background image

 

3. If the degradation is sudden (not gradual), identify the boat 

speed at which the onset occurred. Return the boat to this 
speed, then gradually increase speed while making moderate 
turns in both directions.

4. If the performance improves while turning, the transducer’s 

position probably needs adjustment. It is probably in aerated 
water. Move the transducer farther down into the water in 
increments of 3mm (1/8"). If the performance does not improve 
satisfactorily, move the sensor closer to the centerline of the 
boat. Fill unused screw holes with marine sealant.

 

High-speed operation

 

 (above 40MPH) may require less 

projection in the water to improve performance and reduce the 
chance that water pressure will cause the bracket to release.

5.

 

Calibration

 

—To match the speed shown on the display to the 

actual speed of the boat, you may need to calibrate the 
instrument. Refer to your instrument owner’s manual.

 

Cable Routing

 

Route the sensor cable over the transom, through a drain hole, or 
through a new hole drilled in the transom 

 

above the waterline

 

.

 

Caution

 

: Never cut the cable or remove the connector; this will 

void the warranty.

 

Warning

 

: Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.

 

1. If a hole must be drilled through the transom, choose a location 

 

well above the waterline

 

 (see Figure 11). Check for 

obstructions such as trim tabs, pumps, or wiring inside the hull. 
Mark the location with a pencil. Drill a hole using the appropriate 
size bit to accommodate the connector.

2. Route the cable over or through the transom.
3. On the outside of the hull secure the cable against the transom 

using the cable clamps. Position a cable clamp 50mm (2") 
above the bracket and mark the mounting hole with a pencil.

4. Position the second cable clamp halfway between the first 

clamp and the cable hole. Mark this mounting hole.

 

5. If a hole has been drilled in the transom, open the appropriate slot in the 

cable cover. Position the cover over the cable where it enters the hull. 
Mark the two mounting holes.

6. At each of the marked locations, use a 3mm or 1/8" bit to drill a hole 

10mm (3/8") deep. To prevent drilling too deeply, wrap masking tape 
around the bit 10mm (3/8") from the point.

7. Apply marine sealant to the threads of the #6 x 1/2" self-tapping screws 

to prevent water from seeping into the transom. If you have drilled a hole 
through the transom, apply marine sealant to the space around the cable 
where it passes through the transom.

8. Position the two cable clamps and fasten them in place. If used, push 

the cable cover over the cable and screw it in place.

9. Route the cable to the instrument 

 

being careful

 

 not to tear the cable jacket 

when passing it through the bulkhead(s) and other parts of the boat. To 
reduce electrical interference, separate the sensor cable from other electrical 
wiring and the engine(s). Coil any excess cable and secure it in place with 
zip-ties to prevent damage.

10.Refer to your echosounder owner’s manual to connect the sensor to 

the instrument.

 

Antifouling Paint

 

Marine growth can accumulate rapidly on the sensor’s surface 
reducing performance within weeks. Surfaces exposed to salt 
water that do not interlock, 

 

must

 

 be coated with antifouling paint. 

Use 

 

water-based

 

 antifouling paint only. 

 

Never

 

 use ketone based 

paint, since ketones can attack many types of plastic possibly 
causing damage to the transducer. Apply paint every 6 months or 
at the beginning of each boating season.

 

AIRMAR

 

TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

35 Meadowbrook Drive, Milford, New Hampshire 03055-4613, USA 

 

                                                                                                 ■

 

 www.airmar.com 

 

Figure 13. Servicing the speed sensor

 

side view

 

shaft

short side
of blade

insert shaft

 

Sensor Replacement

 

The information needed to order a replacement sensor is printed 
on the cable tag.

 

 Do not

 

 remove this tag. When ordering, specify 

the part number, date, and frequency in kHz.

 

4

 

Copyright 2000. All rights reserved. 

 

BOW

 

through
hole B in

 

B

 

retaining
bar (2)

speed

sensor

housing

Checking for Leaks

Warning

: When the boat is placed in the water, 

immediately

 

check for leaks around the screws and any holes drilled in the hull. 
Never install a sensor and leave the boat in the water unchecked 
for several days.

Maintenance

,

 Repair,

 

& Parts

Clean the sensor with a soft cloth and mild household detergent. If 
fouling occurs, use a stiff brush or putty knife to remove the growth 

being careful

 to avoid scratching the bottom of the transducer. In 

severe cases, wet sand the sensor (and paddlewheel) with fine 
grade wet/dry paper.

Servicing the Speed Sensor

If the paddlewheel becomes fouled or inoperable, it can be cleaned. 
Remove the two screws from the speed sensor (see Figure 13). 
Slide it upward to remove it from the transducer housing. Grasp the 
two retaining bars and pull to access the shaft.

After cleaning, slide the paddlewheel onto the shaft. 

Orient the 

short side of the paddlewheel blade as shown on the side view.

 It 

must be oriented correctly to measure the boat’s speed. Fit the 
shaft into the holes marked “B” in the retaining bars. 

Note: There 

is a left retaining bar marked with an L and a right retaining bar 
marked with an R.

 Slide the assembly into the speed sensor 

housing. 

Note: The interior of the housing is marked with a 

corresponding L and R.

 Re-attach the speed sensor.

Parts

Replace broken or worn parts immediately. The water-lubricated 
paddlewheel bearings have a life of up to 5 years on low-speed 
boats [less than 10kn (11MPH)] and 2 years on high-speed 
vessels. Some depth/temperature units can be upgraded by 
adding a speed sensor. Purchase parts from you marine dealer or 
instrument manufacturer.

Part

Part Number

Paddlewheel Kit

33-473-01

Bracket and Wedge Kit

33-479-01

Speed Sensor Kit

33-346-03

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