Hidden Sonar Transducer

[capnlmk]

I’ve been having trouble with the depth sounder / sonar on my 2016 R25SC — off and on — for the past two seasons. Sometimes it works fine, sometimes it can’t find the bottom in my slip at 30 feet. I generally use the Ranger factory recommended settings, but I have also tried other combinations to see if they worked any better. Not much luck.

I have read the threads on this site discussing the same problem I have, such as checking the transducer fluid level, checking how well the transducer is attached to the hull, etc. Well, I’d be glad to do those things, but the sonar transducer on my R25SC is mounted in the stern UNDER the holding tank. I can’t see it and I certainly can’t reach it way down under the stern seat and holding tank.

So my question to Ranger Factory Customer service is this: When you built this model, how did you anticipate the sonar tranducer would be serviced? If I’m missing something and the transducer can be accessed without taking out everything installed in the stern of the boat, I would be most glad to hear how it is to be done. I would like to hear any suggestions you might have in any event, however, because it’s not just a frustrating inconvenience— a poorly functioning depth sounder can turn into a safety issue.

Thank you for your help.

 

[knotflying]

When I helped Gansett Ranger his was accessed via the rear seat. Take the cushion off and totally remove the lid and the tray insert. The transducer is way down on the starboard side. Long arms and working upside down is an asset.

 

[capnlmk]

Thanks.
I know where it is. I can see it using one of those “mirror on a stick” devices.
I just can’t see it and get to it when reaching down through the seat in the cockpit. I guess using your suggestion could provide a bit more of an opening for access, but seems like I’d still be working upside down and blind.
Anyway, I appreciate your input.
I’d really like to hear from the Ranger factory experts, though. They made it, so they must have some idea as to how a regular human being without gorilla arms and X-ray vision could service it. Yoo hoo, Ranger guys, anybody back from Anacortes yet?