Transducer identification & compatibility

[inkaporka]

G'day all - I have a 2001 209 GW Escape of US origin that was fitted with a Furuno GP-1850DF sounder plotter, which I would like to upgrade to a GP-1971F. The question is, would the original transducer be compatible with the later model electronics? I can't see a model number or any other ID info on the transducer from below, it is a thru-hull unit with a speed measuring wheel on it, mounted in a fairing - I assume this is original equipment, factory fitted but would defer to those here with more knowledge than I. See attached pix for detail.
Any advice from the forum would be very much appreciated, the GP-1850DF is available for sale if anyone is interested (still has Chesapeake map card in it!)

 

[DennisG01]

Most transducer's are made by Airmar - you might be able to ID the transducer by looking on their website or, better yet, contact them directly. You could also call Furuno and ask them if they would know if it would work.

 

[inkaporka]

Thanks DennisG01, I have already sent the pix to Furuno but haven’t heard back yet, I’ll check the Aimar site as you suggest.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Look on the cable side for a tag.
Itsdefinitely an AIRMAR. Looks like my B744 but several models use that housing.
The frequencies of you old sonar will give you a clue as to which model.
If its old its probably not CHIRP. Its probably 50/200kHz "Traditional".
Many new CHIRP sonars will also have a "Traditional" 50/200kHz setting and let you run a new chirp transducer and an old transducer.

 

[DennisG01]

Thanks DennisG01, I have already sent the pix to Furuno but haven’t heard back yet, I’ll check the Aimar site as you suggest.

How long ago did you send it? It may take a couple days for email responses - not abnormal from companies - they probably get lot's of emails so it takes a while to respond to all of them. Best to call them directly (have an email/pic ready to send while you're talking).

 

[inkaporka]

How long ago did you send it? It may take a couple days for email responses - not abnormal from companies - they probably get lot's of emails so it takes a while to respond to all of them. Best to call them directly (have an email/pic ready to send while you're talking).

Had a reply from Airmar today, they seem to think its a B744V as suggested by SkunkBoat, thanks to all you guys for your input and advice. As suggested by various members, it seems that the functionality of my new GP-1971F will be somewhat reduced by this tranny, might look at changing it out at a later date to enable CHIRP etc.

Thanks again for the advice all.

Cheers

 

[SkunkBoat]

Unfortunately the GP-1971F only has one XDR input. Seems they are not offered bundled with a transom mount transducer at a discount.
You can get a CHIRP xducer that will fit the old hole, Thats gonna cost you.

 

[inkaporka]

Unfortunately the GP-1971F only has one XDR input. Seems they are not offered bundled with a transom mount transducer at a discount.
You can get a CHIRP xducer that will fit the old hole, Thats gonna cost you.

After one outing with the new Furuno 1971F I will definitely be changing up to a transducer that can maximise the capability of the sounder. I am in touch with Airmar to see which sounder will fit the existing mounting block in the hull - does anyone have experience doing this kind of changeover? Cheers.

 

[Doc Stressor]

After trying to remove a faired through-hull transducer years ago and making a mess, I just find a location for a new installation and leave the old one in place.

A 20 degree tilted element transducer will work fine with your hull and putting one in is much easier than a faired one.

 

[inkaporka]

After trying to remove a faired through-hull transducer years ago and making a mess, I just find a location for a new installation and leave the old one in place.

A 20 degree tilted element transducer will work fine with your hull and putting one in is much easier than a faired one.

Thanks for that Doc - just had a reply from Airmar and it sounds like there is no replacement for the B744 to directly swap out, so your solution looks best so far. Very much appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[SkunkBoat]

I think the B765s are CHIRP replacements for the B744.