C30 Transducer issue

[aabbovet]

Hi all,

launched my 2016 C30 CB last weekend ( I have had the boat for 1 year with no sonar issues), and depth finder was not reading/ finding the bottom. I crawled over and under the bloody engine to access the sonar transducer to find the cup was empty, filled the cup and it started working again.... the thing is that the transducer was just sitting in the locking ring in the cup, not screwed down, no o ring, no screws holding the transducer to the locking ring....no nothing, the entire thing lifted right out of the base... Im sure this is can not be correct? I don't believe that the previous owner messed with it so it must never have been completely put together at the factory? has anyone else come upon this issue? I am correct that the transducer should lock into the base some how, and not just float there? BAsed on the airmar install guide it should install but if I twist the stupid thing it doesn't lock...any advice is appreciated. Transducer is a airmar 79

Andy

 

[Ralf H]

Hi there aabbovet,

You are right, the transducer should have an o-ring installed. Not sure what happened to the original, but I can assure you that there was one installed at the factory, as the issue you experienced would have manifested years ago had it not been. It doesn't take all that long for the fluid in the transducer to drop to a level that will cause issues with reading bottom. Once there is an o-ring installed, it will also help the lock ring to seat properly when you try to lock it back into place. One important thing to note: the lock ring does not lock against a full stop, and will continue past the intended stop if forced ("forced" is a strong word. It doesn't take much). The o-ring will help it seat properly so you can feel proper resistance when you get to the point that it is essentially locked in place. One other thing, remember to make sure the top of the transducer is flat in relation to the general water line when you reinstall, so that the transducer is pointed essentially "straight down".

I can't promise, as I first have to look, but I may still have a spare seal from a P79 around. If so, I will be happy to send it to you. If not, they are not hard to find. https://www.imarineusa.com/Airmar09-518-18.aspx

Hope this helps for now.

Cheers!

Ralf

 

[aabbovet]

thank you, should the transducer also be screwed into the lock ring? there are two screw holes but no screws which is weird. If you have an o ring around I would love it. Thanks

Andy