www.iFourWinns.com

I just launched my boat Friday, and when I turned on my C 80, I no longer have depth readings. Does anyone know where the sensor comes into the boat, I'll check there first I guess for corrosion perhaps. Unless the boat gets hauled out I can't check the bottom. Any suggestions?

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Vista 318 2007

I forgot to add that my marina just did the bottom paint. I didn't even think to look, but what if they painted the sensor on the bottom? Would that effect readings?

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Vista 318 2007

My guess is this is what you are looking for, probably in the engine compartment, not far from the centre line, in a 2" through the hull hole. It has two wires, more for a water temperature function? Check for anti-fouling paint or damage during lifting. Perhaps the painters taped it off and forgot to remove the tape.

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John
2006 Four Winns Vista 278 (sold)

I have the same problem. Sometimes it works (for a while) and sometimes it doesn't...... While the boat was being overhauled at Ocean Marine in Portsmouth last year, we had their electronics guy take a look at it. He said that there's nothing wrong with the sensor, nor wiring, nor the module. He said the depth finder requires more power than what's actually being provided to it. He suggested running a direct feed to the sensor from one of the batteries.

We haven't done anything to rectify the problem yet. My father owned a marina for years in Deltaville Virginia. He's recommended a guy named Shawn with Marine Electronics in Hartfield. Getting in touch with this guy is on my short list. I'll let you know how we make out.

By the sound of it, I would look at it being taped over. Otherwise, do you have a dsm with sonar or just a depth transducer? If you have a dsm, you can go into the diagnostics and see if you have communications.

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Jnizi

2007 Vista 338 "Better Yet"
Previously:
2007 Vista 258 " Just Right"
2005 Horizon 230

I'm going to the boat Tuesday, so into the engine bay I go. I only have the transducer. I didn't see any tape prior to launch but to be honest I didn't really get right underneath either. Perhaps if it was taped it will come off after a couple of trips and me hitting 40 mph, or by just sitting in the water. Thanks everyone, I will let you know any outcome. If it doesn't work, at least I know my fav spots good!

Shaun

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Vista 318 2007

Thanks Jfair, for the pic!!

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Vista 318 2007

You think you know your favorite spots until you don't.... then it's at least 2 weekends of boating time lost while it's laid up for repairs.

I'd motor back the place that painted it and complain their job stopped your depth sounder from working. It should be trivial for them to lift the boat long enough to get a look at what they did to the sensor.

Do you see water temp values? And is this also a speed sensor? Or is it depth/temp? If it was a paddlewheel speed sensor that retracts then it's likely they taped it closed and have also possibly caused problems with that too.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Mentioned issue to my service dept. Hope to get an answer from them soon, will keep you informed. thanks everyone!

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Vista 318 2007

Took the dash apart and don't know how a cable came out, but the connection from the Nema/sea talk had came loose!! Thank Goodness could have been $$$$$$.

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Vista 318 2007