I was really struggling with finding a solution to the depth sensor not working. We are moving marinas in a couple of weeks and the water depths in and around Galveston, Galveston Bay, and the ICW can be quite shallow. I’ve seen minnows run aground.
The super nautical traditionalist solution, which I was considering, was to use a string with a lead weight on it. I was going to tie a lead weight to a length of floating line and then paint 6 feet up from the bottom. Jodi would stand at the bow and drop it every second and make sure that the red didn’t float. As long as the red was submerged, we were good. Something told me she would not appreciate this solution.
Another option was to purchase a replacement transducer, temporarily connect it to the ST60, and simply “hang” it off the bow to get the depth data.
The third option was to purchase a new transducer for the ST60 and attempt to mount it inside the hull. An Airmar P79 probably would have worked, but I would have had to modify the tube because the deadrise at the bow of Emet is close to 35 degrees. The Airmar P19 is the typical replacement thru-hull transducer for the ST60 Tridata that reads the depth sounder, but I’m trying to avoid hauling out just to replace the transducer.
I was using Navionics today to look at the route into the marina and check the charted depths. I happened to see “Sounder not connected ℹ” I clicked on the “i” and it brought up a list of wireless connectivity options to see depth sounding data in the Navionics app. A standalone option was the Vexilar Sonarphone T-BOX SP200. At $150, I figured it was a reasonable price. The P19 is $87 and the P79 is $120. It eliminates the haul out and gives me the depth information right on my chart plotter. The vast majority of reviews were extremely favorable. I ordered one today. Fingers crossed that it arrives and works as anticipated.