Electronic through hulls

drynoc · #1 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008

I'm hauled for the winter, and my number one priority is to get the depth sounder and the knot meter working again. All the parts appear to be in place, but the PO cut the wiring to the through hulls right where the wiring enters the through hulls. The through hulls appear to be filled with a wax like substance designed to keep water out. Can I dig this stuff out to get at the connections? Is it wise to do so? Can it be replaced?

Rockter · #2 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008

dry...

What's the PO ?

How close are the wires to the devices? Are they cut flush with the devices?

bubb2 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008

The wax like substance you are referring to is epoxy. I would think if you tried to dig it out you would destroy the internal bits. One needs to ask why would the previous owner cut the wires. Could it be the instrument head is bad? If there is just a nubbin of a wire out the top of the transducer I would try to find a way to splice the cable back on and see if I can't get the instruments to fire up.

artbyjody · #4 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008

pictures...?>

drynoc · #5 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008

Yes, I'll take some pictures this weekend when I get down there.

The wires are cut off right at the through hulls. If there was anything to work with, I would have done so to make sure that the systems work. I'm trying to find out if there is a way to salvage the system, or am I going to have to buy a new one. Speaking of that, can I get a new transponder to go with the old gauges?

bubb2 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008

need more Information. What Kind of interments? can you solder on a pig tail to the nubbin?

drynoc · #7 (**permalink**) 12-03-2008

I don't believe there is enough nubbins there to solder to. The instruments are Datamarine, probably installed when the boat was built in 1980. I called them, since the instruments are no longer supported, and they offered to help with the wiring if I needed it, but the first question to answer is whether or not the through hulls are salvageable. I'll take pictures this weekend.

sailingdog · #8 (**permalink**) 12-03-2008

Drynoc-

Many of the transducers for many manufacturers are actually made by Airmar. It might be worth calling them to see if they have a transducer that will work with your instrument heads, if the heads are in good shape.

philsboat · #9 (**permalink**) 12-03-2008

Try this.Drill a small hole in the center of each wire where it is cut off ,1/4' deep.Insert a new wire into the drilled hole with some bare conductor showing above the epoxy.Heat the new wire with a soldering iron and let the solder run into the joint.Slide heat shrink over the new wire.Now you can test your instrument.

Phil

BarryL · #10 (**permalink**) 12-03-2008

Hello,

IMHO, your best bet is to just buy a cheap (or not) fishfinder for the depth instrument, and a cheap (or not) GPS for the speed.

The transducers you have are shot. There must be a reason the PO cut the wires. Instead of wasting your time trying to find that out, either install new transducers if you really want to use those old fashioned instruments.

The cheapest fish finders are about $100, and that will include a transducer than you can mount INSIDE the boat (assuming you have a solid fiberglass hull). You can get a cheap GPS for about the same. For $350 or so, you can get a 3.5" color chartplotter / fishfinder. That will give you WAY more information than a digital depth meter and knot / log.

Yes, I know the GPS provides SOG and the knot / log provides STW.

Barry