Sonar Transducer on R25SC

[capnlmk]

The sonar transducer for my 2016 R25SC is located under the holding tank under the seat at the rear of the cockpit. You can only see it by using one of those mirrors on an extendable wand. Looks to me like it is completely inaccessible from any direction -- without doing something drastic, like removing the holding tank. So, my question for you Ranger factory folks (who installed it there in the first place, bless your hearts...): What procedure do you recommend for getting to the sonar transducer for checking the fluid level or possible service?

 

[Brian B]

The good news is that if it is working the fluid is OK. Now if you can reach it to remove the transducer (about 1/2 turn CC) you could get a new cup and mount it in a more accessible location. On my 2010 25SC it is mounted on the starboard side near the stern. This is what is used in my boat. http://www.airmar.com/uploads/InstallGu ... 217-01.pdf
My transducer was initially epoxied to the hull (no cup), it came loose and I then installed the cup.

 

[capnlmk]

Thanks, Brian. That's useful information, but I'd still like to hear directly from Ranger on this matter.

 

[nzfisher]

I have concluded that the ways of the factory in many instances are both unknowable and inscrutable or they have a team of menaheunnes with very small hands and long arms.

If you have the xsv series it will support a MUCH better transducer(s) than the one supplied with boat.

 

[capnlmk]

Mine works OK, but not so great, it is particularly limited as a "fish-finder." I also get inconsistent performance -- sometimes it will detect bottom at 800+ feet and at other times can't find bottom even in much shallower water. It has never been a safety issue, just annoying, since I would like to see consistent performance from my electronics.

Anyway, I'm not asking the factory to fix it, just wanting to hear from them on how they would go about servicing the transducer in such an inaccessible location.

I do have the latest hot-shot Garmin setup, but I'm not inclined to jump into what would be involved in upgrading the transducer, since the factory-installed one pretty much works OK most of the time.

 

[Brian B]

Mine works OK, but not so great, it is particularly limited as a "fish-finder." I also get inconsistent performance -- sometimes it will detect bottom at 800+ feet and at other times can't find bottom even in much shallower water. It has never been a safety issue, just annoying, since I would like to see consistent performance from my electronics.

Anyway, I'm not asking the factory to fix it, just wanting to hear from them on how they would go about servicing the transducer in such an inaccessible location.

I do have the latest hot-shot Garmin setup, but I'm not inclined to jump into what would be involved in upgrading the transducer, since the factory-installed one pretty much works OK most of the time.

I always complained about the poor fish finding capability on my Garmin, I was contemplating a better transducer or a separate fish finder like a Furuno. On the Sonar home screen you can adjust settings. I had the gain on AUTO and it hardly showed a fish. I increased the gain to 70% and it shows a lot more fish.