In water transducer repair question/advice

[TheSDOtter]

I am in the process of upgrading from an Airmar DT800 transducer to a new DST810. I thought that the retrofit would be easy and straightforward, but learned hard way that the old valve assembly/flap valve needs to be removed so that the new DST810 will fit. Has anyone attempted to remove the valve assembly from an Airmar transducer WHILE in the water? I figure that removal of the valve assembly needs to be done with Red Bull Formula One precision....and any complications could be very serious. Am I being a nervous Nelly and this is easy or should I wait until the next haul out.

What do you guys think?

 

[Marty Gingras]

Haven't done that brand but have done others many times. As long as you've got the blanking plug, spare o-rings, and don't use too much muscle, all should be good and easy.

 

[See Level]

Those flap valves won't stop water from coming in only keep you from getting a gusher in the face.

I'd recommend do a haul and hold in the travel lift slings at minimum.

 

[Rain Man]

Get your diver to jam one of these in as you remove the old unit. Cheaper than a haul out. It can be tied to the toerail with a light string for easy retrieval later. Made by Forespar.

 

[andykane]

Or, pull a tarp over it. Should be able to position it with lines from on deck and it'll seal against the opening. I was surprised how effective it was when I had to replace a throughhull valve and couldn't get a haulout in time.

But get one of those foam stopper, just in case.

 

[DDW]

I've done this with an old fashioned light bulb. Stick the stem up the hole. Floatation keeps it in place.

 

[Bugsy]

I have changed the paddlewheel on my speedo while in the water. For about three terrifying seconds there is a fountain of water spurting into the boat.

It looks worse than it is. The amount of water is perhaps a quart or two.

 

[tane]

mounted (& changed 2 days later because it was defective from start) a non-removable transducer, including drilling hole in aluminium hull in the water.
Key:
stainless saladbowl with flange+silicone on outside
PET-bottle with rag on inside
3 people:
one in dingi with snorkel
one inside drilling/sealing
one inside standby
(& plenty adrenaline...)
water entered: ~100ml
boat at anchor Fanny Bay, AUS, NT

changing just the transducer housing will be way easier