2013 R25SC Transducer replacement

[Eachtra 27]

Hi, we recently purchased a 2013 R25SC. The depth sounder was not operating at sea trial, the sell agreed to replace. The seller is now realizing how challenging the job will be. The transducer is fried. They are stating the will have to remove the black water holding tank, the exhaust and even the fridge in order to replace the transducer. I have a call with the seller tomorrow to discuss next steps(I assume he now doesn't want to pay for the extensive work required). I am asking for any information on replacing the transducer to assist me in the conversation with the seller. Thanks,

Sean

 

[S. Todd]

I am not sure why anyone thinks the project is that difficult. On our 2015 the transducer was accessible without removing anything. If the old one is really bad, rather than just needing antifreeze in the cup, you should be able to pull the cord for the new one through as you pull the old one out. The removal of the refrigerator is a relatively simple task on these boats (4 screws and slide). Access to plug the new one in is easy through the door behind the helm in the v-berth.

 

[Brian B]

I have a 2010 25SC so I’m not sure what differences there may be. On mine to get to the transducer remove the liner under the center rear seat, 4 screws hold it in. Once that is out the transducer is on the starboard side glued to the hull. There are two ways it could have been installed. The transducer itself is glued to the hull and may have come loose (my boat). There could be a cup glued to the hull and the transducer attaches to that cup that contains RV antifreeze. It is common for them to leak and there is no depth reading. When I have removed the fridge I remove the door first for more room to slide it out.
Definitely not a deal breaker.

 

[Kevin Lamont]

Hi, we recently purchased a 2013 R25SC. The depth sounder was not operating at sea trial, the sell agreed to replace. The seller is now realizing how challenging the job will be. The transducer is fried. They are stating the will have to remove the black water holding tank, the exhaust and even the fridge in order to replace the transducer. I have a call with the seller tomorrow to discuss next steps(I assume he now doesn't want to pay for the extensive work required). I am asking for any information on replacing the transducer to assist me in the conversation with the seller. Thanks,

Sean

Hey Sean,

As stated above the job is honestly not hard for any able person. With a simple wire fish, string, attached to one end and slowly pull out with enough length to then attach the new wire and pull back the other way. There maybe some spots where it will hang up but again simple access makes for a simple repair. Hope this helps.

Thanks,

 

[Eachtra 27]

Thanks for the responses. I’m not sure why they believe it is more difficult than you. I will ask additional questions when I speak with the seller.

 

[BB marine]

If the technician can not remove and replace the existing transducer. Install it in a different location. I worked on a R25 last summer that had the transducer located in the starboard side far aft storage locker. The location is easy to get to for inspection and filling the cup if needed. The cable run from this location may require the removal of the refrigerator to pull the cable. That is really not much of a job. A good service center should easily be able to do this install in a couple of hours and make money doing it.

 

[Eachtra 27]

Thanks Brian, appreciate the response.

 

[Eachtra 27]

If anyone is interested, the transducer on my tug is directly under the black water tank. I have no idea what they were thinking. It goes to show you no tug is the same. I am going to see if I can unscrew the transducer, pull it out, fill the cup, all while contorted, suffocating and in a bit of pain. Otherwise, relocating to the starboard storage locker seems the most reasonable option.

 

[DC3]

I purchased an 2012 R25 back in February shortly after that the depth finder stop working. After many hours on the phone with Garmin, Airmar and Ranger it was determined to be a bad transducer. On the 2012 models Ranger did not use the anti freeze cup but rather glued the transducer directly to the hull on the starboard side aft. It was nearly impossible to remove the old transducer. You need to prep area where new transducer will be located. I used a palm sander with 80 grit sand paper to remove the epoxy resin to get down to bare fiberglass. I followed Airmar’s directions and glued the cup to the hull and filled it with anti-freeze. To feed the cable to the chart plotter I used the old cable. I cut off the old transducer and securely attached it to the new transducer cable and pulled through from the front v-berth. I did remove the panel that back up to the navigation station to give a straight pull from back to front. I then feed the cable to the back of the Garmin. Note: To access the aft starboard hull I use the starboard storage compartment which allowed me to get the sander on the hull. To glue the cup to the hull I used 3M 5200. When placing the cup and transducer, I remove the rear seat hatch and basically hung upside down to reach the hull. To get the anti freeze in the cup I used a garden sprayer.

I hope this helps. If old transducer is under the black water tank, I think I would save time and put the new transducer on the starboard hull.
Dick Cline 2012 R25
Lake Lanier, GA

 

[Eachtra 27]

Thank you sir, appreciate you taking time to share your experience. I am hopeful I can install the new transducer in the starboard locker and the exiting wiring is compatible.

 

[Boont Boater]

My transducer, which I’m having trouble with, is a different style then what you all are talking about, I think. It goes through the hull. At the transducer there is a large plug attached, the theory being you can pull out the old one and plug the hole, for service. According to my paperwork it is an Airmar B744V or B744VL. It is in an awkward location next to and below my generator fuel tank aft starboard. It has a depth finder (which has failed), sonar (still seems to work), and a wheel (which I don’t really care about). My mechanic wants the boat out of the water to replace it and has mentioned that it can be a challenge to remove the old units cable and install the new since zip ties, etc. might complicate matters. This is a 2010 Ranger 29. Am I correct in my understanding that these depth finders that have mineral oil in them don’t require a hole through the hull?

 

[Boont Boater]

It sounds like the rest of you have in- hull transducers. Wondering if just the earliest R-29s were different. Definitely something you can snag on a trailer.

 

[Eachtra 27]

Correct, mine is an Airmar P79, it is glued to the inner hull and filled with antifreeze. Should be easy maintenance except the location.

 

[Eachtra 27]

Quick update. Tech arrived today to relocate transducer to starboard storage locker. Pulled the fridge to fish the new cable through and found a brand new transducer under the fridge, bone dry. Filled it with baby oil and bam, working like a charm. Thanks for all the feedback, definitely appreciated.