Anybody have a new Speedster 150?

[SAF001]

I have an '08 speedster and I just had the dealer install the optional depth finder but it doesn't work at speed. He called seadoo and they told him that is how it works and it works same way for all speedsters even the new ones.

Can anybody with a newer speedster that has the factory installed depth finder confirm that for me?

Thanks

 

[djredman99]

Here is a "how-to install" thread for a depth finder. If I recall correctly, it worked at speed on plain. It was detecting through the hull and the key was to have it located in an area of the boat that was in the water while on plain, otherwise it just detected the distance of the hull body to the surface of the water.

http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?t=1093&highlight=depth+finder

 

[SAF001]

Thanks but i am refering the seadoo depth finder that plugs into a gauge already built into the dash. Seadoo has a predetermined location and directions for where and how the dealer will install it. The only problem being that the location of thru hull tranducer doesnt get a reading while on plane. The hawkeye would have been a much better option knowing what i know now since it is 1/3 the price and works better. I just liked the idea of having it already built in to the boat.

 

[moosehead]

Can you post up a photo of the transducer mounting in the hull, both close up and further away?

It may be as simple as relocating or remounting depending on what method they used. Can you see what adhesive they used?

 

[jojose]

i have a 2007 150 sc

the depth finder works on my machine as it is motion. it was stock, i have no modifications other than hydro turf

 

[SAF001]

Can you post up a photo of the transducer mounting in the hull, both close up and further away?

It may be as simple as relocating or remounting depending on what method they used. Can you see what adhesive they used?

Yes tomorrow i will get a picture. Im pretty sure you are correct that if i moved it, i can find a location that will work. But they insisted that is the only place and the unit cannot "keep up with the boat at speed". Sounds like BS to me, other boats i have had with depth finders worked fine at speed.

The current location is on the passenger side in the space between the engine and battery. Probably just to far from the center and picking up turbulence while on plane.

 

[SAF001]

the depth finder works on my machine as it is motion. it was stock, i have no modifications other than hydro turf

Ok good to know. Do you know where the transducer is mounted?

 

[jojose]

i have a 2007 150 sc

i dont of the top of my head, just winterized my machine last week and is in storage.

i apoligize for that

 

[SAF001]

i dont of the top of my head, just winterized my machine last week and is in storage.

i apoligize for that

No sweat. Im sorry you had to winterize your boat already.

 

[moosehead]

The current location is on the passenger side in the space between the engine and battery. Probably just to far from the center and picking up turbulence while on plane.

That may be it, or possibly it is fore of where your boat planes out of the water at speed, or it could be poor mounting adhesive.

Should be able to troubleshoot a proper mount and location. Total BS that this won't operate at speed.

 

[SAF001]

Photos

here are some pictures. The first photo shows the transducer just to the left of the battery. The 2nd is a close up. And the third is to show how the unit comes apart pretty easily. The actual transducer clips in to the mounting "bracket" which is epoxied to the hull.

I think i can moved the tranducer around and find a location that works better and then move the "bracket" or buy another one if need be.

Any suggestions for a better location? The dealer told me they used to mount in the very back where the bilge pump is now, so i guess that is always a possibility.

 

[moosehead]

I think i can moved the tranducer around and find a location that works better and then move the "bracket" or buy another one if need be.

Any suggestions for a better location? The dealer told me they used to mount in the very back where the bilge pump is now, so i guess that is always a possibility.

^^Yes, definitely would try further aft towards center hull if you have room back there. Don't know your hull, but looks like it is too far fore and to the port side with some tilt where it is now.

Do you have water inside the mounting bracket? If not maybe try some first before futsing around with new locations.

See below Norcross transducer self help section for some more pointers, same principles apply to your unit.

http://www.hawkeyeelectronics.com/products/D10DX/support.htm#

 

[SAF001]

.

Do you have water inside the mounting bracket? If not maybe try some first before futsing around with new locations.

See below Norcross transducer self help section for some more pointers, same principles apply to your unit.

http://www.hawkeyeelectronics.com/products/D10DX/support.htm#

What do you mean water in the mounting bracket? Pour some water in there?

I will look over the link with mounting tips and try moving the unit back and towards the center.

 

[moosehead]

What do you mean water in the mounting bracket? Pour some water in there?

Yes, pour water into the bracket. Those tube mounts typically have water in them full time, intentionally. The goal is to get a clean read and no air bubbles between transducer and bottom of lake. If mount it is too far forward and you are getting air between the hull and surface of the lake, then you won't get readings at speed for the same reason.

That's why transducer: (1) shouldn't be mounted above turbulent water - air bubbles disrupt reading, and (2) recommend slow cure epoxy for most transducer mounts - to give it an air free seal.

I got lazy, just left my transducer in 2" of water in rear of hull this past season. Works like a champ. I'll pull it and do slow epoxy this off season.

 

[SAF001]

I dont think that is the issue because it works fine at slow speeds. If there was air in there it would not work at all, i think.
There is also a gel like pad on the bottom of the transducer that get compressed when it is snapped in place, so i think that keeps it from vibrating and makes sure there is no air gap.

While i was at the dock i moved the transducer around to see what other spots would work. The only possible area i found was behind the bilge pump. It would read in this spot but it is so tight and not flat there is no way i could epoxy the mount there. Every where else i was able to try must have been to thick because it wouldn't read at all. It is on relatively short cord so i could possibly lengthen that and reach some different spots.

I guess i really need somebody to tell me where seadoo mounts the depth finder on the '09,'10... speedsters. There are some spots that might work but would require some disassembly and i dont want to mess with that unless i know that spot will work.

One more thing about the epoxy. The transducer doesn't have to "read" through any of that because they only put it around the edges. If you look closely at the picture you can see the gray color of the hull on the inside mount.

 

[SAF001]

I don't know why but it works better

Well, I can't explain it but my depth finder is working better. I didn't change anything but I am now getting a reading at most speeds and if it loses signal its not for long. Perhaps it wasn't snapped in the mount completely when i got it and maybe when i put it back in the transducer got seated better. Maybe the unit is just moody and needed some time to think. Either way Im not gonna mess with it unless it gets worse.

I appreciate everybody's help.

Moosehead i did try your suggestion of filling the mount tube with water but the epoxy didnt create a water tight seal and the water leaked out. I was about to seal it better when I realized it started working, so maybe that had something to do with it.