Raymarine ST 60+, using a Navman Transducer

JABS · 10 March 2009, 11:50

Does anyone know if I can use a Navman transducer with a Raymarine echo sounder?

The installation is such that this could be the only viable option!

Thanks.

Nasher · 10 March 2009, 13:09

JABS

It could be possible as Raymarine transducers are usually Airmar units wired at the plug to Raymarine spec.

If your Transducer is an Airmar unit it could be a case of swapping some wires around.

On the other hand I believe ST60+ should be able to work via an NMEA network, but it would take somebody with knowledge of both systems to figure out the specifics.

Nasher.

JABS · 10 March 2009, 13:26

Yes, the Ray is an Airmar unit. I can't see a manufacturer on the Navman transducer.

I have all the NMEA working, but it is proving impossible to find a location for the Ray transducer. The old Navman transducer is still there on the transom and is 'worth a try'.

I just need to figure out the wiring!

Should have planned the installation more carefully.

Nasher · 10 March 2009, 14:21

Ah OK

You may have to bite the bullet and sell off the two transducers to fund purchasing a Raymarine Transom mounted transducer.

I do have a Raymarine Transom mounted transducer hanging around in the garage, but was keeping it as a spare in case the In hull one I changed to last year goes South.

What Raymarine transducer were you trying to fit?

Nasher.

JABS · 10 March 2009, 16:06

The issue is the wiring and locating an in hull transducer.

The wiring is an absolute disaster and since it all works, I don't want to disturb it all. The transducer wiring passes through the a-frame.

I may be able to use the Navman, hidden in the console and wire the NMEA to the Ray unit.

Pete7 · 10 March 2009, 16:45

I also have a Raymarine through hull mounted transducer hanging around in the garage, but was keeping it as a spare in case the In hull one I changed to last year goes South.

You would need to drill a 50mm hole though.

Pete

Nasher · 10 March 2009, 16:55

If it's any encouragement I've been really pleased with the In hull transducer I fitted compared to the Transom mount one it replaced. If you can find a way I think it really would be worth it.
I was however lucky that my hull is single skinned(Albeit thickly) just in front of the transom where a bilge well is formed.

I often think that too much is made of not cutting and joining shielded cables, personally I don't see it as a problem as long as care is taken to re-shield the cable, and form a waterproof cover with Heatshrink thats also pre-glued. That would give you the option of fitting a Raymarine Transom Mount transducer.

Nasher.

JABS · 10 March 2009, 17:36

Agree that an in-hull mount would be perfect and that is what I intended.

The only place I can access the hull 'floor' is just slightly ahead of the console and I think gthat at all but trolling speeds, the output would be useless.

My fall back will probably to get a Ray transom transducer and splice the cables.

Nasher · 10 March 2009, 17:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by JABS

My fall back will probably to get a Ray transom transducer and splice the cables.

If you decide to go that route let me know.

The Transom mounted one I have at home is a P66 and the in hull one I now have fitted is a P79. I'm keeping hold of my P66 as a spare, but I'm presuming the in hull one you have is a P79

My P66 has been used, but retails at @£135 from Raydirect. The P79 you have is probably new and retails for @£84 from Raydirect.

If you decide to go transom mount let me know as we could do a straight swap, my P66 for your P79.
Hope that makes sense.

Nasher.

JABS · 10 March 2009, 17:57

Yes, it is a new one. P319 or P219, three wires with blade connectors.

Sound familiar?

Thanks.

Great offer. I will try the NMEA route first, since I have fuel on the Navman.

If that fails, it is the Ray transom mount!

Nasher · 10 March 2009, 18:10

Ah sorry, the one you have is a Through Hull, ie you drill a great big hole in the hull, where as my P79 is an In hull that shoots through the fibreglass and is just bonded in place.
Unfortunately yours wouldn't be much good to me.

I might still be persuaded to sell the P66 though

I looked at the through hull types and decided that I didn't want to risk damaging the transducer on the trailer or when the boat was allowed to dry out on a beach. It also goes against the grain drilling huge holes in the hull.

Nasher.