First Cruise

[Meanwhile]

I got the boat launched today for the first time this spring. I was delighted that the auto pilot and steering worked great. However, the sounder was giving me fits. It gave incorrect readings from the start, 2.2' in charted 45'. My M260 transducer in a tub has done that when the RV pink fluid was down due to a slow leak. When I refilled the tub with the antifreeze RV fluid the transducer has worked great. Today there was no satisfying the darn thing.

I'll have to check with Furuno (NavNet VX2) but it feels like another boat buck into an old system.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Looks like a great reason to get a 12" touch screen

 

[Halfhitch]

Looks like a great reason to get a 12" touch screen

Yep, you gotta keep Oregon's' economy going.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

I imagine there's got to be some sort of factory reset type of option on the sounder? I'd look that up online or give the manufacturer a call first before throwing money at it. I do agree though that it might be time to start considering a new option if resetting it doesn't work, or something relatively inexpensive. Good Luck!

 

[Meanwhile]

I'm going to pull the transducer tub and reseal it, pull the DFF1, both displays and take them all to Camas for a checkup. I'm lucky that I live close to Camas.

The displays both have an internal battery that needs replacing at some point. May as well get it down now. I'll let you know what happens. No funds after paying taxes for a new system, but I sure dream about one.

While I do this I'll take a look at replacing the inserts on my dash panel that have corroded broken off bolts. Just a bit of Tefgel would have prevented the corrosion. Word to the wise, put some on now if you can remove each small bolt at a time.

 

[Halfhitch]

While I do this I'll take a look at replacing the inserts on my dash panel that have corroded broken off bolts. Just a bit of Tefgel would have prevented the corrosion. Word to the wise, put some on now if you can remove each small bolt at a time.

Ya know, I've heard of that stuff for years and never tried it. I'll have to hunt some down and try it. I have had stainless threads get locked up from galling. A real headache at times.

 

[Meanwhile]

I'm removing the transducer so I can rebed it. Hanging my head in the forward bilge to get this tank out so I can reseal it. Damn, stuff is tough, even with bond breaker spray.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Hope I don't ever have to do that. I set it down with a bead of 5200FC and I glassed the inside.

 

[Meanwhile]

Hope I don't ever have to do that. I set it down with a bead of 4200 and I glassed the inside.

I'm going to sand off the gelcoat in the footprint of the tank. I don't know if it makes a difference but it will make me feel better.

The first bead is 4200, I think. I'm letting the band breaker spray work overtime tonight. I noted this tank did not use a cork barrier on the sides. It gives a very nice sounding when all is working. I've landed lots of albacore using this old VX2 system.

 

[SkunkBoat]

I sanded (60 grit aggressively)the gelcoat .there were bubbles. I coated with epoxy and tabbed the inside of the tank

Mine has cork. Mine is an R199

 

[Meanwhile]

I was just looking at that transducer if mine turns out to be the issue.

 

[SkunkBoat]

I was just looking at that transducer if mine turns out to be the issue.

see this thread https://www.greatgrady.com/threads/shoot-thru-tub-in-265express.31336/

 

[Meanwhile]

Skunkboat, thanks for the realistic story. I see that transducer is too large for my space.

I managed to remove the sealant around my tank but cannot budge the tank itself. I can see where the inside of the tank had some fairing put down and sanded. I cleaned up with acetone and then put a bunch of silicone around. I'll build a second story of silicone tomorrow to insure no leaks.

The photos are just prior to acetone.

 

[Fishtales]

Looks good so far. Good luck.

 

[Meanwhile]

I took out the tank, I was not happy with the silicone. I'm going to use more of an adhesive, probably 4200 or the like.

 

[Halfhitch]

Meanwhile????? You've got some 'splaining to do.

 

[Hookup1]

I upgraded transducers to GT51M-TH and got rid of my M260 and the wet box. The HDPE box does not glue well. Rough up the inside and outside of the box with a sander. Clean well and dry. Use 5200 which has better adhesive properties. Bring it up the side 1/2" or so inside and outside.