal with these boats?

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

I searched the forum and didn’t see where this had been discussed. My depth finder has been throwing out erratic readings since new and it doesn’t matter if I’m underway or floating. I’ve tried resetting the Connext screen multiple times by cycling the batteries off and on. It seems better, but it’s still not very reliable. For example, I can be floating in 6’ of water and the display will start scrolling between 111 - 168 ft. A short time later it might start scrolling between 2.5 ft - 8 ft. Other times, it’s better. I can understand that happening when I’m recovering because the water can be murky at times, but this happens almost every time we’re out. I never had an issue on my ‘10 242, but is this considered normal with these boats?

Have you tried checking the wiring at the transducer and where it plugs in for a loose connection?

 

[Madman]

Have you tried checking the wiring at the transducer and where it plugs in for a loose connection?

I have not, but will take a look. So are you saying this isn’t normal? Based on my experience with the whole steering debacle, I didn’t want to waste my time tracking down a problem that Yamaha claims is “normal”.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

I don’t think I’ve seen too many people complain about the OEM depth finder acting up like yours is. I could see it acting weird if it was one situation, like if you were just idling or when you were in reverse or just floating but it’s all of the above. My Humminbird has acted funny a couple of times with depth readings but it was very short in duration. Have a good look at the thru hull transducer on your boat from underneath and from above. I know I’ve seen that one thread where a member replaced the OEM transducer with an airmar one because they were having some sort of issue, so you may want to use the site search engine, find that thread and see what was going on there.

 

[steelhorse454]

I searched the forum and didn’t see where this had been discussed. My depth finder has been throwing out erratic readings since new and it doesn’t matter if I’m underway or floating. I’ve tried resetting the Connext screen multiple times by cycling the batteries off and on. It seems better, but it’s still not very reliable. For example, I can be floating in 6’ of water and the display will start scrolling between 111 - 168 ft. A short time later it might start scrolling between 2.5 ft - 8 ft. Other times, it’s better. I can understand that happening when I’m recovering because the water can be murky at times, but this happens almost every time we’re out. I never had an issue on my ‘10 242, but is this considered normal with these boats?

Mine does the same thing, and my connecxt screen was replaced under warranty and still does this...

 

[gthorson]

Mine acts similar sometimes. Usually it just shows "-" as of late. I haven't checked wiring yet. I didn't think it a Connext issue rather a wiring or bad transducer. From what I've read the transducers are not great.

 

[steelhorse454]

Mine acts similar sometimes. Usually it just shows "-" as of late. I haven't checked wiring yet. I didn't think it a Connext issue rather a wiring or bad transducer. From what I've read the transducers are not great.

Yea, I'm seeing this now, and they are not cheap. I've seen several that have replaced these multiple times.
Anyone know what the best brand out there is so I'm only doing this once ?

 

[Sidarousmg]

is it an "in-hull" transducer? if so, maybe it needs to be properly greased?

 

[steelhorse454]

Mine is "in-hull" flush with bottom of the boat at back corner. What are you applying grease to ?

 

[Sidarousmg]

the "in-hull" transducer, at least on my boat, is essentially sitting in a base that's attached to the bottom of the boat. inside that base is supposed to be completely filled with a "grease" or a liquid so that there are no air bubbles between the transducer and the water. I remember coming across a procedure for changing out that grease on one of the chaparral or scarab pages, i'll see if i can find it. in the meantime, this was provided by google:

Proper Fluid for a Garmin In-Hull Transducer's Base / Tank | Garmin Customer Support

Garmin Support Center is where you will find answers to frequently asked questions and resources to help with all of your Garmin products.

support.garmin.com

Google Search

 

[Sidarousmg]

Mine is "in-hull" flush with bottom of the boat at back corner. What are you applying grease to ?

i stand corrected, i don't know why I thought it was grease, but looks like it's anti-freeze or mineral oil that is used in the base. although, i could have sworn i've seen posts about using marine grease.

 

[Neutron]

i stand corrected, i don't know why I thought it was grease, but looks like it's anti-freeze or mineral oil that is used in the base. although, i could have sworn i've seen posts about using marine grease.

Thats is so that water doesn't enter and freeze. Because ice can damage the assembly. There is a dummy insert that comes with the boat

 

[Sidarousmg]

Thats is so that water doesn't enter and freeze. Because ice can damage the assembly. There is a dummy insert that comes with the boat

i'm sure that's true, but, at least according to garmin (that's who built the transducers on the Seadoos), the reason for mineral oil, antifreeze, or other fluid is to also provide "continuous, air-free acoustic path for the sonar signal to travel from the transducer, through the hull, and into the water". so I have to imagine if the transducer wasn't properly filled, or some of the antifreeze has evaporated or otherwise lost over time, one would get "erratic" readings?

 

[Neutron]

i'm sure that's true, but, at least according to garmin (that's who built the transducers on the Seadoos), the reason for mineral oil, antifreeze, or other fluid is to also provide "continuous, air-free acoustic path for the sonar signal to travel from the transducer, through the hull, and into the water". so I have to imagine if the transducer wasn't properly filled, or some of the antifreeze has evaporated or otherwise lost over time, one would get "erratic" readings?

Yamaha transducers go through the hull and are flush with the housing. It is a different design, no fluid added because it is self contained and it actually touches the water

 

[Neutron]

I searched the forum and didn’t see where this had been discussed. My depth finder has been throwing out erratic readings since new and it doesn’t matter if I’m underway or floating. I’ve tried resetting the Connext screen multiple times by cycling the batteries off and on. It seems better, but it’s still not very reliable. For example, I can be floating in 6’ of water and the display will start scrolling between 111 - 168 ft. A short time later it might start scrolling between 2.5 ft - 8 ft. Other times, it’s better. I can understand that happening when I’m recovering because the water can be murky at times, but this happens almost every time we’re out. I never had an issue on my ‘10 242, but is this considered normal with these boats?

Do you have another aftermarket transducer mounted close to the factory one? If so i have heard that two transducers can conflict with each other if they are on similar frequencies. Just a thought

 

[Madman]

I don’t think I’ve seen too many people complain about the OEM depth finder acting up like yours is. I could see it acting weird if it was one situation, like if you were just idling or when you were in reverse or just floating but it’s all of the above. My Humminbird has acted funny a couple of times with depth readings but it was very short in duration. Have a good look at the thru hull transducer on your boat from underneath and from above. I know I’ve seen that one thread where a member replaced the OEM transducer with an airmar one because they were having some sort of issue, so you may want to use the site search engine, find that thread and see what was going on there.

Thanks again for the input. We plan on going out Wednesday, so I’ll check the connections before then. This year has left me questioning a lot of what I know or thought I knew. Hopefully next season(?) will be better.

Do you have another aftermarket transducer mounted close to the factory one? If so i have heard that two transducers can conflict with each other if they are on similar frequencies. Just a thought

The boat is pretty much stock. The only thing I’ve added is a NOCO charger, but the depth finder was acting up even before then.

Based on everyone’s comments, you’ve confirmed that this isn’t normal operation. I reviewed the service manual last night and will start by verifying the proper software is selected and then check the PDM diagnostics screen for any faults. After that, I’ll pull the rear tray and physically check the connections at the transducer and work my way back to the PDM.